What is a Clause? Definition and Examples for High School

📚 What is a Clause?

A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb. It's a fundamental component of sentences, and understanding clauses is key to mastering sentence structure. There are two main types: independent and dependent clauses.

Quick Study Guide

• 🔑 Independent Clause: Can stand alone as a sentence. It expresses a complete thought. Example: The dog barked.
• 🔗 Dependent Clause: Cannot stand alone as a sentence. It relies on an independent clause to complete its meaning. Example: Because it was raining.
• ✨ Subject: The noun or pronoun that performs the action.
• ✍️ Verb: The action word.
• ➕ Subordinating Conjunctions: Words that introduce dependent clauses (e.g., because, although, if, when, since).

Practice Quiz

1. Question 1: Which of the following is an independent clause?
   1. A. Because it was late
   2. B. After the game finished
   3. C. The cat slept soundly
   4. D. Although she tried her best
2. Question 2: Which of the following is a dependent clause?
   1. A. I went to the store.
   2. B. She sang a song.
   3. C. If it rains tomorrow.
   4. D. He ate dinner.
3. Question 3: Identify the clause type: "When the bell rings, we will go home."
   1. A. Independent Clause
   2. B. Dependent Clause
   3. C. Both Independent and Dependent
   4. D. Neither
4. Question 4: What is the function of a subordinating conjunction?
   1. A. Connects two independent clauses
   2. B. Introduces a dependent clause
   3. C. Acts as the main verb
   4. D. Modifies a noun
5. Question 5: Which sentence contains both an independent and a dependent clause?
   1. A. The sun shone brightly.
   2. B. Because he studied, he passed the test.
   3. C. She walked to school.
   4. D. They played outside.
6. Question 6: Identify the independent clause in the following sentence: "Although it was cold, she went for a run."
   1. A. Although it was cold
   2. B. She went for a run
   3. C. It was cold
   4. D. For a run
7. Question 7: Which of the following sentences is correctly punctuated?
   1. A. Because it rained, the game was cancelled.
   2. B. Because it rained the game was cancelled.
   3. C. Because it rained the game, was cancelled.
   4. D. Because, it rained the game was cancelled.