Independent and Dependent Clauses Worksheet for Language Learning

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 predicate and expresses a complete thought).
A dependent clause cannot stand alone; it begins with a subordinating conjunction (like *when, although, because, if, while, since*, etc.) or relative pronoun 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. It has a subject ("we") and verb ("visited").
✔ I

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

3. Although the sun was warm, I shivered with cold.
→ "I shivered with cold" is a complete sentence. It has a subject and verb and expresses a full idea.
✔ I

4. The water seemed even colder because our skin was hot.
→ "Because our skin was hot" starts with "because" and is not a complete thought on its own.
✔ D

5. If you look far out, you can see dolphins swimming.
→ "If you look far out" is a conditional clause starting with "if", so it's dependent.
✔ D

6. They leap out of the water as if they are playing.
→ There is no underlined part here. But the sentence is: "They leap out of the water as if they are playing."
→ Since nothing is underlined, we skip this one unless there’s a typo.
⚠️ No underlined phrase — but likely intended to be "as if they are playing" — which is not underlined. So assume it's not part of the task.

7. While I was resting on the sand, I spied something.
→ "I spied something" is a complete thought.
✔ 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 sentence.
✔ I

10. Since I saw them, I have read more about seals.
→ "Since I saw them" starts with "since" — subordinating conjunction, so dependent.
✔ D

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✔ Answers for Part 1:
1. I
2. D
3. I
4. D
5. D
6. (no underlined)
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 let's match each sentence logically.

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1. You can tell a walrus and a seal apart __________.
→ The best fit is: 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

Wait — both 1 and 2 use the same phrase? Let’s check.

Actually, the phrase "while a seal has none" fits both, but maybe we need to avoid repetition.

But the instruction says “adding a clause from the box” — multiple uses allowed? Possibly.

But let’s re-evaluate:

- Sentence 1: "You can tell a walrus and a seal apart..."
→ Best completion: because walruses are usually much bigger OR while a seal has none?

But “while a seal has none” implies comparison — probably referring to tusks.

So better:
1. You can tell a walrus and a seal apart because walruses are usually much bigger — that makes sense.
OR
1. ...while a seal has none — but this is incomplete without context.

Wait — actually, “while a seal has none” must go with a previous clause mentioning tusks.

So let’s try again:

Sentence 1: "You can tell a walrus and a seal apart _________."
→ This needs a reason. The best fit is: because walruses are usually much bigger — yes, that explains how you can tell them apart.

Then:
Sentence 2: "In addition, a walrus has two large ivory tusks _________."
→ Then the natural continuation is: while a seal has none — perfect contrast.

So:
1. because walruses are usually much bigger
2. while a seal has none

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

4. If you run into an elephant seal, __________.
→ This suggests consequence: you will remember it — because they’re huge and scary.
✔ you will remember it

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

Wait — we have only five options. Can we reuse?

Possibly, but let’s see:

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

Wait — what does “It is the exception to the rule” mean?

Perhaps: Elephant seals are big, but some are exceptions? Not clear.

But let’s look at sentence 5:
"When a male elephant seal is fully grown, __________."

Best fit: it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds — yes.

But then sentence 3 also uses that.

Is duplication allowed? Possibly.

But let’s see if any other option fits.

Wait — perhaps “It is the exception to the rule” could go with sentence 5?

No — doesn’t make sense.

Alternatively, maybe “It is the exception to the rule” goes with sentence 1?

But “You can tell a walrus and a seal apart... it is the exception to the rule” — doesn’t make sense.

So likely, the phrases are meant to be used once.

Wait — let’s list all five:

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

Now:

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 can weigh up to 8,800 pounds — ✔
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 — but already used.

Problem: duplicate?

But maybe it's acceptable.

Wait — is there another way?

What about: “It is the exception to the rule”?

Maybe for sentence 5:
"When a male elephant seal is fully grown, it is the exception to the rule" — but what rule? Unclear.

Alternatively, maybe “It is the exception to the rule” goes with sentence 1?

“No — doesn't work.”

Wait — perhaps sentence 5 should be:
"When a male elephant seal is fully grown, it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds" — that’s fine.

But then we’ve used “it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds” twice.

But the instructions don’t say “use each once,” so maybe it's okay.

Alternatively, is there a better fit?

Wait — perhaps “It is the exception to the rule” refers to the fact that elephant seals are huge, but the rule is that most seals are smaller — so “it is the exception to the rule” could go with sentence 3 or 5.

But still awkward.

Another idea: maybe sentence 1 is completed with “while a seal has none” — but that would be grammatically odd.

“You can tell a walrus and a seal apart while a seal has none.” — no, doesn’t make sense.

So best is:

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 can weigh up to 8,800 pounds
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

But now “it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds” is used twice.

Alternatively, could sentence 5 use “It is the exception to the rule”?

Example: "When a male elephant seal is fully grown, it is the exception to the rule" — but what rule? Not specified.

Unless the rule is that most animals aren't that big — but still vague.

Perhaps the intended answer is:

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

And accept that it's reused.

But let’s check if “It is the exception to the rule” can go with sentence 1.

No.

Wait — maybe sentence 4: "If you run into an elephant seal, you will remember it" — good.

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

But what about “It is the exception to the rule”? Where?

Perhaps it's meant for sentence 3?

"Because an elephant seal can grow very large, it is the exception to the rule" — possible, but weak.

Alternatively, maybe the phrase “It is the exception to the rule” is meant to go with sentence 1?

No.

Wait — perhaps the clue is in the word “exception”.

Maybe: “You can tell a walrus and a seal apart because walruses are usually much bigger” — correct.

“While a seal has none” — for tusks.

“Because an elephant seal can grow very large, it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds” — correct.

“If you run into an elephant seal, you will remember it” — correct.

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

But only if we interpret it as: “When a male elephant seal is fully grown, it is the exception to the rule” — but that’s incomplete.

Unless the rule is implied.

But it’s likely that the phrase “it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds” is used twice, or perhaps “It is the exception to the rule” is a red herring.

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

And sentence 3 is: “Because an elephant seal can grow very large, it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds” — both refer to the same fact.

So it's acceptable.

Alternatively, maybe “It is the exception to the rule” is meant for sentence 1?

No.

Wait — perhaps sentence 2: “In addition, a walrus has two large ivory tusks because walruses are usually much bigger” — no, that doesn’t make sense.

Tusks aren’t because they’re bigger.

So best assignment:

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 can weigh up to 8,800 pounds
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

Even though it's repeated, it’s logical.

Alternatively, maybe sentence 5 is: “When a male elephant seal is fully grown, it is the exception to the rule” — but without context, it’s weak.

But perhaps the intended answer is:

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

And “It is the exception to the rule” is not used — but that’s impossible.

Wait — the box has five options, and five sentences — so likely each is used once.

Ah! So we must use each exactly once.

So let’s find a way to use “It is the exception to the rule”.

Where can it go?

Try sentence 1: “You can tell a walrus and a seal apart It is the exception to the rule” — no.

Sentence 2: “a walrus has two large ivory tusks It is the exception to the rule” — no.

Sentence 3: “Because an elephant seal can grow very large, It is the exception to the rule” — possible, if the rule is that most seals aren’t that big.

So: “Because an elephant seal can grow very large, it is the exception to the rule” — yes, that works.

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

But then sentence 3 becomes: “Because an elephant seal can grow very large, it is the exception to the rule” — acceptable.

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

But now “it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds” is still used in sentence 5.

But we have to assign all.

Let’s list:

Available 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:

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

Yes! That uses all five clauses exactly once.

And all make sense.

- Sentence 3: “Because an elephant seal can grow very large, it is the exception to the rule” — meaning it breaks the usual size rule.
- Sentence 5: “When a male elephant seal is fully grown, it can weigh up to 8,800 pounds” — factual.

Perfect.

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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)
7. I
8. D
9. I
10. D

#### 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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✔ Explanation Summary:

- Independent clauses can stand alone; dependent clauses start with subordinating conjunctions and need an independent clause.
- For the second part, we matched each sentence logically with the best clause from the box, ensuring all were used exactly once and made sense in context.

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