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Quizzes > High School Quizzes > English Language Arts

Practice Quiz: Independent and Dependent Clauses

Practice questions on independent, dependent, noun clauses

Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 8
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustrating a trivia game for high school students focused on understanding clause types.

This quiz helps you practice independent and dependent clauses with 20 quick, high‑school‑level questions. Use it to spot weak areas before a quiz or exam, sharpen how you identify clauses in sentences, and leave with clearer skills you can use in class and in your writing.

Which clause can stand alone as a complete sentence?
Dependent Clause
Relative Clause
Independent Clause
Adjective Clause
An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. The other options require additional context to make sense on their own.
What type of clause begins with subordinating conjunctions such as 'although' or 'because' and cannot stand alone?
Complete Clause
Coordinate Clause
Independent Clause
Dependent Clause
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and is typically introduced by subordinating conjunctions. The other options describe clauses that can often stand alone or do not require additional information.
Which statement best defines an independent clause?
A clause that only functions as an adjective
A clause that can independently form a complete sentence
A clause that serves as a fragment
A clause that depends on another clause for its meaning
An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. It does not rely on another clause to convey its full meaning.
Which clause is often introduced by words like 'if', 'when', or 'because'?
Dependent Clause
Simple Clause
Independent Clause
Complex Clause
Dependent clauses are typically introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as 'if', 'when', or 'because'. These clauses cannot stand alone as complete sentences.
Which of the following is an example of an independent clause?
I enjoy reading books.
Since I enjoy reading books.
Because I enjoy reading books.
While reading books.
The sentence 'I enjoy reading books.' expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as an independent clause. The other options begin with subordinating conjunctions, making them dependent clauses.
In the sentence 'When he finishes his homework, he watches TV,' which clause is dependent?
neither clause
he watches TV
When he finishes his homework
both clauses
The clause 'When he finishes his homework' is dependent because it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. The clause 'he watches TV' can stand alone, making it the independent clause.
Identify the independent clause in the sentence 'Because the sky was dark, the storm approached quickly.'
the sky was dark
the storm approached quickly
approached quickly
Because the sky was dark
The clause 'the storm approached quickly' is independent because it expresses a complete thought. In contrast, 'Because the sky was dark' is a dependent clause that cannot stand alone.
Which sentence is a complex sentence composed of an independent clause and a dependent clause?
The movie was long and I enjoyed it.
I enjoyed the movie; it was long.
Although the movie was long, I enjoyed it.
The movie was long, I enjoyed it.
The sentence 'Although the movie was long, I enjoyed it.' contains a dependent clause introduced by 'Although' and an independent clause that stands alone. The other sentences either lack proper clause separation or do not include a dependent clause.
In the sentence 'She ran quickly because she was late,' which clause provides the reason?
She ran quickly
she was late
ran quickly
because she was late
The dependent clause 'because she was late' explains the reason for her quick running. The remaining part of the sentence is the independent clause that describes the action.
Choose the sentence that contains a dependent clause correctly punctuated with an independent clause.
We went outside after, the rain stopped.
After the rain stopped we went outside.
We went outside, after the rain stopped.
After the rain stopped, we went outside.
Option A correctly places a comma after the introductory dependent clause 'After the rain stopped' before the independent clause. This proper punctuation separates the clauses for clear meaning.
Which of the following best describes a dependent clause?
A clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence and depends on an independent clause.
A clause that contains a subject but no verb.
A clause that always appears at the start of a sentence.
A clause that can function as a complete sentence on its own.
A dependent clause requires an independent clause to form a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought on its own. The other options do not accurately define a dependent clause.
In the sentence 'Although the test was difficult, many students passed,' what role does the dependent clause play?
It introduces the result of the action.
It gives a reason for the outcome.
It provides a concession regarding the independent clause.
It serves as a complete sentence.
The dependent clause 'Although the test was difficult' offers a concession by acknowledging a contrasting condition to the independent clause. It cannot stand alone, which is why it serves to qualify the main statement.
Identify the structure of the sentence 'Because I was hungry, I ate a sandwich and drank a soda.'
It is a complex sentence with one dependent and one independent clause.
It is a fragment that lacks an independent clause.
It is a compound sentence with two independent clauses.
It is a simple sentence with a compound predicate.
The sentence starts with the dependent clause 'Because I was hungry' and follows with the independent clause 'I ate a sandwich and drank a soda.' This combination classifies it as a complex sentence.
Which of the following sentences contains both an independent clause and a dependent clause?
If the weather is good, we will go hiking.
We will go hiking, and then have dinner.
We will go hiking.
Hiking was cancelled.
The sentence 'If the weather is good, we will go hiking.' contains the dependent clause 'If the weather is good' and the independent clause 'we will go hiking.' The other alternatives do not display both clause types.
What punctuation mark often follows a dependent clause when it is placed at the beginning of a sentence?
No punctuation
A period
A semicolon
A comma
When a dependent clause is placed at the beginning of a sentence, it is typically followed by a comma to separate it from the independent clause. This punctuation clarifies the sentence structure.
In the sentence 'While the rain pounded against the window and the wind howled fiercely, the family gathered indoors to share stories,' identify the clause types and the sentence structure.
Two independent clauses; the sentence is compound.
Two dependent clauses; the sentence is incomplete.
Dependent clause and independent clause; the sentence is complex.
A relative clause and an independent clause; the sentence is complex.
The sentence starts with a dependent clause introduced by 'While' and follows with an independent clause that stands alone, forming a complex sentence. Option A correctly identifies the clause types and structure.
Which sentence best demonstrates the correct use of multiple dependent clauses modifying an independent clause?
If the rain stops and if the sun appears, we will have a picnic.
If the rain stops, and if the sun appears we will have a picnic.
We will have a picnic if the rain stops and sun appears.
We will have a picnic if the rain stops, if the sun appears.
Option A uses two dependent clauses introduced by 'if' to set conditions properly before an independent clause. The structure and punctuation clearly delineate the conditions required for the picnic.
In a sentence with both coordinating and subordinating conjunctions, which clause is always independent?
Any clause linked by 'and'
Any clause following a subordinating conjunction
A clause that contains a relative pronoun
The main clause that stands alone
The main clause in any sentence is independent and can stand alone regardless of additional conjunctions. This is in contrast to dependent clauses, which require support from an independent clause.
Examine the sentence: 'Although Mark had little time, he prepared a detailed report and when he finished, he submitted it promptly.' Which statement best describes the clause structure?
It is a compound sentence with only independent clauses.
It is a compound-complex sentence with two independent clauses and two dependent clauses.
It is a simple sentence with a compound predicate.
It is a complex sentence with one dependent clause.
The sentence contains two independent clauses ('he prepared a detailed report' and 'he submitted it promptly') and two dependent clauses ('Although Mark had little time' and 'when he finished'). This mixture qualifies it as a compound-complex sentence.
Which of the following sentences contains an error in combining independent and dependent clauses?
If it rains, we will cancel the outdoor event.
He loved playing soccer, he enjoyed it because it was exciting.
Since the meeting ended early, we grabbed lunch together.
Because she was tired, she went straight home.
Option B contains a comma splice where two independent clauses are incorrectly joined by just a comma. The other sentences correctly integrate dependent clauses with independent clauses.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand the differences between independent and dependent clauses.
  2. Identify clause types within diverse sentence structures.
  3. Analyze how clauses function to convey complete and subordinate ideas.
  4. Apply grammar rules to correct errors in clause usage.
  5. Evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses in handling clause constructions.

4.01 Quiz: Independent & Dependent Clauses Cheat Sheet

  1. Independent Clause - An independent clause has a subject and a verb, expresses a complete thought, and can stand alone as a sentence. It's like a mini-sentence superhero - fully charged and ready to go! Mastering these gives your writing clarity and punch. Purdue OWL: Independent & Dependent Clauses
  2. Dependent Clause - A dependent clause also has a subject and a verb but can't stand alone because it doesn't express a full thought. It's like a sentence sidekick - helpful, but looking for its hero (the main clause) to complete the story. Spotting these will save you from fragments! Purdue OWL: Independent & Dependent Clauses
  3. Subordinating Conjunctions - Words like "because," "although," and "when" kick off dependent clauses and show they need a main clause to shine. They're the connectors that add depth and drama to your sentences. Watch for them and you'll never write a runaway fragment again! Purdue OWL: Independent & Dependent Clauses
  4. Complex Sentences - Combine an independent clause with a dependent one to form a complex sentence. It's like teaming up your sentence hero with its sidekick for extra flair and detail. Use them to make your writing richer and more interesting. Purdue OWL: Independent & Dependent Clauses
  5. Comma with Leading Dependent Clauses - When your dependent clause comes first ("Although it was raining…"), pop in a comma before the independent clause. This comma pause helps readers process the setup before the main event. It's like drawing a breath before the big reveal! Purdue OWL: Independent & Dependent Clauses
  6. No Comma with Trailing Dependent Clauses - Flip it around and if the independent clause leads ("We went for a walk although it was raining"), you usually skip the comma. It keeps the sentence flowing smoothly, like a movie without an awkward cut. Just write and let the meaning shine through! Purdue OWL: Independent & Dependent Clauses
  7. Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS) - The big seven - For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So - join two independent clauses into one compound sentence. They're like the social butterflies of grammar, bringing clauses together at parties (or sentences). Use them wisely to control flow and emphasis. Purdue OWL: Independent & Dependent Clauses
  8. Steer Clear of Comma Splices - Never join two independent clauses with only a comma - it's like gluing two puzzle pieces that don't fit. Instead, add a FANBOYS conjunction, use a semicolon, or make one clause dependent. Your sentences will thank you for the breathing room! Purdue OWL: Independent & Dependent Clauses
  9. Spotting Fragments - A fragment is an incomplete sentence that's missing a main clause - like "Because she was tired." Learn to catch these sneaky mistakes by checking if each part can stand alone. Once you spot them, you'll turn fragments into full-powered sentences! Purdue OWL: Independent & Dependent Clauses
  10. Practice Makes Perfect - Boost your skills with hands‑on exercises that challenge you to identify, combine, and punctuate clauses correctly. The more you play with sentence structures, the more confident you'll become. Ready, set, write! Purdue OWL: Clause Exercises
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