Finding Clauses in Sentences
The main clause of a sentence is the independent part of the sentence that can stand on its own as a complete sentence. Below are two main clauses in the simple sentences.
Example
I forgot to get the mail.
I asked Dave to pick it up.
The main clauses can sometimes be more difficult to locate in longer sentences.
Example
I forgot to get the mail, but I asked Dave to pick it up. [”but” is a coordinating conjunction that shows that each main clause is of equal value.]
Although I forgot to get the mail, I asked Dave to pick it up. [”Although I forgot to get the mail” is a subordinate clause, or a dependent clause, because it can no longer be a sentence on its own.]
Try It!
Locate the main clauses, the subordinate clauses, and the coordinating conjunctions.
1. Even though she remembered to buy the milk, she forgot to get the bread.
2. I forgot to print my homework, but I did not worry about it.
3. Sam adopted a puppy, and he took it immediately to the vet for a check up.
4. Though I love to read, I do not enjoy science fiction.
5. She changed her hair style, but I do not like it!