Practice worksheet for identifying dependent and independent clauses and subordinate conjunctions.

Here’s the solution to the practice exercise, with each clause identified as Independent Clause (IC) or Dependent Clause (DC), and any subordinate conjunctions circled as requested.

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✔ 1. ______ Arrive on time for the start of the movie

→ (IC)
This is an independent clause because it expresses a complete thought — it’s a command (imperative sentence) that can stand alone. It doesn’t need another clause to make sense.

> 📝 *No subordinate conjunction to circle.*

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✔ 2. ______ As soon as school is over this coming Friday

→ (DC)
This is a dependent clause because it begins with the subordinate conjunction “As soon as” (which we circle), and it does not express a complete thought by itself. It needs an independent clause to complete the meaning (e.g., “...we will go to the movies”).

> 🔴 Circle: “As soon as”

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✔ 3. ______ Stir the food in the pan on the kitchen stove

→ (IC)
This is an independent clause — it’s a complete imperative sentence. It gives a clear instruction and stands alone.

> 📝 *No subordinate conjunction to circle.*

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✔ 4. ______ Whichever student confesses to the writing on the wall

→ (DC)
This is a dependent clause. The word “Whichever” acts as a subordinating conjunction here (introducing a noun clause that functions as subject or object). It cannot stand alone — it needs a main verb or clause to complete the thought (e.g., “...will be excused”).

> 🔴 Circle: “Whichever”

*(Note: “Whichever” is a relative pronoun/subordinating conjunction introducing a dependent clause.)*

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✔ 5. ______ Your cellphone was left on the bus yesterday

→ (IC)
This is an independent clause — it has a subject (“Your cellphone”) and a predicate (“was left on the bus yesterday”), and it expresses a complete thought.

> 📝 *No subordinate conjunction to circle.*

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✔ 6. ______ Unless our basketball team loses to the visiting team

→ (DC)
This is a dependent clause beginning with the subordinate conjunction “Unless” (which we circle). It sets up a condition but doesn’t make sense alone — it needs an independent clause (e.g., “...we will celebrate tonight”).

> 🔴 Circle: “Unless”

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## ✍️ Final Answer Key:

1. (IC) Arrive on time for the start of the movie
2. (DC) As soon as school is over this coming Friday → Circle: “As soon as”
3. (IC) Stir the food in the pan on the kitchen stove
4. (DC) Whichever student confesses to the writing on the wall → Circle: “Whichever”
5. (IC) Your cellphone was left on the bus yesterday
6. (DC) Unless our basketball team loses to the visiting team → Circle: “Unless”

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## 💡 Quick Reminder:
- Independent Clause (IC) = Can stand alone as a complete sentence.
- Dependent Clause (DC) = Cannot stand alone; usually begins with a subordinate conjunction (like *because, although, unless, as soon as, whichever*, etc.) or a relative pronoun (*who, which, that*).
- Always circle the subordinate conjunction that starts the dependent clause.

Let me know if you’d like to practice combining these into full sentences!