Independent clause: A group of words that can stand alone as a sentence (e.g., "I went to the store.").
Dependent clause: A group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence and depends on an independent clause to make sense (e.g., "Because I was hungry").
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Types of Dependent Clauses
Adjective Clauses: These describe a noun and usually start with relative pronouns like "who," "which," or "that" (e.g., "The book that I borrowed was interesting.")
Adverb Clauses: These modify verbs and often begin with subordinating conjunctions like "because," "although," "if," "when," etc. (e.g., "I went to the store because I was hungry.")
Noun Clauses: These function as a noun and can start with words like "that," "what," "why," etc. (e.g., "I know what you mean.").
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In Your Course Reader
Work on pg 141-142
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Combining Sentences
Use subordinating conjunctions (because, although, since, if, etc.) to form complex sentences. For example:
"It was raining." + "I took an umbrella." → "I took an umbrella because it was raining."
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Punctuation Practice
Dependent clause first: Use a comma (e.g., "Because I was tired, I went to bed early.")
Independent clause first: No comma needed (e.g., "I went to bed early because I was tired.").