Question

Three Cheers for the Nanny State
Sarah Conly
A clause is a group of words containing a subject and a verb. An independent clause has a subject and a verb and is a complete sentence that can stand by itself.
A dependent, or subordinate, clause has a subject and a verb, but it does nol
have complete meaning. The following chart lists several types of clauses.
CLAUSE
ABOUT THE CLAUSE
Independent clause
Adverb clause
• Can stand by itself as a sentence

• Acts as an adverb
• Begins with a subordinating conjunction such as if, although, when, or because
Relative clause
• Acts as an adjective
• Usually begins with a relative pronoun, such as who, whom, whose, which, or that
Noun clause
• Acts as a noun
• Begins with a word such as what, whatever, when, where, why, or how
You may need to insert a comma between two or more clauses in a sentence. For example, you usually need a comma between an adverb clause and an independent clause.
DIRECTIONS: Identify each underlined clause by writing IND for independent clause or
SUB for subordinate clause.
1.
That is what is at risk, the ability to buy a large soda
2. _ Do we really need a ban on soda, when people can make their own
decisions?
3.
Some say the ban on soda could lead to worse laws, so we must be
careful.
4.
I agree that banning large-size sodas is a good idea.
5.
Even if it is for good reasons, some people do not like the idea of a ban.

Answer 1

Here are the identifications for each underlined clause:

1. IND (That is what is at risk, the ability to buy a large soda)
2. SUB (when people can make their own decisions)
3. IND (Some say the ban on soda could lead to worse laws, so we must be careful.)
4. SUB (that banning large-size sodas is a good idea)
5. SUB (Even if it is for good reasons)

Let me know if you need further assistance!