What is the Difference Between a Dependent Clause and an Independent Clause

A clause is a useful component of writing. It is a group of words that encompasses a subject and a verb. When it is combined with a phrase or other parts of speech, it conveys a meaning. Usually, it acts as a sentence wherein a subject indicates the reader what the sentence is all about and a verb tells what the subject is doing. A clause is broadly categorized into two types one is dependent clause and another is an independent clause. Let us understand the differences between a dependent clause and an independent clause.

Dependent Clause

Dependent clause is also known as subordinate clause that does not expresses a complete thought or idea and cannot stand alone in a sentence. It always needs an independent clause to complete a sentence. The subordinate clause is dependent due to due to the presence of many dependent words such as since, although, even though, while, in order to, because, etc. In addition to this, it also dependent due to some conjunction including but, yet, or, and, nor, etc.

For example:

•    Although I don’t remember his name, I am sure the boy was in my school.

•    Because I partied the whole night, I forgot to do my homework

•    Since I don’t have enough money, I cannot buy a gift for her.

•    Before the ice-cream melts, you must have it.

•    Whenever you come, you will be welcome.

In the above sentences, each underlined sentence is a dependent clause which neither expresses a complete thought not does it stands alone. It depends on the main clause to convey a meaning. A subordinate clause or dependent clause is further categorized into noun phrase, adverb phrase and adjective phrase.

Independent Clause

Independent clause is also known as the main clause. An independent clause expresses a complete thought or idea. It can stand alone in a sentence as it contains a subject or a verb to complete a sentence.

For example:

•    She wants to visit Disneyland.

•    The chefs are busy preparing food for the party.

•    I like singing and dancing.

•    She is wearing a nice dress.

•    John reads books at night.

In the above sentences, complete thoughts were expressed. For instance, in the last sentence, ‘John’ is the subject and ‘read’ is a verb, which make it a meaningful sentence. Hence, the sentence is considered as an independent clause.