Question

practice a distinguishing independent and subordinate clauses
read each sentence. then, circle either independent or subordinate, depending upon whether the
underlined section is an independent clause or a subordinate clause.
example: my daughter asked that she be allowed to stay out late.
answer: my daughter asked that she be allowed to stay out late. independent subordinate

1. i dont think he even knew that i was there. independent subordinate
2. i would like to go, but i dont have enough money. independent subordinate
3. my father, who has been gone for a week, will be home today. independent subordinate
4. unless it stops snowing, you have to stay home. independent subordinate
5. my mother loves to ski, while my father hates it. independent subordinate
6. that building is old, and it is drafty. independent subordinate

Explanation:

1. "that I was there" is a subordinate clause as it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and functions as the object of the verb "knew".
2. "I would like to go" is an independent clause as it can stand alone as a complete sentence.
3. "who has been gone for a week" is a subordinate clause as it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and functions as a relative clause modifying "My father".
4. "Unless it stops snowing" is a subordinate clause as it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and functions as an adverbial clause.
5. "while my father hates it" is a subordinate clause as it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and functions as an adverbial clause.
6. "That building is old" is an independent clause as it can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Answer:

1. subordinate
2. independent
3. subordinate
4. subordinate
5. subordinate
6. independent