RETEACH
Name: Date:
CLAUSES
A clause is a group of words that has both a subject and a verb. There are two
kinds of clauses: an independent clause and a dependent clause, also called a
subordinate clause.
An independent clause has a subject and a verb. It can stand by itself as a
sentence. A subordinate clause has a subject and a verb, but it cannot stand alone
as a complete sentence. The following chart shows several kinds of clauses.
CLAUSE ABOUT THE CLAUSE EXAMPLE
Independent clause • Can stand by itself as a sentence When she heard the
news, she was delighted.
Adverb clause • Acts as an adverb The trip was pleasant
because we took our time.
• Subordinate clause
• Begins with a subordinating conjunction such
as if, although, when, or because
Relative clause • Acts as an adjective Her writing is the kind that
critics adore.
• Subordinate clause
• Usually begins with a relative pronoun, such as
who, whom, whose, which, or that
Noun clause • Acts as a noun Whatever the town
decides about the zoning
• Subordinate clause
will be final.
• Begins with a word such as what, whatever,
when, where, why, or how
A.DIRECTIONS: Identify each underlined clause by writing IND for independent clause or
SUB for subordinate clause.
1. They notified the family whose tree had fallen.
2. Until students sat down, they had no idea about the exam.
3. The book is well written, and I would recommend it to anyone.
B.DIRECTIONS: Underline each independent clause, and circle or highlight each
subordinate clause.
1. Because he was late, Mr. Green missed the introduction.
2. The scientist works in Paraguay, where she discovered a new bat species.
3. Earning the blue ribbon would be the best outcome, which would make you a
three-time winner.
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RETEACH
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PRACTICE
Name: Date:
CLAUSES
A. DIRECTIONS: Underline the adverb clause in each sentence, and then circle or
highlight the subordinating conjunction that begins the clause.
1. The king’s army attacked when the sun rose.
2. Cindy plays the guitar, although she isn’t really interested in it.
3. Paul speaks French when he is in Paris.
4. We were unaware because our cell phones were turned off.
5. Senator Gillis would vote for the bill if it would improve education.
B. DIRECTIONS:Underline the relative clause in each sentence, and then circle or
highlight the relative pronoun that begins the clause.
1. The song was written by a composer whom we like very much.
2. Would the person who owns the red sedan please move it?
3. When researching online, only use websites that you know are reputable.
4. A fire broke out in River Park, which we visit almost every day.
5. The student whose bike was stolen should file a complaint.
C. DIRECTIONS: Combine each pair of sentences by changing one sentence into a
subordinate clause. Then, write the type of subordinate clause that you used.
1. The bank refused to make Tom a loan. He has a bad credit history.
2. Central Bank is on a corner. The coffee shop used to be on that corner.
3. The teller said something. I didn’t understand her.
4. Thieves got away with only $500 from a bank. The heist was carefully
planned.
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