For the CSET examination, you should learn what independent and dependent clauses are.

Another word for dependent clause is subordinate clause: this means that the clause is subordinate to a different factor (the independent clause) and depends upon that other element for its meaning.

A dependent clause is a clause which cannot exist alone; it needs a main (or independent) clause to go along with it. For example:

Because it was raining, I took my umbrella.

This sentence incorporates two clauses, “Because it was raining” and “I took my umbrella”. The first clause doesn’t imply something on its own. If you say “Because it was raining”, and nothing else, individuals won’t be able to grasp what you mean. Nonetheless, “I took my umbrella” is an independent clause – we are able to understand what it means even if it is by itself.

The difference between an independent and dependent clause rests on the appearance of 1 word.

Dependent markers include phrases such as: as, after, before, until, once, since, while, when, whenever (referring to time), where, wherever (relating to place), although, though, despite,if, even if, even though, how, unless, whether, because, in order to, why, who, which, that (relative pronouns).

Consider how the addition of one word changes the character of the clause:

The inspector uses a dye to reveal imperfections within the metal. (independent clause)

After the inspector uses a dye to disclose imperfections in the metal… (dependent clause)

Until the inspector makes use of a dye to reveal imperfections in the metal… (dependent clause)

Just the first example is an independent clause and a complete sentence. By adding a dependent marker reminiscent of “after” or “until,” we turn the last two examples into dependent clauses. And since these examples are dependent, they can’t be full sentences.

Again, a dependent clause can not represent an entire sentence by itself. Because a dependent clause alone is a sentence fragment, the last two examples above want an independent clause so as to make a complete sentence.

After the inspector uses a dye to disclose imperfections within the metal, she examines the turbine below a magnifying glass and black light.

Our customer won’t settle for our bid until the inspector makes use of a dye to reveal imperfections within the metal.

Notice that dependent clauses may come before or after an independent clause. They may also be inserted into a different clause, as in this case: “The inspector, who makes use of a dye to reveal imperfections within the steel, gave last month’s quality assurance statistics.

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