Clauses
Dependent Clauses
A dependent clause has a subject and a verb but does not express a complete idea and cannot stand alone as a simple sentence. The clause below does not express a complete idea because of the subordinator at the beginning of the clause. Subordinators are words that are commonly used to shift independent clauses into dependent clauses. These dependent clauses can help writers connect ideas together and see the relationship between clauses. Common subordinators include after, although, because, before, once, since, though, unless, until, when, where, and while.
Example: Since it is going to rain soon.
Common Subordinators: After, Although, As, Because, Before, Even though, Even if, If, Since, Then, Though, Until, When, Where, Whether, While
Independent Clauses
An independent clause has a subject and a verb, expresses a complete idea, and is a complete sentence.
Example: The soccer game was cancelled.
Independent clauses are also referred to as simple sentences or complete sentences.
Combining Clauses
When combining independent and dependent clauses, there is a simple rule to remember. If the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, there must be a comma that separates the two clauses. If the dependent clause comes after the independent clause, then no comma is needed.
Dependent clause first: When I was young, I loved swimming.
Dependent clause last: I loved swimming when I was young.
This rule also applies to more complex sentences when there are multiple independent and dependent clauses.