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Quizzes > English & Grammar

Dependent and Independent Clauses Exercises: 20-Question Quiz

Quick, free clauses practice quiz with answers. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Lars ChristensenUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 8
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustrating Clause Quest, an interactive middle school language arts quiz.

This 20-question quiz helps you spot independent and dependent clauses and use them clearly in sentences. Get instant feedback and brief explanations, then keep practicing with a dependent and independent clauses quiz and a compound-complex sentence quiz, or review joining words in a coordinating conjunctions quiz.

Which of the following is an independent clause?
It is raining.
When it rains
Although it is raining
Because it is raining
An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. Only the option 'It is raining.' expresses a complete thought with both a subject and a predicate.
What is a dependent clause?
A group of words without a subject.
A clause that functions as the main clause in a sentence.
A clause that expresses a complete thought.
A clause that has a subject and verb but cannot stand alone.
A dependent clause contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought on its own. It relies on attachment to an independent clause to form a full sentence.
Which of the following words often introduces a dependent clause?
Or
Because
And
But
The word 'because' is a subordinating conjunction that typically introduces a dependent clause. It signals that the clause will provide a reason or explanation.
Identify the clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
Did she finish her homework?
She finished her homework, and she went to bed.
Because she finished her homework.
She finished her homework.
The clause 'Because she finished her homework.' is dependent as it begins with 'because' and does not express a complete thought on its own. Independent clauses can stand alone, which this one cannot.
Which of these is a characteristic of an independent clause?
It always begins with a subordinating conjunction.
It expresses a complete thought.
It depends on another clause for meaning.
It lacks a subject.
An independent clause must contain a subject and a predicate and express a complete idea. This distinguishes it from dependent clauses, which cannot stand alone.
Given the sentence 'I will go to the park if it stops raining', identify the dependent clause.
I will go
it stops raining
if it stops raining
I will go to the park
The clause starting with 'if' is dependent because it does not express a complete thought by itself. It relies on the independent clause 'I will go to the park' to form a full sentence.
Which sentence correctly contains one independent clause and one dependent clause?
I will attend the meeting because I have a responsibility.
I have a responsibility, I will attend the meeting.
I will attend the meeting, because.
Because I have a responsibility, and I will attend the meeting.
Option A combines an independent clause with a dependent clause introduced by 'because', forming a grammatically sound sentence. The other choices either lack the proper structure or include errors.
Identify the function of the dependent clause in the sentence 'When the bell rings, the class will begin.'
It provides extra unrelated information.
It modifies a noun.
It acts as the subject.
It indicates time.
The dependent clause 'When the bell rings' functions as an adverbial clause indicating the time at which the main action occurs. This placement clarifies when the class will begin.
Which sentence shows an example of an adjective clause?
She won the contest.
The student who won the contest deserves praise.
After the contest ended, the students left.
That she won the contest surprised the judges.
In the sentence, 'who won the contest' is an adjective clause that modifies 'the student'. It provides additional information about the noun.
Which sentence best illustrates a noun clause functioning as the subject of a sentence?
That you are kind makes you popular.
I believe that you are kind.
Because you are kind, you are popular.
You are kind and popular.
In this sentence, the noun clause 'That you are kind' serves as the subject and performs the action of the sentence. The other options either use the noun clause in a different role or do not contain one.
What role does the dependent clause play in the sentence 'After the rain stopped, the rainbow appeared'?
It functions as the subject.
It acts as an adverb, indicating time.
It describes the color of the rainbow.
It modifies the noun 'rain'.
The dependent clause 'After the rain stopped' functions adverbially by providing time information about when the main action occurred.
Which component is necessary for a clause to be independent?
A subject and a predicate expressing a complete thought.
Just a verb phrase.
A subordinating conjunction at the beginning.
Only a subject, regardless of the predicate.
An independent clause must include both a subject and a predicate and express a complete idea. This is the defining feature that separates it from dependent clauses.
Identify the dependent clause in the sentence 'Although he was late, he still completed the assignment on time.'
He was late.
Completed the assignment on time.
He still completed the assignment on time.
Although he was late.
The clause beginning with 'Although' is dependent because it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It provides a contrasting condition to the independent clause.
Which sentence contains a conditional dependent clause?
If you study, you will succeed.
You study hard and you will succeed.
You will succeed because you study.
Study hard so you will succeed.
The sentence 'If you study, you will succeed.' uses 'if' to introduce a conditional dependent clause that sets a condition for the main clause.
Which of these sentences illustrates correct punctuation between an independent clause and a dependent clause?
We left early because the show started on time.
We left early, because the show started on time.
Because the show started on time, we left early.
We left early because, the show started on time.
When a dependent clause comes before an independent clause, it should be followed by a comma. Option B correctly applies this rule.
Analyze the following sentence and identify all dependent clauses: 'When the storm began, although the forecast was inaccurate, the sailors secured the boat.'
The sailors secured the boat
Although the forecast was inaccurate
When the storm began
When the storm began and although the forecast was inaccurate
Both 'When the storm began' and 'although the forecast was inaccurate' are dependent clauses because they do not express complete thoughts independently. Option C correctly identifies both clauses together.
In complex sentences, what is the effect of placing a dependent clause at the beginning rather than at the end?
It emphasizes the condition or circumstance described in the dependent clause.
It converts the dependent clause into an independent clause.
It renders the sentence grammatically incorrect.
It diminishes the importance of the independent clause.
Placing a dependent clause at the beginning of a sentence draws attention and emphasizes the condition or context it describes. This strategic arrangement can affect the reader's focus.
Consider the sentence: 'If she had known about the traffic, she would have left earlier, and she was on time.' Identify the error related to clause structure.
It lacks a subject in the conditional clause.
It improperly attaches an extra independent clause to a conditional sentence, confusing the cause and effect.
It uses a subordinating conjunction inappropriately by doubling it.
It is a correctly structured compound-complex sentence.
The sentence mistakenly adds an extra independent clause after the conditional clause, which muddles the intended cause-and-effect relationship. This disrupts the logical flow of the sentence.
In sentences where dependent clauses modify adjectives, what effect do they have on the sentence meaning?
They provide unrelated details.
They act as adverbs modifying the verb.
They serve as the main predicate.
They restrict or specify the noun they modify.
Dependent adjective clauses modify and limit the meaning of the noun by providing specific information. This restriction helps clarify which particular noun is being described.
Examine the sentence: 'The teacher, who was admired by all, explained the grammar rules that confused some students.' Which of the following best describes its clause structure?
It contains two independent clauses and one dependent clause.
It contains one independent clause, an adjective clause, and a noun clause.
It contains one independent clause and two adjective clauses.
It contains one independent clause and one adverb clause.
The sentence has a single independent clause: 'The teacher explained the grammar rules.' The phrases 'who was admired by all' and 'that confused some students' are both adjective clauses modifying 'teacher' and 'grammar rules' respectively.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify independent and dependent clauses in given sentences.
  2. Analyze sentence structures to distinguish between clause types.
  3. Apply rules for combining clauses to form coherent sentences.
  4. Evaluate examples for proper usage of independent and dependent clauses.
  5. Create original sentences that accurately incorporate both clause types.

Independent and Dependent Clauses Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand Independent Clauses - Independent clauses are your writing superheroes - they stand alone and deliver complete ideas, like "She enjoys reading." They always have a subject and a verb working together, so your sentences shine bright! Independent & Dependent Clauses Drill
  2. Recognize Dependent Clauses - Dependent clauses are the sidekicks - they need backup to form full sentences and often start with "because," "although," or "if." Alone they feel incomplete, but when paired correctly they add juicy detail! Dependent Clauses Guide
  3. Identify Subordinating Conjunctions - Subordinating conjunctions act like connectors, joining dependent clauses to independent ones and showing cause, time, or contrast. Words like "although," "since," and "while" spice up your sentences! Subordinating Conjunctions List
  4. Combine Clauses to Form Complex Sentences - Complex sentences blend independent and dependent clauses to boost your writing style. Try "Because she enjoys reading, she visits the library often" and watch your prose come alive! Build Complex Sentences
  5. Use Commas Correctly in Complex Sentences - When a dependent clause comes first, separate it with a comma ("Although it was raining, we went for a walk"). If the independent clause leads, skip the comma. Punctuation precision keeps your writing crisp! Comma Usage Rules
  6. Avoid Sentence Fragments - Starting with "Because I forgot the exam was today" is like telling a joke without a punchline - it leaves readers hanging. Always pair dependent clauses with an independent partner to complete the thought! Avoid Sentence Fragments
  7. Practice Identifying Clauses - Turn confusion into clarity by spotting independent and dependent clauses until it's second nature. Flashcards, apps, or quick drills can make you a clause-detecting ninja! Clause ID Practice
  8. Understand the Role of Clauses in Sentence Structure - Independent clauses stand tall alone, while dependent clauses sneak in extra flavor. Mixing them wisely gives your writing variety and keeps readers hooked! Clauses in Writing
  9. Use Reference Sheets for Quick Review - Keep a cheat sheet handy to recall definitions and examples of each clause type in a flash. When in doubt, a glance at your trusty sheet can save your study session! Clauses Reference Sheet
  10. Engage in Interactive Quizzes - Testing yourself with quizzes that challenge clause identification and combination turns learning into a fun game. Interactive practice cements your skills and builds confidence! Interactive Clause Quizzes
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