Looking for some practice identifying clauses with your high school student? These independent and dependent clause worksheets are a quick, easy way to practice. There are 7 free printable independent clause and dependent clause worksheet pages in this set plus the answer key is included. Simply download the dependent and independent clauses exercises and you are ready to practice.

Independent and Dependent Clause Worksheets
Looking to enhance your students’ understanding of clauses? Whether you’re teaching 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, we have just the resource you need! Our collection of independent and dependent clause worksheets is the perfect way to dive into the world of clauses in a fun and engaging manner.
With **7 free printable worksheet pages**, your students will have the opportunity to practice identifying and differentiating between independent clauses, dependent clauses, and subordinate clauses. Each worksheet includes clear explanations and examples, making it easy for your students to grasp the concepts. Plus, we’ve included an answer key, allowing for quick assessment and feedback, which makes your life easier!
These worksheets cover essential topics such as what a clause is, how to identify dependent and independent clauses, and more. They are designed to reinforce your lessons, provide hands-on practice, and boost your students’ confidence in their grammar skills.
Whether you are a teacher looking for extra practice for your students, a student looking to brush up on some skills and prepare for the ACT, or a homeschooling family supplement your child’s education – these free english worksheets are just what you’ve been looking for! Simply download the exercises, print them out, and you are ready for a productive practice session! Let’s help your students master clauses and take their writing skills to the next level.
Plus don’t miss Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers Worksheets, free Subject Verb Agreement Worksheets, free phrases and clauses exercises, and lots of free english worksheets!
Independent Clause and Dependent Clause Worksheet
Start by scrolling to the bottom of the post, under the terms of use, and click on the text link that says >> __________ <<. The Dependent Independent Clause Worksheet pdf file will open in a new window for you to save your freebie. These worksheets come in black and white to save on printer ink.

What is a clause?
So, what exactly is a **clause**? In simple terms, a clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. Clauses are fundamental building blocks of sentences, and understanding them is key to improving writing and comprehension skills.
Now, let’s break down the two main types of clauses: **independent clauses** and **dependent clauses**.
What is an independent clause
An **independent clause** can stand alone as a complete sentence. For example, “I love to read.” It has a subject (“I”) and a verb (“love”), and it expresses a complete thought. This is the type of clause that gives your writing strength and clarity.
What is a dependent clause
On the flip side, a **dependent clause** (sometimes called a subordinate clause) cannot stand alone. It depends on an independent clause to make sense. For instance, in the sentence “Although I love to read, I don’t have enough time,” the part “Although I love to read” is a dependent clause. It sets the stage but needs the rest of the sentence to deliver a complete message.
What is a subordinate clause
Understanding **subordinate clauses** is particularly important because they add depth to our sentences. They allow us to express complex ideas and relationships between thoughts. For instance, “Because he studied hard, he passed the exam.” Here, “Because he studied hard” is a subordinate clause that provides more information about why he passed the exam.
Learning about clauses
Now, you might be wondering: why should high school students be able to identify these clauses? Here are a few reasons:
- Enhanced Writing Skills: Recognizing different types of clauses helps students construct more varied and sophisticated sentences. This diversity makes their writing more engaging.
- Improved Reading Comprehension: Understanding clauses aids in breaking down complex sentences and grasping their meaning more accurately. This skill is invaluable when tackling challenging texts in literature and essays.
- Critical Thinking Development: Identifying clauses encourages students to think critically about how ideas are connected and how they can effectively communicate their thoughts in writing.
- Standardized Tests: Many standardized tests include questions on grammar and sentence structure. Being adept at identifying clauses can give students an edge in their exams.
- ACT / SAT: Students will need to be able to identify and properly use clauses to score well on these college aptitude tests that open up scholarship opportunities.
In conclusion, mastering the concept of clauses—independent, dependent, and subordinate—is more than just a grammar exercise; it’s a pathway to becoming a better writer and communicator. So let’s encourage high school students to embrace these concepts! Happy learning!

Dependent and Independent Clauses Exercises
There are 7 pages for students to practice this English grammar skill. The pages come in black and white with a variety of problems to work throught.
The answer key is provided to allow parents, teachers, homeschoolers, and students to quickly and accurately correct their work and asses if they have mastered the concept.
Dependent Independent Clause Worksheet
The pages included in these free high school english worksheets are:
- What is a Clause – students will determine if the group of words forms a clause or not
- Dependent Clause – underline the dependent clasue in each sentence
- Independent Clauses – write yes or no to indicate if the group of words is an independent clause
- Indepemendent or Dependent Clause – check the box to indicate what type of clause is underlined
- Subordinate Clauses – underline the subordinat clauses
- Clauses: True or False – write true or false to show your knowledge of clauses
- Clauses – complete each sentence by adding an independent clause
High School Resources
- Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers Worksheets, independent and dependent clause worksheets, free clauses and phrases worksheets, and colon and semicolon worksheets
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- Subject Verb Agreement Worksheets or these agreement of subject and verb exercises
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- Free Music Listening Activity Worksheets
- Books: 12th grade reading level books, great 11th grade books, must-read 10th grade books, and 9th grade books
- Free printable certificates – lots of choices!

Dependent and independent clause worksheet
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