Let’s go through each sentence one by one. Remember: the
main clause is the part of the sentence that can stand alone as a complete thought — it has a subject and a verb and makes sense by itself. The other part (the dependent clause) usually starts with words like *although, because, until, as, before,* etc., and cannot stand alone.
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1.
Although he didn’t like ice cream, Peter took his children for ice cream every Saturday.
→ “Although he didn’t like ice cream” = dependent clause (starts with “although”)
→ “Peter took his children for ice cream every Saturday” = main clause (can stand alone)
✔ Underline:
Peter took his children for ice cream every Saturday
2.
Mandy didn’t want to eat the vegetables because she thought they were disgusting.
→ “because she thought they were disgusting” = dependent clause (starts with “because”)
→ “Mandy didn’t want to eat the vegetables” = main clause
✔ Underline:
Mandy didn’t want to eat the vegetables
3.
He had to pay his father $300 a week until his debt was paid off.
→ “until his debt was paid off” = dependent clause (starts with “until”)
→ “He had to pay his father $300 a week” = main clause
✔ Underline:
He had to pay his father $300 a week
4.
As Friday came around, his mood improved.
→ “As Friday came around” = dependent clause (starts with “as”)
→ “his mood improved” = main clause
✔ Underline:
his mood improved
5.
Before the school day started, children made their way to the office to sign in.
→ “Before the school day started” = dependent clause (starts with “before”)
→ “children made their way to the office to sign in” = main clause
✔ Underline:
children made their way to the office to sign in
6.
Her mind began to wonder as Jane stared off into space.
→ “as Jane stared off into space” = dependent clause (starts with “as”)
→ “Her mind began to wonder” = main clause
✔ Underline:
Her mind began to wonder
7.
Jack stayed home because he was scared.
→ “because he was scared” = dependent clause (starts with “because”)
→ “Jack stayed home” = main clause
✔ Underline:
Jack stayed home
8.
Mary closed her eyes as darkness engulfed her.
→ “as darkness engulfed her” = dependent clause (starts with “as”)
→ “Mary closed her eyes” = main clause
✔ Underline:
Mary closed her eyes
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Final Answer:
1. Peter took his children for ice cream every Saturday
2. Mandy didn’t want to eat the vegetables
3. He had to pay his father $300 a week
4. his mood improved
5. children made their way to the office to sign in
6. Her mind began to wonder
7. Jack stayed home
8. Mary closed her eyes
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of identifying clauses worksheet.
