Independent and Dependent (subordinate) Clauses 5 Minute English | PDF - Free Printable

Let's solve the worksheet on Independent and Dependent Clauses step by step.

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🔹 Definitions Recap:

- Independent Clause: A clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence. It expresses a complete thought.
- Dependent Clause: A clause that cannot stand alone. It depends on an independent clause to make sense. Often starts with subordinating conjunctions like *because, although, if, when, unless, since, until, as, where, whenever,* etc.

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Now, let’s analyze each sentence and determine whether the underlined clause is independent or dependent.

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✔ Answers:

1. Because he ran, he was able to catch the bus.
→ "Because he ran" starts with because — a subordinating conjunction.
→ This clause cannot stand alone.
Answer: Dependent

2. Until the sun sets, I will stay with you.
→ "Until the sun sets" starts with until — a subordinating conjunction.
→ Cannot stand alone.
Answer: Dependent

3. As the lights dim, I will say good-bye.
→ "As the lights dim" starts with as — a subordinating conjunction.
→ Not a complete thought on its own.
Answer: Dependent

4. Wherever he might go, I will follow him.
→ "Wherever he might go" starts with wherever — a subordinating conjunction.
→ Cannot stand alone.
Answer: Dependent

5. So long as you know, I will be waiting for you.
→ "So long as you know" is a dependent clause (starts with so long as).
→ Cannot stand alone.
Answer: Dependent

6. If the dress is on sale, she will buy it.
→ "If the dress is on sale" starts with if — a subordinating conjunction.
→ Cannot stand alone.
Answer: Dependent

7. Whenever you come to visit, make sure to bring food.
→ "Whenever you come to visit" starts with whenever — a subordinating conjunction.
→ Not a complete sentence by itself.
Answer: Dependent

8. Unless you have the right size, don’t try it on.
→ "Unless you have the right size" starts with unless — a subordinating conjunction.
→ Cannot stand alone.
Answer: Dependent

9. When we get snow, we will go sledding.
→ "When we get snow" starts with when — a subordinating conjunction.
→ Needs the main clause to make full sense.
Answer: Dependent

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Wait! Let’s double-check #9:
> "When we get snow, we will go sledding."

The underlined part is: "When we get snow" → this is a dependent clause because it begins with when and does not express a complete idea on its own.

But here's a key point: All of these clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions, so they are all dependent.

However, let’s check #10 again:

10. When we get snow, we will go sledding.
→ Same as #9 — "When we get snow" is a dependent clause.

Wait — actually, all 10 sentences have underlined clauses starting with subordinating conjunctions (because, until, as, wherever, so long as, if, whenever, unless, when), so all are dependent clauses.

But wait — let’s look at #1 again:
> Because he ran, he was able to catch the bus.

- "Because he ran" — dependent
- "he was able to catch the bus" — independent

✔ So yes, the underlined clause is dependent.

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✔ Final Answers:

1. Dependent
2. Dependent
3. Dependent
4. Dependent
5. Dependent
6. Dependent
7. Dependent
8. Dependent
9. Dependent
10. Dependent

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📌 Explanation:

All the underlined clauses start with subordinating conjunctions (e.g., *because, until, as, wherever, so long as, if, whenever, unless, when*), which signal that the clause is dependent. These clauses cannot stand alone as complete sentences and must be attached to an independent clause to make sense.

For example:
- “Because he ran” → incomplete thought.
- “He ran” → complete thought → independent clause.

But “Because he ran” is only meaningful in context.

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✔ Summary:

All ten underlined clauses are dependent clauses.

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✔ Final Answer List:

1. Dependent
2. Dependent
3. Dependent
4. Dependent
5. Dependent
6. Dependent
7. Dependent
8. Dependent
9. Dependent
10. Dependent

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