Clause Exercises – Clause Worksheet

In this clause worksheet, we will help you understand and practice using different types of clauses in English grammar. As you work through this worksheet, you will encounter a variety of exercises that will challenge you to identify clauses, use them in sentences, and understand their function within the structure of a sentence. 

Make sure to examine the articles provided below, which will aid in advancing your comprehension of clauses:

• Independent Clause
• Dependent Clause
• Noun Clause
• Adjective Clause
• Adverb Clause
• Relative Clause
• Subordinate Clause

Clause Worksheet

Clause Exercises

Clause Exercise 1: Identify the Type of Clause

For each sentence, identify whether the underlined clause is an independent clause (IC) or a dependent clause (DC).

1. We left the party early because we were tired.
2. When the rain stopped, the children went outside to play.
3. She can’t come to the phone right now since she is in a meeting.
4. Although he studied hard, he didn’t pass the exam.
5. If you build it, they will come.
6. The team celebrated after they won the game.
7. Before you go, please turn off the lights.
8. I think you should reconsider your decision.
9. While I was walking the dog, I saw a shooting star.
10. She completed the assignment on time.
11. Because the weather was bad, the flight was delayed.
12. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask.
13. He laughed when he heard the joke.
14. Unless you apologize, I won’t forgive you.
15. He is going to the market.

Answers:

Clause Exercise 2: Combine the Sentences 

Combine each pair of sentences into one using the correct conjunction (and, but, or, so, because, although, if, when, etc.).

1. She studied for the test. She wanted to get a good grade.
2. It started to rain. We were walking to the store.
3. He likes to play basketball. He likes to play soccer.
4. I was hungry. I made myself a sandwich.
5. You can take the bus. You can walk to the station.
6. The movie was scary. I couldn’t sleep at night.
7. She’s saving money. She wants to buy a new car.
8. The cat hid under the bed. The dog entered the room.
9. He must finish his homework. He can go out with his friends.
10. The sun was setting. The sky turned orange.
11. I will vote for her. She promises to lower taxes.
12. He didn’t hear the alarm. He was wearing headphones.
13. The flowers will bloom. Spring arrives.
14. The play was interesting. The acting was superb.
15. She didn’t see the sign. She walked into the restricted area.

Answers:

1. She studied for the test because she wanted to get a good grade.
2. It started to rain when we were walking to the store.
3. He likes to play basketball and soccer.
4. I was hungry, so I made myself a sandwich.
5. You can either take the bus or walk to the station.
6. The movie was scary, so I couldn’t sleep at night.
7. She’s saving money because she wants to buy a new car.
8. The cat hid under the bed when the dog entered the room.
9. He must finish his homework before he can go out with his friends.
10. When the sun was setting, the sky turned orange.
11. I will vote for her if she promises to lower taxes.
12. He didn’t hear the alarm because he was wearing headphones.
13. The flowers will bloom when spring arrives.
14. The play was interesting and the acting was superb.
15. She walked into the restricted area because she didn’t see the sign.

Clause Exercise 3: Create a Clause

Create a clause to complete each sentence. Indicate whether it’s an independent clause (IC) or a dependent clause (DC).

1. I will go to the beach __________.
2. __________, the game was postponed.
3. She bought a new dress __________.
4. __________ if you want to join the club.
5. They were laughing __________.
6. __________, she made a delicious pie.
7. The students will succeed __________.
8. __________ when the bell rings.
9. __________, I will take a short nap.
10. __________ because the road was icy.
11. __________, he decided to walk to work.
12. The concert was canceled __________.
13. __________, I enjoy reading books.
14. You will find the keys __________.
15. __________, we will have to reschedule the meeting.

Answers:

1. IC – if the weather is nice.
2. DC – Because of the heavy rain
3. IC – which she will wear to the party.
4. DC – You must apply
5. DC – because they heard a funny joke.
6. IC – Using fresh ingredients
7. DC – if they study hard.
8. DC – Leave the room
9. IC – After finishing my work
10. DC – The bus arrived late
11. IC – Since it was a sunny day
12. DC – due to the lead singer’s illness.
13. IC – Despite being busy
14. DC – if you look in the drawer.
15. DC – Unless the client confirms soon

Clause Exercise 4: Fill in the Blanks 

1. I will call you as soon as ___________.

• (A) I will arrive
• (B) I arrive
• (C) I have arrived

2. She can’t go to the party ___________.

• (A) unless she finishes her homework
• (B) if she doesn’t finish her homework
• (C) Both (A) and (B) are correct

3. ___________, we can go out for dinner.

• (A) If we finish work early
• (B) When we finish work early
• (C) Both (A) and (B) are correct

4. He always takes a nap ___________.

• (A) after he came home
• (B) after he comes home
• (C) after he has come home

5. ___________ she realized she had left her keys at home.

• (A) While she was driving
• (B) While she drove
• (C) Both (A) and (B) are correct

6. The children were excited ___________.

• (A) because the school was canceled
• (B) because of the school was canceled
• (C) because school was canceled

7. ___________, I will be able to help you with your project.

• (A) Unless I am busy
• (B) Provided that I am not busy
• (C) Both (A) and (B) are correct

8. ___________ that he passed his driving test.

• (A) He was so happy
• (B) He was such happy
• (C) He was too happy

9. You should wear a coat ___________.

• (A) in case it gets cold
• (B) in case it will get cold
• (C) in case it would get cold

10. ___________ the teacher will cancel the quiz.

• (A) If the students study hard
• (B) If the students will study hard
• (C) If the students studied hard

11. ___________ she has been feeling much better.

• (A) Ever since she started exercising
• (B) Ever since she starts exercising
• (C) Ever since she has started exercising

12. ___________ the movie had already started.

• (A) By the time we arrived
• (B) By the time we had arrived
• (C) By the time we arrive

13. ___________, the flowers will not bloom.

• (A) Unless we water them
• (B) If we will water them
• (C) If we water them

14. ___________ she agreed to go on a second date.

• (A) Despite he was late
• (B) Even though he was late
• (C) Although he was late

15. ___________ I always feel a bit homesick.

• (A) Whenever I travel abroad
• (B) Whenever I will travel abroad
• (C) Whenever I have traveled abroad

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Grammargeek

An experienced English grammar teacher since 2015, with a dedication to helping students improve their language skills.

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