Independent Clause Worksheets and Exercises

Independent clauses are the building blocks of sentences, as they express complete thoughts and can stand alone as complete sentences. In this series of worksheets and exercises, you will practice identifying, understanding, and using independent clauses effectively. Complete the exercises to enhance your skills in distinguishing independent clauses from dependent clauses, combining independent clauses with coordinating conjunctions, and creating more complex and varied sentences. Let’s get started!

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Independent Clause Worksheets

1. Underline the independent clause in each sentence.

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Answer Key:

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2. Combine the sentences using a coordinating conjunction.

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Answer Key:

1. I want to go for a walk, but it’s raining outside.

2. They finished their work, so they went home.

3. She is my best friend, but she moved to a different city.

4. Although he studied hard for the exam, he didn’t pass.

5. I like reading books, but I don’t like reading magazines.

6. We can stay at home, or we can go to the park.

3. Combine the independent clause with the dependent clause to make a complete sentence.

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Answer Key:

1. I didn’t go to school → c) because I was sick.

2. She enjoys painting → g) although it takes a lot of time.

3. We played outside → j) after we finished our homework.

4. They left early → f) since the show was over.

5. He bought a sandwich → b) while he waited for the train.

6. I stayed up late → h) even though I was tired.

7. She didn’t answer the phone → d) when it started ringing.

8. We can go to the beach → e) if the weather is nice.

9. He wore a jacket → a) because it was cold outside.

10. The dog barked loudly → i) while the mailman was delivering a package.

Independent Clause Exercises

Independent Clause Exercise 1

Direction

Identify and correct the error in the use of independent clauses.

1. I went to the store and I bought some milk.

2. She was tired so she decided to rest.

3. The movie was great because it was too long.

4. He wants to go to the beach or he wants to stay home.

5. We can stay home, but we can also go to the park.

6. She didn’t finish her homework, and she went to bed early.

7. I can’t believe it, because I was just there.

8. The team played well yet they lost the game.

9. I enjoy running, and I don’t like swimming.

10. I am going to the meeting but I will leave early.

Answer Key

Independent Clause Exercise 2

Direction

Form a sentence using both an independent clause and a dependent clause.

1. (I / study / I / take a break)

2. (She / eat dinner / she / watch TV)

3. (They / go to the park / it / rain)

4. (We / leave the house / we / finish our work)

5. (He / do his homework / he / play video games)

6. (I / read a book / it / be interesting)

7. (She / visit her parents / she / enjoy the trip)

8. (I / go for a walk / I / feel tired)

9. (They / arrive at the airport / they / wait for the flight)

10. (We / go shopping / it / be too late)

Sample Answer Key

1. I study until I take a break.

2. She eats dinner while she watches TV.

3. They go to the park even though it rains.

4. We leave the house once we finish our work.

5. He does his homework before he plays video games.

6. I read a book because it is interesting.

7. She visits her parents because she enjoys the trip.

8. I go for a walk when I feel tired.

9. They arrive at the airport after they wait for the flight.

10. We go shopping unless it is too late.

Independent Clause Exercise 3

Direction

Choose the correct conjunction to combine the independent clauses.

1. I am going to the gym, _______ I’m feeling tired.
   a) so
   b) but
   c) or

2. She loves hiking, _______ she doesn’t have time for it.
   a) and
   b) but
   c) so

3. We could go to the beach, _______ we might just stay home.
   a) yet
   b) or
   c) for

4. He studied hard, _______ he passed the exam.
   a) and
   b) but
   c) so

5. I will call you later, _______ I have to finish some work first.
   a) for
   b) but
   c) or

6. She loves to cook, _______ she hates doing the dishes.
   a) so
   b) but
   c) for

7. We wanted to go out, _______ it was raining heavily.
   a) but
   b) so
   c) yet

8. He didn’t attend the meeting _______ he was sick.
   a) and
   b) because
   c) but

9. I enjoy running, _______ I need new running shoes.
   a) so
   b) but
   c) yet

10. They went on vacation, _______ they didn’t forget to bring their work.
    a) or
    b) so
    c) but

Answer Key

• b) but

• b) but

• b) or

• c) so

• b) but

• b) but

• a) but

• b) because

• b) but

• c) but