Identifying Independent and Dependent Clauses

Identify each boldfaced group of words by writing IND for independent clause and DEP for dependent clause.

1. Joyce enjoyed geometry more than she enjoyed algebra. ______2. She liked the fact that the class began with simple shapes. ______3. A point was the first thing that the students learned about. ______4. A point has no length or width. ______5. When you study geometry, you must use terms accurately. ______6. For example, you may not say line when you mean line segment. ______7. A triangle, which everyone recognizes, is a shape made of three line segments. ______8. An equilateral triangle is a triangle whose three sides are equal. ______9. An isosceles triangle is different because it has only two equal sides. ______10. When Nick draws triangles, he uses a ruler. ______

11. The facts that are taught in math classes can be useful in practical problems. ______

12. Although Gene wants to paint his room, he needs to buy paint first. ______

13. He must figure the wall area so that he’ll buy the right amount of paint. ______

14. First he measures the length of each wall and the height of the room. ______

15. Then he measures the windows and doors, which do not need to be painted. ______

16. Gene calculates the area of the total wall space, and then he subtracts the area of the windows and doors. ______

17. Most people can do the math easily when they use calculators or computers. ______

18. Before you can multiply or subtract, you must decide which numbers to use. ______

19. Gene learned the formulas that he applies in his grade school math classes. ______

20. He won’t waste money if he measures and calculates correctly. ______

Recognizing Subordinate Clauses

Underline the subordinate clause in each of these complex sentences. Write “S” over the subject of the clause and “V” over the verb.

1. If it rains, the picnic will be made inside, on the floor.

2. We thanked Mrs. Johnson before we left.

3. If Darren remembers, he will buy batteries for the calculator.

4. The guide showed us where the meteor had struck.

5. After Jeff had seen the movie, he decided to read the book.

6. The audience grew quiet when the lights dimmed for the second act.

7. Although the Chargers improved in the second half, they still lost.

8. No one can enter the facilities unless he or she has permission.

9. The phone always rings when a person is the busiest.

10. I waited while the sales manager approved my check.

11. Maureen will not return from Canada until the summer ends.

12. Elaine understands more Spanish than Cheryl does.

13. Has anyone heard from Ted since he moved?

14. You should get plenty of sleep so that you will be alert.

15. David brings a huge radio wherever he goes.

16. Cynthia can’t play basketball because she sprained her wrist.

17. The dog can stay in the house as long as it behaves.

18. This fabric softener should be added before the rinse cycle starts.

19. Where were you when the blackout occurred?

20. After the rains came, the desert bloomed.

Using Subordinate Clauses

Use subordinating conjunctions from the list in your packet and create a subordinate clause to complete the sentence.

1. The band played after the team scored a touchdown.

2. Ted sprained his hand

_____________________________________

3. Paula hears the noise _____________________________________

4. He sings _______________________________________________

5. The crowed booed _______________________________________

6. Maria is writing ________________________________________________

7. It is a tie ______________________________________________________

8. She works ______________________________________________________

9. Pedro hit the ball __________________________________________

10. The train is late ________________________________________________