Here's a breakdown:
* Dependent clause: A group of words that contains a subject and verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
* Main clause: A group of words that contains a subject and verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Examples:
* After I finished my homework, I went to the park. (Dependent clause: "After I finished my homework"; Main clause: "I went to the park")
* Because the weather was nice, we decided to go for a walk. (Dependent clause: "Because the weather was nice"; Main clause: "We decided to go for a walk")
* When I saw her, I knew it was her. (Dependent clause: "When I saw her"; Main clause: "I knew it was her")
Important Note: Not all dependent clauses require an introductory comma. If the dependent clause comes after the main clause, no comma is needed.
Let me know if you'd like more examples or have other questions!