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 form of simple sentences.

Example

I forgot to get the mail.

I asked Dave to pick it up.

The same two 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 these two main clauses are 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!

 

Answers:

1. main clause: she forgot to get the bread
   subordinate clause: even though she remembered to buy the milk
2. main clause: I forgot to print my homework
   main clause: I did not worry about it
   coordinating conjunctions: but
3. main clause: Sam adopted a puppy
   main clause: he took it immediately to the vet for a check up
   coordinating conjunctions: and

   4. main clause: I do not enjoy science fiction
   subordinate clause: though I love to read

   5. main clause: She changed her hair style
   main clause: I do not like it
   coordinating conjunctions: but