Clauses:Clauses:Dependent Dependent

andandIndependentIndependent

Ms. Davis’s & Ms. Hillman’s 5th Grade Language Arts Classes

Sentence ReviewSentence Review

• A sentencesentence is a group of related words with a subject and a subject and a predicatepredicate.

• A sentence makes sense and stands alone.

What is a Clause?What is a Clause?

• A clauseclause is ALSO a group of related words with a subject subject and a predicateand a predicate.

• There are 22 types of clauses: independentindependent and dependentdependent.

• One type of clause can stand alone as a sentence, but the other cannot.

Independent ClausesIndependent Clauses

• Something independentindependent does not rely on anything else for support.

• An independent clauseindependent clause is simple: it’s just a sentencesentence!

• So, independent clauses: express a complete thoughtexpress a complete thought,

stand alonestand alone, and make sensemake sense.

DependentDependent Clauses Clauses

• Something dependentdependent DOES rely on something else for support.

• A dependent clausedependent clause is a clause that has a subject and a predicate.

• But, a dependent clause DOES NOT express a complete thoughtexpress a complete thought,

stand alonestand alone, or make sensemake sense.

DependentDependent Markers Markers

• This is where it gets tricky…• A dependent clausedependent clause often has a

markermarker, which is just a word that makes it dependent.

• Common markers include (but there are others):

iiff, ssinceince, aass, wwhilehile, uuntilntil, aalthoughlthough,

wwhenhen, aafterfter, bbeforeefore, bbecauseecause• Need help remembering?

I SAW U At W.A.B.B. I SAW U At W.A.B.B.

Punctuating ClausesPunctuating Clauses

• You already know how to punctuate an independentindependent clause (. / ? / !).

• If a dependentdependent clause comes at the beginningbeginning of a sentence, put a comma (,) after it.

• If a dependentdependent clause comes at the endend of a sentence, add an end mark (. / ? / !) after it (but NO comma before it).

Punctuating ClausesPunctuating Clauses

Look at these dependent clausesdependent clauses:

When I cryWhen I cry,, my nose gets red. My nose gets red when I crywhen I cry.

(Use a comma after a dependent clause in front of the sentence! DO NOT use a comma for a dependent

clause at the end of the sentence.)

Because I liedBecause I lied,, I can’t go. I can’t go because I liedbecause I lied.(Again, use a comma after a dependent clause in front of

the sentence! DO NOT use a comma for a dependent clause at the end of the sentence.)

Time for Practice!Time for Practice!

Write the dependent dependent clause, andunderline its markermarker.

1. As I walked to school, the bell rang.2. I can’t go to the park before I do my

homework.3. My sister will cry if I pull her hair.4. While you wait, would you like some

tea? 5. Since you’re late, you have more

work to do.

Practice Answers!Practice Answers!

Write the dependent dependent clause, andUnderline its markermarker.

1. As I walked to school2. before I do my homework.3. if I pull her hair.4. While you wait 5. Since you’re late

POP Quiz!POP Quiz!

1. Write an independent clause.2. Write a sentence with a dependent

clause at the beginning.3. List as many of the 10 markers you

learned as you can remember.4. What makes a clause dependent?5. When do you use a comma to set off

a dependent clause?6. Change this dependent clause into an

independent clause (without adding any words to it):

Since I’m going home today

POP Quiz Answers!POP Quiz Answers!

1. Varied answers2. Varied answers…did you remember did you remember

the comma after the clausethe comma after the clause?3. if, since, as, while, until, although,

when, after, before, because4. A marker makes a clause dependent.5. You use a comma to set off a

dependent clause when it comes at the beginning of a sentence.

6. I’m going home today.