Independent and Dependent Clauses: Coordination and Subordination

Grammar And Sentence Structure

This document explains the concepts of independent and dependent clauses, how to join independent clauses through coordination (using semicolons or commas with coordinating conjunctions like FANBOYS), and how to join dependent clauses to independent clauses through subordination (using subordinating conjunctions). It also covers common errors like comma splices and run-on sentences.

Clauses Sentence Structure Grammar

21 Questions Medium Ages 12+ Mar 6, 2026

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About this Study Set

This study set covers Grammar And Sentence Structure through 21 practice questions. This document explains the concepts of independent and dependent clauses, how to join independent clauses through coordination (using semicolons or commas with coordinating conjunctions like FANBOYS), and how to join dependent clauses to independent clauses through subordination (using subordinating conjunctions). It also covers common errors like comma splices and run-on sentences. Every question includes the correct answer so you can learn as you go — pick any format above to get started.

Questions & Answers

Browse all 21 questions from the Independent and Dependent Clauses: Coordination and Subordination study set below. Each question shows the correct answer — select a study format above to practice interactively.

1 What is an independent clause?

A A group of words that cannot stand alone.
B A group of words that contains at least one subject and one verb and can stand alone.
C A group of words that contains a verb but no subject.
D A group of words that expresses a complete thought but lacks a subject.

2 What is the term for joining two independent clauses?

A Subordination
B Fragmentation
C Coordination
D Apposition

3 Which of the following is NOT a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)?

A For
B And
C Nor
D Because

4 How can you join two independent clauses using coordination?

A With a dependent clause
B With a semicolon or a comma and a coordinating conjunction
C With a single coordinating conjunction
D With a relative pronoun

5 What is a dependent clause?

A A clause that can stand on its own.
B A clause that needs an independent clause to complete its meaning.
C A clause that contains only a subject.
D A clause that contains only a verb.

6 What is the term for joining a dependent clause to an independent clause?

A Coordination
B Subordination
C Apposition
D Fragmentation

7 Which of the following is an example of a dependent clause?

A The dog barked loudly.
B Because the weather was bad.
C She went to the store.
D He ate the entire pizza.

8 When a dependent clause comes before an independent clause, how is it typically punctuated?

A With a semicolon
B With no punctuation
C With a comma
D With a colon

9 When an independent clause comes before a dependent clause, how is it typically punctuated?

A With a comma
B With a semicolon
C With no punctuation between them
D With a colon

10 What error occurs when you join two independent clauses with only a comma?

A Run-on sentence
B Sentence fragment
C Comma splice
D Dangling modifier

11 What error occurs when you join two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction alone, omitting the comma?

A Comma splice
B Sentence fragment
C Dangling modifier
D Run-on sentence

12 The FANBOYS acronym stands for which coordinating conjunctions?

A For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
B Furthermore, Also, Nevertheless, Because, Or, Yet, So
C For, And, Now, But, Or, Yet, So
D For, And, Nor, Before, Or, Yet, So

13 Adding a conjunctive adverb after a semicolon to join two independent clauses can:

A Make the clauses equal in importance.
B Signal that the clauses are unequal.
C Add meaning or clarify the relationship between the clauses.
D Create a sentence fragment.

14 Which of these is a common subordinating conjunction?

A But
B And
C Because
D So

15 A clause is defined as a group of words that contains at least one subject and one ____.

A Adjective
B Adverb
C Preposition
D Verb

16 If Jennifer put a new washer in the bathroom faucet before leaving for the party, and Mai figured out how to fix the garbage disposal, what type of sentence is this?

A Simple sentence
B Compound sentence
C Complex sentence
D Fragment

17 The sentence 'Because Amy left the iron on.' is an example of:

A An independent clause
B A compound sentence
C A dependent clause
D A simple sentence

18 Which method of joining independent clauses uses a comma and a coordinating conjunction?

A Method 1: Semicolon
B Method 2: Comma and coordinating conjunction
C Method 3: Conjunctive adverb
D Method 4: Subordination

19 If you join two independent clauses with a semicolon, what can you add after the semicolon to clarify the relationship?

A A comma
B A coordinating conjunction
C A conjunctive adverb
D A dependent clause

20 The phrase 'lean on someone stronger' is used to describe the nature of a:

A Independent clause
B Compound sentence
C Dependent clause
D Simple sentence

21 What is the primary difference in punctuation when a dependent clause precedes an independent clause versus when it follows?

A A semicolon is used in the first case, no punctuation in the second.
B A comma is used when the dependent clause is first, no punctuation when it follows.
C No punctuation is used in either case.
D A colon is used when the dependent clause is first.

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