IXL | Identify dependent and independent clauses

Select the independent clause.

While the venomous bite of a centipede is not typically life-threatening, it can be exceptionally painful.

ref_doc_title.

Learn with an example

question

Select the independent clause.

Despite its frigid temperatures, Antarctica is classified as a desert because its average annual precipitation is less than ten inches.

key idea

A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a predicate.

An independent clause is a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent clause (or subordinate clause) is not a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence.

let's pick up some sandwiches from Pete's Cafe

The clause can stand alone. It is independent.

after Kevin gets off work

The clause cannot stand alone. It is dependent.

A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause. The dependent clause in a complex sentence usually begins with a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun. Subordinating conjunctions include after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, and while. Relative pronouns include that, which, who, whom, or whose.

Let's pick up some sandwiches from Pete's Cafe after Kevin gets off work.

The dependent clause begins with the subordinating conjunction after.

During his trip to Italy, Tony visited the Trevi Fountain, which is in Rome.

The dependent clause begins with the relative pronoun which.

solution

Despite its frigid temperatures, Antarctica is classified as a desert is the independent clause. It can stand alone as a sentence.

$Confetti$

Excellent!

Now entering the Challenge Zone—are you ready?

Questions
answeredQuestions

Time
elapsedTime

hr	min	sec
00	00	06

SmartScore
out of 100
IXL's SmartScore is a dynamic measure of progress towards mastery, rather than a percentage grade. It tracks your skill level as you tackle progressively more difficult questions. Consistently answer questions correctly to reach excellence (90), or conquer the Challenge Zone to achieve mastery (100)! Learn more

Teacher tools

Work it out

Not feeling ready yet? These can help:

PP.3Identify subordinating conjunctions

EE.5Is it a complete sentence or a fragment?

FF.8Identify dependent and independent clauses

Excellent! You got that right!

Jumping to level 1 of 1

Excellent!