Let’s go sentence by sentence and find the part that can stand alone as a complete thought — that’s the independent clause.
1. “Before we run out of crisps, go and get another packet from the shop.”
→ The first part (“Before we run out of crisps”) depends on something else — it’s not complete by itself.
→ The second part (“go and get another packet from the shop”) is a command that makes sense on its own.
✔ Independent clause:
go and get another packet from the shop
2. “Whenever you feel afraid, I’ll be there.”
→ “Whenever you feel afraid” needs more info — it’s not complete.
→ “I’ll be there” is a full thought — subject + verb + meaning.
✔ Independent clause:
I’ll be there
3. “After you eat that, please wash your hands.”
→ “After you eat that” is dependent — it tells when, but not what happens.
→ “please wash your hands” is a clear instruction — works alone.
✔ Independent clause:
please wash your hands
4. “On Friday night, let’s have a sleepover!”
→ “On Friday night” just tells time — not a full idea.
→ “let’s have a sleepover!” is a complete suggestion — subject (we) implied + verb + object.
✔ Independent clause:
let’s have a sleepover!
5. “As she walked quickly away, she didn’t notice the cat following her.”
→ “As she walked quickly away” sets up the scene — not complete alone.
→ “she didn’t notice the cat following her” has subject + verb + object — full thought.
✔ Independent clause:
she didn’t notice the cat following her
6. “Looking back, I wish I had handled things differently.”
→ “Looking back” is an introductory phrase — not a full clause.
→ “I wish I had handled things differently” is a complete sentence with subject and verb.
✔ Independent clause:
I wish I had handled things differently
7. “Taking one last look at his dinner, the man sighed and pushed his plate away.”
→ “Taking one last look at his dinner” describes action but isn’t a full sentence.
→ “the man sighed and pushed his plate away” has subject + two verbs — complete thought.
✔ Independent clause:
the man sighed and pushed his plate away
8. “As if out of nowhere, a wizard appeared.”
→ “As if out of nowhere” is descriptive — not standalone.
→ “a wizard appeared” is short but complete — subject + verb.
✔ Independent clause:
a wizard appeared
Final Answer:
1. go and get another packet from the shop
2. I’ll be there
3. please wash your hands
4. let’s have a sleepover!
5. she didn’t notice the cat following her
6. I wish I had handled things differently
7. the man sighed and pushed his plate away
8. a wizard appeared
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of independent and dependent clauses worksheet.
