Independent Clause - Examples, Format, How to Use, Pdf - Free Printable

To solve this task, we need to understand the difference between an independent clause and a subordinate clause.

1. Independent Clause (IND): This is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. It has a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a sentence.
2. Subordinate Clause (SUB): This is a group of words that does *not* express a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence. It usually starts with a word like "because," "if," "when," "who," "which," etc.

Now, let's go through each sentence and identify the underlined part.

1. that they should be recycling
- This part of the sentence doesn't make sense on its own. It starts with "that" and is part of a larger thought.
- Answer: SUB

2. our school doesn't need to be contributing to the problem.
- This part expresses a complete thought. It has a subject ("our school") and a verb ("doesn't need"). It can stand alone as a sentence: "Our school doesn't need to be contributing to the problem."
- Answer: IND

3. If our teachers recycled in their classrooms
- This part starts with "If" and is a condition. It doesn't make sense on its own. We need more information to complete the thought.
- Answer: SUB

4. who may never see an example of recycling at home
- This part starts with "who" and describes "students." It doesn't express a complete thought on its own.
- Answer: SUB

5. they can show their family how to do it.
- This part expresses a complete thought. It has a subject ("they") and a verb ("can show"). It can stand alone as a sentence: "They can show their family how to do it."
- Answer: IND

6. If every student taught their family to recycle
- This part starts with "If" and is a condition. It doesn't make sense on its own.
- Answer: SUB

7. more neighbors will join in and start recycling.
- This part expresses a complete thought. It has a subject ("more neighbors") and a verb ("will join"). It can stand alone as a sentence: "More neighbors will join in and start recycling."
- Answer: IND

8. many other items can be recycled.
- This part expresses a complete thought. It has a subject ("many other items") and a verb ("can be recycled"). It can stand alone as a sentence: "Many other items can be recycled."
- Answer: IND

9. Some communities recycle glass and plastic
- This part expresses a complete thought. It has a subject ("Some communities") and a verb ("recycle"). It can stand alone as a sentence: "Some communities recycle glass and plastic."
- Answer: IND

10. Make sure you rinse out containers
- This part expresses a complete thought. It is an imperative sentence where the subject "you" is understood. It can stand alone as a sentence: "Make sure you rinse out containers."
- Answer: IND

11. if they have special bins for each kind of waste.
- This part starts with "if" and is a condition. It doesn't make sense on its own.
- Answer: SUB

12. Before you know it
- This part starts with "Before" and is a time-related clause. It doesn't express a complete thought on its own.
- Answer: SUB

Final Answer:
1. SUB
2. IND
3. SUB
4. SUB
5. IND
6. SUB
7. IND
8. IND
9. IND
10. IND
11. SUB
12. SUB