Question

Use the drop-down menus to identify the dependent clause in each complex sentence.

While Patrick set the table, Fernando made dinner.


Ravi will send us a text message if he is running late.


Susannah called her brother before she boarded the plane.

Answer 1

1. While Patrick set the table

2 If he is running late

3. Before she boarded the plane

Step-by-step explanation:

Dependent always needs a little help while independent can make a sentence all by itself.

Answer 2

The dependent clauses would be the following ones:

- While Patrick set the table

- If he is running late

- Before she boarded the plane

Step-by-step explanation:

A dependent clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb. It does not express a complete thought so it is not a sentence and can't stand alone. It depends on the the main clause to complete its meaning. These clauses include adverb clauses, adjective clauses, and noun clauses. In the choices presented, all the dependent clauses are adverb clauses.

Adverbs clauses modifiy verbs and begin with a subordinating conjunction (while, if, before). The fact that the following clauses are grammatically incorrect proves that they can stand alone as sentences (1, 2, 3).

1. *While Patrick set the table

2. * If he is running late

3. * Before she boarded the plane