Main and subordinate clauses

Identify the main clause (makes sense alone) and the subordinate clause (depends on the main clause).

Name:

Date:

Try each question. If you're stuck, leave it and come back. The answer key is on the last page.

1
In 'I went to bed because I was tired', which is the main clause? A) I went to bed B) because I was tired C) to bed because D) was tired
Answer:
2
True or false: A main clause can stand on its own as a complete sentence. A main clause can stand on its own as a complete sentence. A) True B) False
Answer:
3
Which is the MAIN clause? 'I went home because I was tired.' A) I went home B) because I was tired C) I was tired D) home because
Answer:
4
True or false: a main clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. A main clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. A) True B) False
Answer:
5
In 'When the bell rang, the children left', which is the subordinate clause? A) the children left B) When the bell rang C) the bell D) children left
Answer:
6
Which group of words is a main clause? A) because she was late B) if it rains tomorrow C) the cat slept D) while we were eating
Answer:
7
True or false: 'although he tried hard' is a main clause. 'Although he tried hard' is a main clause. A) True B) False
Answer:
8
Build a sentence: main clause 'We ate dinner' + subordinate 'after we got home'. Arrange these words: dinner, we, got, ate, after, home, We
Answer:
9
Spot the sentence with the main clause underlined correctly. The main clause is shown in CAPITALS. A) Because it was sunny, WE WENT TO THE PARK. B) BECAUSE IT WAS SUNNY, we went to the park. C) Because IT WAS SUNNY, we went to the park. D) Because it WAS sunny, we went to THE PARK.
Answer:
10
In 'She smiled when she saw the gift', which is the main clause? A) She smiled B) when she saw the gift C) she saw the gift D) smiled when
Answer:

Answer key

Main and subordinate clauses · for parents and teachers

1
I went to bed
'I went to bed' makes sense on its own, so it is the main clause.
2
True
True. A main clause has a subject and a verb and makes sense by itself.
3
I went home
'I went home' makes sense on its own - it's the main clause.
4
True
Yes - main clauses make sense on their own.
5
When the bell rang
'When the bell rang' starts with 'when' and cannot stand alone, so it is the subordinate clause.
6
the cat slept
'The cat slept' makes sense on its own. The others all start with subordinating conjunctions.
7
False
False. It starts with 'although', so it cannot stand alone. It is a subordinate clause.
8
We ate dinner after we got home
'We ate dinner after we got home.' Main clause first, then subordinate.
9
Because it was sunny, WE WENT TO THE PARK.
'We went to the park' makes sense alone, so it is the main clause.
10
She smiled
'She smiled' is the main clause; 'when she saw the gift' is subordinate.