Independent and Dependent Clauses in Long Sentences

Start with the clause chart on Name the Clause and Its Job, then move to writing clauses. Use the sentence type sheet before a lesson on compound-complex sentences.

Bracket three clauses per sentence about the Underground Railroad and name each sentence type. An independent clause (I) can stand alone as a sentence, but a dependent clause (D) cannot. The directions on the page read: Each sentence has 3 clauses. Bracket each clause, leaving and or but outside. On the first 3 lines, write I or D for each clause in order. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade sentences, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, but a dependent clause cannot. Although the Underground Railroad had no trains is dependent, and it was real is independent. Students bracket three clauses in each sentence and label them.

An adjective clause describes a noun and often starts with who, whose, which or that. An adverb clause tells when, why, how or under what condition. A noun clause does a noun's job, as in I wonder what the map shows.

A long opening phrase is followed by a comma. Introductory Verbal Phrases and Their Commas has students name each opening phrase as participial, infinitive or prepositional and add the comma.