IXL | Identify dependent and independent clauses

Select the independent clause.

Because bacteria and viruses can be transmitted from one patient to another, physicians must sterilize all reusable medical and surgical equipment.

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question

Select the independent clause.

Before the nylon-bristled toothbrush was invented in 1938, toothbrushes were commonly made from the coarse hairs on the back of a hog's neck.

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

Toothbrushes were commonly made from the coarse hairs on the back of a hog's neck is the independent clause. It can stand alone as a sentence.

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Not feeling ready yet? These can help:

PP.3Identify subordinating conjunctions

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

FF.8Identify dependent and independent clauses

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