Let’s go step by step to identify each clause as either
IC (independent clause) or
DC (dependent clause).
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What is an independent clause?
An
independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. It has a subject and a verb, and it expresses a full thought.
Example: *I take a walk.* → This makes sense on its own → IC
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What is a dependent clause?
A
dependent clause cannot stand alone. It often starts with a word like *when*, *before*, *after*, *as soon as*, etc. These words are called
time subordinators. The clause needs more information to make sense.
Example: *Before I go to work* → This leaves you wondering “What happens before?” → DC
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Now let’s look at each line:
1.
I take a walk around the block.
→ Complete thought. Can be a sentence by itself.
✔ IC
2.
Before I go to work
→ Starts with “Before” — that’s a time subordinator. Doesn’t tell us what happens.
✔ DC → Circle “Before”
3.
The exercise wakes up my body and clears my mind
→ Subject + verb + complete idea.
✔ IC
4.
It’s hard to do this in the winter
→ Full sentence. Makes sense alone.
✔ IC
5.
When I go to work
→ Starts with “When” — time subordinator. Incomplete thought.
✔ DC → Circle “When”
6.
It is still dark
→ Complete sentence.
✔ IC
7.
After I get home from work
→ Starts with “After” — time subordinator. Needs more.
✔ DC → Circle “After”
8.
It is dark again
→ Full sentence.
✔ IC
9.
I can always take a walk on weekends, even in the winter
→ Complete thought.
✔ IC
10.
When it is raining, of course
→ Starts with “When”. Even though there’s “of course”, it’s still not a full sentence.
✔ DC → Circle “When”
11.
I never go out
→ Complete sentence.
✔ IC
12.
On rainy days, as soon as the alarm clock rings
→ “as soon as” is a time subordinator. This phrase doesn’t say what happens when the alarm rings.
✔ DC → Circle “as soon as”
13.
I turn over and go back to sleep
→ Full sentence. Action described completely.
✔ IC
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Final Answer:
1. IC
2. DC (circle "Before")
3. IC
4. IC
5. DC (circle "When")
6. IC
7. DC (circle "After")
8. IC
9. IC
10. DC (circle "When")
11. IC
12. DC (circle "as soon as")
13. IC
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of independent and dependent clauses worksheet.
