Question

A clause is a group of words that has both a subiect and a verb. An independent clause has a subject and a verb and can stand by itself as a sentence. A dependent, or subordinate, clause has a subject and a verb, but it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. The following chart shows several kinds of clauses.
CLAUSE

ABOUT THE CLAUSE
EXAMPLE
Independent clause
• Can stand by itself as a sentence
When she heard the news, she was delighted.
Adverb clause
• Acts as an adverb
• Begins with a subordinating conjunction such as if, although, when, or because
The trip was pleasant because we took our time.
Relative clause
• Acts as an adjective
• Usually begins with a relative pronoun, such as who, whom, whose, which, or that
Her writing is the kind that critics adore.
Noun clause
• Acts as a noun
• Begins with a word such as what, whatever, when, where, why, or how
Whatever the town decides about the zoning, we will finish construction.
In a sentence with two or more clauses, you may need a comma between the clauses. For instance, you usually need a comma between an adverb clause and an independent clause.
Identify each underlined clause by writing IND for independent clause or SUB for
subordinate clause.
1.
Until the Spanish came along, the Inca had a large empire.
2.
The Inca were skilled engineers who built vast networks of roads.
3.
If they cooperated with the Inca, local leaders could stay in power.
Underline the subordinate clause in each sentence, and then write the type of clause it is on
the line.
4.
5.
6.
Lena is not responsible for what her brother decided to do.
Kangaroos are in the macropod family, which also includes wallabies.
Since he was working late, Michael ate dinner at his office.

Answer 1

Here are the identifications and underlined clauses for each sentence:

1. **Until the Spanish came along**, the Inca had a large empire.
- **Identification**: SUB
- **Type of Clause**: Adverb clause

2. The Inca were skilled engineers **who built vast networks of roads**.
- **Identification**: SUB
- **Type of Clause**: Relative clause

3. **If they cooperated with the Inca**, local leaders could stay in power.
- **Identification**: SUB
- **Type of Clause**: Adverb clause

4. Lena is not responsible for **what her brother decided to do**.
- **Identification**: SUB
- **Type of Clause**: Noun clause

5. Kangaroos are in the macropod family, **which also includes wallabies**.
- **Identification**: SUB
- **Type of Clause**: Relative clause

6. **Since he was working late**, Michael ate dinner at his office.
- **Identification**: SUB
- **Type of Clause**: Adverb clause