5th grade M1 L3 Independent and Dependent Clauses worksheet | Live ... - Free Printable

Let's solve this worksheet step by step.

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Part 1: Independent and Dependent Clauses

Instructions: Write I if the underlined group of words is an independent clause. Write D if it is a dependent clause.

An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence (has a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought).
A dependent clause cannot stand alone; it begins with a subordinating conjunction (like *when*, *after*, *although*, *because*, *if*, *while*, *since*, etc.) and depends on an independent clause to make sense.

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1. We visited the seashore when we went to California.
→ "We visited the seashore" is a complete thought — subject ("we") + verb ("visited") + object ("the seashore").
✔ I

2. After we walked on the beach, we swam in the ocean.
→ "After we walked on the beach" starts with "after" — a subordinating conjunction. It cannot stand alone.
✔ D

3. Although the sun was warm, I shivered with cold.
→ "I shivered with cold" has a subject ("I") and verb ("shivered") and expresses a complete idea.
✔ I

4. The water seemed even colder because our skin was hot.
→ "Because our skin was hot" starts with "because" — a subordinating conjunction. It’s not a complete sentence on its own.
✔ D

5. If you look far out, you can see dolphins swimming.
→ "If you look far out" starts with "if", which makes it dependent.
✔ D

6. They leap out of the water as if they are playing.
→ There is no underlined part here. But based on context, the whole sentence is independent. However, since no part is underlined, we assume the instruction applies only to underlined parts. So no answer needed unless specified. But let's check: actually, the sentence has no underlining. So skip or leave blank? Since the instruction says “underlined group”, and none is underlined, we don't write anything for this one. But looking at the image, perhaps it's a typo or missing underline. Let’s proceed assuming the underlined part is missing. But in standard versions, often “as if they are playing” might be underlined. If so:

- "as if they are playing" — dependent clause (starts with subordinating phrase).
✔ D

But since it's not underlined in your text, we’ll skip this one unless instructed otherwise.

7. While I was resting on the sand, I spied something.
→ "I spied something" is a complete thought. Subject + verb + object.
✔ I

8. When I looked through binoculars, I saw seals.
→ "When I looked through binoculars" starts with "when" — dependent clause.
✔ D

9. As I watched, some of them slid into the water.
→ "Some of them slid into the water" is a complete thought.
✔ I

10. Since I saw them, I have read more about seals.
→ "Since I saw them" starts with "since" — subordinating conjunction. Cannot stand alone.
✔ D

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✔ Answers for Part 1:
1. I
2. D
3. I
4. D
5. D
6. *(No underlined part – possibly error)*
7. I
8. D
9. I
10. D

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Part 2: Complete each sentence by adding a clause from the box

Box of clauses:
- It is the exception to the rule
- while a seal has none
- it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds
- because walruses are usually much bigger
- you will remember it

Now match each sentence with the most logical clause.

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1. You can tell a walrus and a seal apart __________.
→ Best fit: while a seal has none (referring to tusks)
✔ while a seal has none

2. In addition, a walrus has two large ivory tusks __________.
→ This contrasts with seals. So: while a seal has none
✔ while a seal has none

3. Because an elephant seal can grow very large, __________.
→ Logical result: it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds
✔ it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds

4. If you run into an elephant seal, __________.
→ Warning or consequence: you will remember it
✔ you will remember it

5. When a male elephant seal is fully grown, __________.
→ Size comparison: it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds
✔ it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds

Wait — but we already used that twice?

Let’s double-check.

Actually, the box has five options, and we need five sentences.

But notice: "It is the exception to the rule" and "because walruses are usually much bigger" haven’t been used yet.

Let’s re-evaluate:

Sentence 5: *When a male elephant seal is fully grown,* ________.
→ Possible: it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds — yes, still valid.

But maybe another clue?

Alternatively, perhaps the correct use of "It is the exception to the rule" is for sentence 1 or 2?

Wait — let’s look again.

Maybe we misread.

Let’s try matching carefully.

Reconsider:

1. You can tell a walrus and a seal apart __________.
→ The key difference is tusks. So: while a seal has none (implied: walrus has tusks, seal doesn’t)
✔ while a seal has none

2. In addition, a walrus has two large ivory tusks __________.
→ Again, contrast: while a seal has none — same as above. But can we use it twice? Probably not — clauses should be used once.

So maybe "because walruses are usually much bigger"? That doesn’t fit — tusk size isn’t about size.

Wait — perhaps the intended pairing is different.

Let’s consider:

The best fit for sentence 2: "a walrus has two large ivory tusks" — then what? Maybe: while a seal has none — that works.

But if we can only use each once, then maybe:

Is there a better fit for sentence 1?

“You can tell a walrus and a seal apart” — how? By tusks. So: while a seal has none — yes, implies walrus has them.

So both 1 and 2 could use the same clause? But likely not.

Wait — perhaps sentence 1 is meant to be completed with: because walruses are usually much bigger — but that’s not accurate — size isn’t the main distinguishing feature.

Or: It is the exception to the rule — doesn’t fit.

Another possibility: perhaps the structure is:

1. You can tell a walrus and a seal apart because walruses are usually much bigger — but that’s misleading — many seals are big too.

Better: by their tusks — but not in the box.

Wait — the clause "while a seal has none" is clearly meant to go with "a walrus has two large ivory tusks".

So:

2. In addition, a walrus has two large ivory tusks while a seal has none — ✔ perfect.

Then 1: You can tell a walrus and a seal apart __________.

Now, what? Maybe: because walruses are usually much bigger — but that’s not reliable.

Or: you will remember it — nonsense.

Or: it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds — too specific.

Wait — perhaps "It is the exception to the rule" is for a different sentence.

Let’s try sentence 5:

5. When a male elephant seal is fully grown, __________.

→ "it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds" — fits perfectly.

3. Because an elephant seal can grow very large, __________ — also fits: it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds

But now we’re using the same clause twice.

That’s not allowed.

So maybe only one of them uses that.

Let’s re-express:

- Sentence 3: Because an elephant seal can grow very large, it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds — yes, logical.

- Sentence 5: When a male elephant seal is fully grown, it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds — also fine.

But we can’t use the same clause twice.

So perhaps the clues are:

- “it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds” — goes with either 3 or 5

- “you will remember it” — fits with 4: If you run into an elephant seal, you will remember it — good

- “because walruses are usually much bigger” — could go with 1? “You can tell a walrus and a seal apart because walruses are usually much bigger” — possible, though not always true.

- “It is the exception to the rule” — maybe for 2?

Wait — perhaps the correct pairings are:

1. You can tell a walrus and a seal apart while a seal has none — but this is grammatically awkward.

We need a clause that completes the sentence.

So:

1. You can tell a walrus and a seal apart __________.
→ Needs a reason or method.
Best: because walruses are usually much bigger — acceptable.

2. In addition, a walrus has two large ivory tusks __________.
→ while a seal has none — perfect.

3. Because an elephant seal can grow very large, __________.
→ it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds — perfect.

4. If you run into an elephant seal, __________.
→ you will remember it — good.

5. When a male elephant seal is fully grown, __________.
→ it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds — again, but already used.

Conflict.

Wait — perhaps “It is the exception to the rule” is for sentence 5?

But that doesn’t make sense.

Alternatively, maybe sentence 5 is: “When a male elephant seal is fully grown, it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds” — fine.

But then sentence 3: “Because an elephant seal can grow very large,” — then “it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds” — also fine.

But duplicate.

Unless the box allows reuse? Unlikely.

Wait — let’s look at the box again:

> It is the exception to the rule
> while a seal has none
> it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds
> because walruses are usually much bigger
> you will remember it

Five clauses, five blanks.

So must use each once.

So we must find a way to assign uniquely.

Let’s try:

1. You can tell a walrus and a seal apart because walruses are usually much bigger — okay, though not definitive.

2. In addition, a walrus has two large ivory tusks while a seal has none — excellent.

3. Because an elephant seal can grow very large, it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds — good.

4. If you run into an elephant seal, you will remember it — good.

5. When a male elephant seal is fully grown, It is the exception to the rule — doesn’t make sense.

No.

Alternative: perhaps “It is the exception to the rule” is for sentence 1?

“You can tell a walrus and a seal apart It is the exception to the rule” — nonsense.

Not possible.

Wait — perhaps “It is the exception to the rule” refers to the fact that elephant seals are huge, but that’s not clear.

Another idea: maybe “It is the exception to the rule” is for sentence 2?

“In addition, a walrus has two large ivory tusks It is the exception to the rule” — doesn’t work.

Wait — perhaps the clause “because walruses are usually much bigger” is meant for sentence 1.

And “while a seal has none” for sentence 2.

Then “it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds” for sentence 3 or 5.

But sentence 5: “When a male elephant seal is fully grown, it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds” — good.

Then sentence 3: “Because an elephant seal can grow very large, it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds” — also good.

But we need to pick one.

Wait — maybe “it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds” is for sentence 5.

Then sentence 3: “Because an elephant seal can grow very large,” — what? Then “because walruses are usually much bigger” — doesn’t connect.

No.

Perhaps “because walruses are usually much bigger” is for sentence 1: “You can tell a walrus and a seal apart because walruses are usually much bigger” — acceptable.

Then “while a seal has none” for sentence 2: “a walrus has two large ivory tusks while a seal has none” — perfect.

Then “it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds” for sentence 5: “When a male elephant seal is fully grown, it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds” — good.

Then “you will remember it” for sentence 4: “If you run into an elephant seal, you will remember it” — good.

Then only one left: “It is the exception to the rule” — for sentence 3.

3. Because an elephant seal can grow very large, It is the exception to the rule — doesn’t make sense.

Wait — perhaps the intended meaning is that the elephant seal is the exception to the rule (that seals are small), but the clause is phrased as “It is the exception to the rule” — so maybe:

“Because an elephant seal can grow very large, it is the exception to the rule” — that could work if the rule is that seals are small.

Yes! That’s plausible.

So:

3. Because an elephant seal can grow very large, it is the exception to the rule — means: it breaks the rule that seals are small.

Then:

5. When a male elephant seal is fully grown, it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds — good.

So final assignments:

1. You can tell a walrus and a seal apart because walruses are usually much bigger
2. In addition, a walrus has two large ivory tusks while a seal has none
3. Because an elephant seal can grow very large, it is the exception to the rule
4. If you run into an elephant seal, you will remember it
5. When a male elephant seal is fully grown, it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds

All unique, all make sense.

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✔ Final Answers:

#### Part 1: Independent and Dependent Clauses

1. I
2. D
3. I
4. D
5. D
6. *(No underlined part – skip or mark as N/A)*
7. I
8. D
9. I
10. D

*(Note: Sentence 6 may have a missing underline. If "as if they are playing" is underlined, then D.)*

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#### Part 2: Complete the sentences

1. You can tell a walrus and a seal apart because walruses are usually much bigger.
2. In addition, a walrus has two large ivory tusks while a seal has none.
3. Because an elephant seal can grow very large, it is the exception to the rule.
4. If you run into an elephant seal, you will remember it.
5. When a male elephant seal is fully grown, it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds.

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✔ These answers are logically consistent and use each clause exactly once.