What is a Clause Pages 440 443 Objective

What is a Clause? Pages: 440 -443

Objective: (What You Will Learn) • To identify and use independent clauses and dependent clauses in your writing.

Clause A group of words that contains a subject and a verb.

Clauses Kate noted the day’s events in her journal before she went to bed.

Independent Clause Expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.

Independent Clause Kate noted the day’s events in her journal.

Dependent Clauses Are also known as subordinate clauses.

Dependent Clause § Does not express a complete thought § Cannot stand alone as a sentence.

Introduced By: although, before, because, so that, when, while, so, and that.

Dependent Clause before she went to bed.

A dependent clause can be joined to the independent clause to add to the complete thought.

Kate noted the day’s events in her journal before she went to bed. Connecting Word

Some writers keep journals so that they can remember details about events. Connecting Word

So What? • Fragments • ISAT

1. Thirteen-year old Kate is devoted to her horse Scarlet.

1. Thirteen-year old Kate is devoted to her horse Scarlet. 2. Independent Clause

2. They won their first competition together when Kate was only nine years old.

2. They won their first competition together when Kate was only nine years old. 3. Dependent Clause

3. While her brothers sleep, Kate slips out to the stable.

3. While her brothers sleep, Kate slips out to the stable. Dependent Clause

4. After feeding, Kate brushes her coat and mane.

4. After feeding, Kate brushes her coat and mane. 5. Independent Clause

5. She does this so that Scarlet’s coat stays shiny.

5. She does this so that Scarlet’s coat stays shiny. 6. Independent Clause

6. Because Scarlet needs exercise, Kate rides her daily.

6. Because Scarlet needs exercise, Kate rides her daily. Dependent Clause

7. Kate and Scarlet entered a barrel-racing competition, which was very competitive.

7. Kate and Scarlet entered a barrel-racing competition, which was very competitive. Independent Clause

8. Entrants raced around barrels that were put in the ring.

8. Entrants raced around barrels that were put in the ring. Dependent Clause

9. Kate and Scarlet’s performance brought cheers from the crowd

9. Kate and Scarlet’s performance brought cheers from the crowd Independent Clause

10. Now Kate and Scarlet have more than a dozen ribbons, and Kate plans to keep competing in the rodeo.

10. Now Kate and Scarlet have more than a dozen ribbons, and Kate plans to keep competing in the rodeo. Independent Clause

More Practice Sentence Strip Activity

Closure Today you learned to identify and use independent and dependent clauses in your writing.

Homework