Types of Clauses

TEAS Test English: Independent Clause

An independent clause is a simple sentence. It has a subject, a verb, and expresses a complete thought.

• Steve went to the store.
• She will cook dinner tonight.
• The class was very boring.
• The author argues that listening to music helps productivity.

Two independent clauses can be connected by a semicolon. There are some common words that indicate the beginning of an independent clause such as: moreover, also, nevertheless, however, furthermore, consequently.

• I wanted to go to dinner; however, I had to work late tonight.
• She had a job interview; therefore, she dressed nicely.

TEAS Test English: Dependent and Subordinate Clauses

A dependent clause is not a complete sentence. It has a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. Dependent clauses are also called subordinate clauses, because they depend on the independent or main clause to complete the thought. A sentence that has both at least one independent clause and one subordinate clause are considered complex.

Subordinate clauses can be placed before or after the independent clause. When the subordinate clause begins the sentence, there should be a comma before the main clause. If the subordinate clause ends the sentence, there is no need for a comma.

Dependent clauses also have common indicator words. These are often called subordinating conjunctions because they connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. Some of these include: although, after, as, because, before, if, once, since, unless, until, when, whether, and while. Relative pronouns also signify the beginning of a subordinate clause. These include: that, which, who, whom, whichever, whoever, whomever, and whose.

• When I went to school…
• Since she joined the team…
• After we saw the play…
• Because she studied hard, she received an A on her exam.
• Although the professor was late, the class was very informative.
• I can’t join you unless I finish my homework.

TEAS Test English: Coordinate Clause

A coordinate clause is a sentence or phrase that combines clauses of equal grammatical rank (verbs, nouns, adjectives, phrases, or independent clauses) by using a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor, or so, yet). Coordinating conjunctions cannot connect a dependent or subordinate clause and an independent clause.

• She woke up, and he went to bed.
• We did not have cheese, so I went to the store to get some.
• Ice cream and candy taste great, but they are not good for you.
• Do you want to study, or do you want to go to Disneyland?

Let’s Review!

• An independent clause is a simple sentence that has a noun, a verb, and a complete thought. Two independent clauses can be connected by a semicolon.
• A dependent or subordinate clause depends on the main clause to complete a thought. A dependent or subordinate clause can go before or after the independent clause and there are indicator words that signify the beginning of the dependent or subordinate clause.
• A coordinate clause connects two verbs, nouns, adjectives, phrases, or independent clauses using a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor, or, so, yet).