What You Need to Know

An independent clause makes sense on its own (e.g. "The dog barked")

A dependent clause needs an independent clause to make sense (e.g. "because it was scared")

A complex sentence joins an independent and a dependent clause

Subordinating conjunctions (because, although, when) introduce dependent clauses

Key Vocabulary

A group of words with a subject and a verb

A clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence

A clause that cannot stand alone and needs an independent clause

A conjunction that introduces a dependent clause, e.g. because, although, when

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

Which is an independent clause?

"Although it was raining" "When she arrived" "The children played outside" "Because he was tired"

Question 2

What does a subordinating conjunction do?

Joins two independent clauses of equal importance Replaces a noun Ends a sentence Introduces a dependent clause

Question 3

Which word makes this a complex sentence: "She went inside ___ it started raining"?

"when" "but" "and" "so"