Main and Dependent Clauses
Understand that the structure of a complex sentence includes a main clause and at least one dependent clause, and understand how writers can use this structure for effect.
Read this first
You can move a dependent clause to the front. Writers do it to change the emphasis.
Words you need
- Main clause
- It makes sense on its own. Also called independent.
- Dependent clause
- It cannot stand alone. It leans on the main clause.
- Emphasis
- The part the reader notices most. Usually what comes first.
Worked example
e.g. We stayed inside because the wind was strong. Move the emphasis.
- Find the two clauses. Split them at the joining word.
- Main: We stayed inside. It stands alone.
- Dependent: because the wind was strong. It cannot.
- Now swap the order. Put the dependent clause first.
- Because the wind was strong, we stayed inside.
- Notice the comma. It is needed when the dependent clause goes first.
- Read both aloud. Version one stresses staying inside.
- Version two stresses the wind. Same facts, different focus.
Front the clause you want noticed. Add a comma when you do.
Practice
Split at the joining word, then decide the order.
1Which clause can stand alone?with a picture
AnswerThe main clause.
2When do you need the comma?with a picture
AnswerWhen the dependent clause comes first.
3Rewrite with the dependent clause first: She smiled when he arrived.with a hint
Need a hint?
Do not forget the comma.
AnswerWhen he arrived, she smiled.
4Although it was late. Why is this not a sentence?with a hint
Need a hint?
Can it stand alone?
AnswerIt is a dependent clause with no main clause to lean on.
5Rewrite to stress the reason: The game was called off as it rained.on your own
AnswerAs it rained, the game was called off.
6Why would a writer front a dependent clause?on your own
AnswerTo put the emphasis on it. The first position gets noticed.
Think about it
1
Why does the same information feel different in a new order?
One good answerReaders weight the start of a sentence most heavily.
2
A whole page of fronted clauses. What happens?
One good answerIt becomes a tic. The reader notices the pattern, not the meaning.
Common mistakes
The main clause always comes first.
It often does, but it need not. Moving it is a deliberate choice.
A comma is always needed between clauses.
Only when the dependent clause comes first. We stayed inside because it rained needs none.