Example 1:
* Sentence: Although the weather was terrible, we still went to the park.
* Independent Clause: We still went to the park. (This part of the sentence could stand alone as a complete thought.)
* Dependent Clause: Although the weather was terrible. (This part of the sentence cannot stand alone as a complete thought. It depends on the independent clause for meaning.)
Example 2:
* Sentence: The book that I borrowed from the library was very interesting.
* Independent Clause: The book was very interesting.
* Dependent Clause: that I borrowed from the library. (This is a relative clause, modifying the noun "book.")
Example 3:
* Sentence: Because I had a lot of homework, I couldn't go to the party.
* Independent Clause: I couldn't go to the party.
* Dependent Clause: Because I had a lot of homework. (This is a subordinate clause, introducing the reason for the independent clause.)
Example 4:
* Sentence: When the sun rises, we will start our hike.
* Independent Clause: We will start our hike.
* Dependent Clause: When the sun rises. (This is an adverbial clause, modifying the verb "will start.")
Example 5:
* Sentence: I am happy that you came to visit.
* Independent Clause: I am happy.
* Dependent Clause: that you came to visit. (This is a noun clause, functioning as the object of the verb "am happy.")
Key Points:
* Complex sentences have at least one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
* Independent clauses can stand alone as complete sentences.
* Dependent clauses cannot stand alone and rely on the independent clause for meaning.
* Dependent clauses can function as adjectives (relative clauses), adverbs (adverbial clauses), or nouns (noun clauses).
Let me know if you'd like to see more examples, or if you'd like to practice identifying clauses in your own sentences!