Grammar Worksheet · Grades 5–7
Independent and Dependent Clauses Worksheet
A free printable grammar worksheet for grades 5-7 on independent and dependent clauses: an independent clause is a complete thought that can stand alone, while a dependent clause cannot. Students classify eight clauses, then answer four questions. A complete answer key is included.
Subject
Grammar
Grades
Grades 5–7
Skill Focus
Independent and Dependent Clauses, clauses
Lesson Length
15 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
A clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb. An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence, while a dependent clause has a subject and verb but cannot stand alone and usually begins with a word like because, when, or although. This worksheet builds the clause sense students need for complex sentences.
Section A gives eight clauses (She finished her homework; Because it was raining) and asks students to label each independent or dependent. The reference box teaches the idea with ‘Birds sing’ and ‘After the sun rose’, clauses not reused in the items.
Section B asks students to define an independent clause, explain why a dependent clause cannot stand alone, complete a dependent clause into a sentence, and write their own independent clause. Page 3 is a complete answer key. The skill builds toward complex and compound-complex sentences.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and test each example with ‘can this stand alone?’
Complete Section A independently – have students watch for opening words like because, when, although, since.
Work Section B item 11 together: finish ‘when the game ended’ into a complete sentence.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check or teacher review.
Pair with the Complex Sentences Worksheet or the Subordinating Conjunctions Worksheet for a clause mini-unit.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Free Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Independent and Dependent Clauses Worksheet
A free printable grammar worksheet for grades 5-7 on independent and dependent clauses: an independent clause is a complete thought that can stand alone, while a dependent clause cannot. Students classify eight clauses, then answer four questions. A complete answer key is included.
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