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Dependent Clauses – Quiz 1
Dependent Clauses Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the ability to identify and understand dependent clauses, including their functions in sentences. It covers comma usage in compound sentences, complex sentence structures, conditional and hypothetical situations, and distinguishing between independent and dependent clauses. The test aims to assess comprehension of clause identification and sentence structure.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Identify the independent clause in the sentence:The painting that you bought is hanging in the hallway.
A) The painting that you bought.
B) Is hanging in the hallway.
C) The painting is hanging.
D) In the hallway.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The independent clause in the sentence is "The painting is hanging." This clause can stand alone as a complete thought and contains both a subject ("the painting") and a predicate verb ("is hanging").
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option includes a relative clause that modifies "painting," making it dependent.
Option B:
This is the main verb phrase of the sentence but lacks a subject, making it incomplete as an independent clause.
Option C:
Correct. It stands alone as a complete thought with both a subject and predicate.
Option D:
This prepositional phrase does not contain a verb or subject to form a complete thought.
2.
What is the dependent clause in this sentence?Because I finished my homework early, I had time to play video games.
A) I had time to play video games.
B) Becuase I finished my homework early,.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The dependent clause in the sentence is "Because I finished my homework early," as it cannot stand alone and depends on the independent clause to complete the thought.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option refers to the main or independent clause, not the dependent clause.
Option B:
Correct. It is a dependent clause because it starts with "Because" and cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. Option B is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
3.
How should the sentence below be written so that it is correct? I got coffee and she got tea.
A) I got coffee, and she got tea.
B) As it is.
C) I got coffee and, she got tea.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) I got coffee, and she got tea.
This option uses a comma to separate the two independent clauses, which is appropriate according to the rules of dependent clause usage in English grammar. The sentence structure is clear and grammatically correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct use of a comma between independent clauses.
Option B:
Incorrect as it does not separate the two independent clauses with a comma, which can lead to ambiguity or confusion in reading.
Option C:
Incorrect due to the misplaced comma before "she got tea," which is unnecessary and disrupts the flow of the sentence.
Option D:
Not applicable as Option A is correct.
4.
Whoever spilled the paints should clean up.
A) Adverb clause.
B) Adjective clause.
C) Noun clause.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The clause "Whoever spilled the paints should clean up" functions as a subject in the sentence, which is characteristic of a noun clause. A noun clause can act as a subject when it answers the question “What?” or “Which?”. In this case, the clause identifies what person (subject) needs to perform the action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Adverb clause modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. This is not applicable here.
Option B:
Adjective clause modifies nouns or pronouns and provides additional information about them. This is not applicable here.
Option C:
Noun clause acts as a noun and can function as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Correct for this context.
Option D:
Not applicable since one of the options correctly identifies the clause type.
5.
"Sara went home."
A) Dependent clause.
B) Independent clause.
C) Run on sentence.
D) Subject and verb.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate, expresses a complete thought, and can stand alone as a sentence. "Sara went home" meets these criteria; it has both a subject ("Sara") and a predicate ("went home"), and it conveys a complete idea.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Dependent clauses are subordinate to an independent clause and cannot stand alone. "Sara went home" does not fit this description.
Option B:
Correct, as explained above.
Option C:
Run-on sentences combine two or more independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions. "Sara went home" is a single clause and thus cannot be a run-on sentence.
Option D:
While this option mentions the subject and verb, it does not capture the full nature of the clause as an independent unit that expresses a complete thought.
6.
Which sentence has an independent clause and dependent clause?
A) I went to the store because I needed milk.
B) She sang beautifully and danced gracefully.
C) He reads every day.
D) The teacher explained the lesson.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I went to the store because I needed milk" contains both an independent clause and a dependent clause. The independent clause is "I went to the store," which can stand alone as a complete thought. The dependent clause is "because I needed milk," which begins with the subordinating conjunction "because" and cannot stand alone.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Contains an independent clause ("I went to the store") and a dependent clause ("because I needed milk").
Option B:
Incorrect. Both clauses are independent.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only one independent clause.
Option D:
Incorrect. Only one independent clause.
7.
When using a coordinating conjunction to connect two independent clauses together I should put a comma before the coordinating conjunction:
A) Ture.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is A) True. When using a coordinating conjunction (such as for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to connect two independent clauses, it is necessary to place a comma before the conjunction. This rule helps improve readability by clearly separating the two main ideas.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
True - Correct according to English grammar rules.
Option B:
False - Incorrect, as explained above.
Option C:
All the above - Not applicable since only one option is correct.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect because Option A is true.
8.
What do subordinating conjunctions do?
A) Tell you when to pause in a sentence.
B) Tell what the subject is doing.
C) Stand on their own as sentences.
D) Link clauses.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Subordinating conjunctions, such as "although," "because," and "if," are used to link dependent clauses to independent clauses in a sentence. This linking is crucial for creating complex sentences that express relationships between ideas.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Subordinating conjunctions do not indicate pauses; punctuation typically does.
Option B:
Incorrect. They do not describe what the subject is doing but rather connect clauses.
Option C:
Incorrect. Dependent clauses cannot stand alone as complete sentences without an independent clause.
Option D:
Correct. Subordinating conjunctions link dependent clauses to independent clauses, forming complex sentences that express relationships between ideas.
9.
While helping me with my work
A) Independent Clause.
B) Dependent Clause.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it lacks a main verb or an independent clause to provide context and meaning. The phrase "While helping me with my work" is missing a main verb and thus cannot be a complete thought on its own.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Independent Clause - Incorrect, as the given phrase lacks a main verb.
Option B:
Dependent Clause - Correct, as it is missing a main verb and cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect, since only dependent clause fits the description.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect, as dependent clause correctly describes the phrase.
10.
I am lactose intolerant, ..... my wife is allergic to gluten.
A) But.
B) While.
C) Because.
D) In order to.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I am lactose intolerant,
While
my wife is allergic to gluten." uses the conjunction "while" correctly because it indicates a contrast between two related but different conditions. The word "while" is used to show that one condition exists in spite of or during another.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
But - Incorrect, as "but" typically introduces a contrasting idea at the beginning of a sentence.
Option B:
While - Correct, as it properly contrasts two related conditions in the middle of the sentence.
Option C:
Because - Incorrect, as "because" indicates causation rather than contrast.
Option D:
In order to - Incorrect, as this phrase is used to indicate purpose or intention and does not make sense in this context.
11.
Identify the dependent clause. "If you find out, please let me know."
A) Please let me know.
B) Me know.
C) If you.
D) If you find out.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A dependent clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it lacks additional information needed to express a complete thought. In the given sentence, "If you find out, please let me know," the dependent clause is "If you find out" because it contains a subject ("you") and a verb ("find out"), but requires the main clause for a complete meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option does not contain a subject or a verb, making it an incomplete sentence.
Option B:
This is too short to be considered a clause.
Option C:
While this starts with "If," it lacks a verb and thus cannot stand alone as a dependent clause.
Option D:
This option includes both a subject ("you") and a verb ("find out"), making it the correct dependent clause.
12.
Can stand by itself or with a dependent clause.
A) Prepositional phrase.
B) Dependent clause.
C) Independent clause.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An independent clause can stand by itself as a complete sentence and also function with a dependent clause to form a more complex sentence structure. This is why the correct answer is C) Independent clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Prepositional phrases cannot stand alone as they lack a subject and predicate.
Option B:
Dependent clauses, also known as subordinate clauses, need an independent clause to form a complete sentence.
Option C:
Independent clauses can function on their own or with dependent clauses.
Option D:
Not applicable in this context since the correct answer is identified.
13.
Identify the clause:She sings as if she were a professional singer.
A) A) Noun Clause.
B) B) Adjective Clause.
C) C) Adverb Clause.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The clause "as if she were a professional singer" modifies the verb "sings," indicating how she sings. This type of clause is known as an adverb clause because it functions to modify the verb, providing more information about the manner in which the action is performed.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Noun Clause - Incorrect; a noun clause would function as the subject or object of a sentence.
Option B:
Adjective Clause - Incorrect; an adjective clause modifies a noun or pronoun, not a verb directly.
Option C:
Adverb Clause - Correct; it modifies the verb "sings" by describing how she sings.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect; option C is correct.
14.
Independent or Dependent?While I was waiting for the bus.
A) Independent.
B) Dependent.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The clause "While I was waiting for the bus" is a dependent clause because it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and requires an independent clause to form a complete thought. Dependent clauses always begin with subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The clause is not independent.
Option B:
Correct. The clause is dependent.
Option C:
Incorrect. The clause is not all of the above.
Option D:
Incorrect. The clause is not none of the above.
15.
Read the following sentence and identify the INDEPENDENT CLAUSE only.John runs while Jim skates in the park.
A) While Jim skates.
B) John runs.
C) In the park.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The independent clause is "John runs." This clause contains a subject ("John") and a predicate ("runs"), making it a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
While Jim skates. - This is a dependent clause starting with a subordinating conjunction "while." It cannot stand alone.
Option B:
John runs. - Correct. This contains the subject and predicate, forming an independent clause.
Option C:
In the park. - This is a prepositional phrase and does not contain a subject or predicate.
Option D:
None of the above. - Incorrect since Option B is correct.
16.
What kind of clause is this?you will probably want to rest
A) Dependent clause.
B) Independent clause.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An independent clause contains a subject and a predicate, expresses a complete thought, and can stand alone as a sentence. The given clause "you will probably want to rest" has both a subject ("you") and a predicate ("will probably want to rest"), making it capable of standing alone.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Dependent clauses require a main clause or independent clause for their meaning, which is not the case here.
Option B:
Correct. The given clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect; this option includes an incorrect choice.
Option D:
Incorrect; the clause is indeed independent.
17.
When you leave tomorrow.
A) Independent.
B) Dependent.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
When you leave tomorrow is a dependent clause because it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and needs an independent clause to form a complete thought. Dependent clauses always begin with subordinating conjunctions (such as when, if, although) or relative pronouns (such as that, which, who).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Independent - Incorrect, because the given clause cannot stand alone.
Option B:
Dependent - Correct, as explained above.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect, since only dependent is correct for this clause.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect, because dependent is the right answer.
18.
We have to go to bed when the clock chimes 10:00.
A) Compound.
B) Complex.
C) Simple.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "We have to go to bed when the clock chimes 10:00." contains a dependent clause ("when the clock chimes 10:00"). This makes it a complex sentence because it includes an independent clause ("We have to go to bed") and at least one dependent clause. Therefore, Option B (Complex) is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Compound sentences contain two or more independent clauses without any dependent clauses.
Option B:
Correct as explained above.
Option C:
Simple sentences consist of a single independent clause with no dependent clauses.
Option D:
Not applicable since the sentence is complex.
19.
What is the verb?the orange cat ran quickly
A) Orange.
B) Ran.
C) There is no verb.
D) Cat.
E) Quickly.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb in the sentence "the orange cat ran quickly" is
ran
. The word "ran" describes the action performed by the subject, which is the cat.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Orange is an adjective describing the color of the cat.
Option B:
Ran is the verb indicating the action. Correct.
Option C:
There is no verb means none of the words are verbs, which is incorrect as "ran" is a verb.
Option D:
Cat is a noun representing the subject of the sentence.
Option E:
Quickly is an adverb modifying how the cat ran.
20.
Jane knows the student who won the scholarship.
A) Dependent Clause.
B) Independent Clause.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A dependent clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it lacks additional information needed to express a complete thought. "Jane knows the student who won the scholarship" contains a relative clause "who won the scholarship," which depends on the main clause for its meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The clause "who won the scholarship" is dependent as it cannot stand alone.
Option B:
Incorrect. An independent clause can stand alone and express a complete thought, which this sentence does not do on its own.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only one of these options is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. The statement is accurate as Option A is the right answer.
21.
Do the words in RED form a dependent clause or independent clause?Students who want to enroll in the program must pass an admissions test first, so I need to study if I want to get accepted as well.
A) Dependent Clause.
B) Independent Clause.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The clause "Students who want to enroll in the program must pass an admissions test first" is an independent clause because it contains a subject ("Students"), a verb phrase ("want to enroll...test"), and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Dependent Clause - Incorrect, the clause stands alone with a complete meaning.
Option B:
Independent Clause - Correct, it contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect, only one option is correct.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect, Option B is correct.
22.
She will not come ..... we compel her.
A) If.
B) Though.
C) Unless.
D) Whether.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Unless" is used to express a condition that, if not met, will result in the negative consequence stated in the main clause. In this sentence, "she will not come unless we compel her," it means she will only come if compelled.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"If" introduces a condition that is generally positive or neutral and does not fit the context of compulsion.
Option B:
"Though" indicates despite something, which also doesn't match the context of compulsion.
Option C:
"Unless" correctly conveys the conditional relationship where compulsion is necessary for her to come.
Option D:
"Whether" introduces a choice or uncertainty and does not fit the context of a condition that must be met.
23.
They visit the beach whenever it's sunny
A) Independent Clause.
B) Dependent Clause.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence and expresses a complete thought. "They visit the beach whenever it's sunny" is a complete sentence expressing a clear idea, thus making it an independent clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The given statement is a complete sentence with a subject ("they") and a predicate ("visit the beach whenever it's sunny").
Option B:
Incorrect. Dependent clauses cannot stand alone as they lack a main verb or a subject to express a complete thought. "Whenever it's sunny" in this case is a dependent clause, but not the entire statement.
Option C:
Incorrect. The given statement does not fit both categories simultaneously.
Option D:
Incorrect. The statement clearly fits into one of the other options.
24.
A dependent clause is not a complete thought.
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, is defined as a group of words that includes a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it lacks a main clause to provide a complete thought or action. Therefore, the statement "A dependent clause is not a complete thought" is accurate.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Dependent clauses lack an independent clause and thus do not express a complete thought.
Option B:
Incorrect. Dependent clauses are incomplete thoughts by definition.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only one option can be correct in this case.
Option D:
Incorrect. All other options are incorrect.
25.
What kind of clause is this?it will continue to leak oil
A) Dependent clause.
B) Independent clause.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence and expresses a complete thought. The given phrase "it will continue to leak oil" is a complete sentence expressing a clear idea, thus it is an independent clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Dependent clauses are not complete sentences and cannot stand alone as they lack a subject or predicate.
Option B:
Correct. The phrase "it will continue to leak oil" is an independent clause because it can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect, as the given phrase does not fit the definition of dependent clauses.
Option D:
Incorrect, as the given phrase fits the definition of an independent clause.
26.
Read the following sentence:Because the storm knocked out the power, school will be canceled on Thursday.Choose which part of the sentence is the DEPENDENT clause.
A) Because the storm knocked out the power,.
B) School will be canceled on Thursday.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The dependent clause is "Because the storm knocked out the power," as it cannot stand alone and depends on the independent clause to complete the sentence meaningfully.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. This part of the sentence introduces a reason that cannot stand alone.
Option B:
Incorrect. This is an independent clause, capable of standing alone as a complete thought.
Option C:
Incorrect. "All the above" would include both dependent and independent clauses, which is not accurate here.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
27.
When the day ends, we can all go home and make cookies.
A) Dependent clause.
B) Independent clause.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A dependent clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it lacks additional information needed to express a complete thought. The phrase "When the day ends" in the given statement is a dependent clause because it starts with a subordinating conjunction ("when") and provides a condition or time, but does not express a complete idea on its own.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The phrase "When the day ends" is a dependent clause.
Option B:
Incorrect. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, which this phrase cannot do.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only one of these options is correct for this specific example.
Option D:
Incorrect. The given phrase is indeed a dependent clause.
28.
Which clause is independent?After the puppy woke up, Jim took it for a walk.
A) After the puppy woke up.
B) Jim took it for a walk.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence and expresses a complete thought. In the given sentence, "After the puppy woke up, Jim took it for a walk," both parts could be separate sentences: "After the puppy woke up." and "Jim took it for a walk." However, only "Jim took it for a walk" is a complete independent clause because it contains a subject (Jim) and a predicate (took it for a walk).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This is a dependent clause introduced by the preposition "After." Dependent clauses cannot stand alone as sentences.
Option B:
Correct. It contains a subject and predicate, making it an independent clause.
Option C:
Incorrect because only one of the options is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect since Option B is indeed an independent clause.
29.
When disease ruined crops in Wisconsin, the farmers raised dairy cows.The red text is an independent clause or a dependent clause?
A) Independent Clause.
B) Dependent Clause.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The red text "When disease ruined crops in Wisconsin, the farmers raised dairy cows" is a dependent clause because it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence; it requires an independent clause to form a complete thought.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Independent Clause. Incorrect.
Option B:
Dependent Clause. Correct.
Option C:
All the above. Incorrect.
Option D:
None of the above. Incorrect.
30.
Choose the dependent clause in the sentence: "I will start my homework when I get home."
A) I get home.
B) Start my homework.
C) When I get home.
D) I will start my homework.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A dependent clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it lacks additional information needed to express a complete thought. In the given sentence, "I will start my homework when I get home," the dependent clause is "When I get home." This clause contains a subject ("I") and a verb ("get"), but it needs more context (the main clause) to form a complete sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Not a dependent clause; lacks a verb.
Option B:
Not a clause; just an infinitive phrase.
Option C:
Correct. Contains subject and verb, but cannot stand alone.
Option D:
Independent clause; can stand alone as a sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dependent clause?
A dependent clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it lacks an independent clause to provide context or a complete thought.
How do you identify a dependent clause?
Dependent clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions such as because, although, since, or relative pronouns like who, which, that. They cannot stand alone and need an independent clause to form a complete sentence.
Can a dependent clause be part of a larger sentence?
Yes, a dependent clause can be integrated into a larger sentence along with an independent clause. This combination forms a complex sentence that provides more detailed information or context.
What is the difference between a dependent and an independent clause?
An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence because it contains both a subject and a predicate. A dependent clause, on the other hand, cannot function independently as it lacks one of these components or needs additional context to form a complete thought.
Are there different types of dependent clauses?
Yes, there are several types of dependent clauses including adverb clauses (which modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs), noun clauses (which act as the subject or object of a sentence), and conditional clauses (which express hypothetical situations).