Identifying Dependent and Independent Clauses – Answer Key

Determine whether the underlined word groups are dependent clauses, independent clauses, or not a clause.

1. Although it was raining, Maria went for a jog at Civitan Park.    Dependent Clause
2. Brianna eats chocolate whenever she gets a poor grade in math.   Dependent Clause
3. After the flood, the family moved into a temporary shelter.   Not a Clause (This is simply a prepositional phrase.)
4. While walking at the park, John saw a raccoon eating potato chips.    Independent Clause
5. Students enrolled in bachelor’s and associate’s degree programs must pass the Regents’ Test as a graduation requirement. Independent
6. Students who fail to show up for the Regents’ test must enroll in the Regents’ remediation courses.   Dependent Clause
7. When you finish your homework, please take the dog for a walk.  Dependent Clause
8. After Juan completed the assignment, he swam laps at the gym.   Dependent Clause
9. Christa left home at 4:00 a.m. since she had to drive to Atlanta for a meeting. Dependent Clause
10. Before completing the assignment, Evan decided to eat a quick lunch.   Not a Clause