Highlight The One Independent Clause In The Following Sentence.When Buck Earned Sixteen Hundred Dollars In Five Minutes For John Thornton, He Made It Possible For His Master To Pay Off Certain Debts And To Journey With His Partners Into The East After
When it comes to understanding complex sentences, identifying the independent clause is a crucial step in analyzing the sentence's structure. In this article, we will delve into the world of English grammar and explore how to highlight the one independent clause in a given sentence.
What is an Independent Clause?
An independent clause, also known as a main clause, is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate (verb) and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a complete sentence. In other words, an independent clause has a subject and a verb, and it expresses a complete idea.
The Given Sentence
Let's take a look at the given sentence:
"When Buck earned sixteen hundred dollars in five minutes for John Thornton, he made it possible for his master to pay off certain debts and to journey with his partners into the East after"
Identifying the Independent Clause
At first glance, the sentence appears to be a complex sentence with multiple clauses. However, upon closer inspection, we can identify the independent clause. The independent clause is the part of the sentence that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.
In the given sentence, the independent clause is:
"He made it possible for his master to pay off certain debts and to journey with his partners into the East after"
This clause contains a subject ("he") and a verb ("made") and expresses a complete thought. The other part of the sentence, "When Buck earned sixteen hundred dollars in five minutes for John Thornton," is a dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause.
Why is the Dependent Clause Not an Independent Clause?
The dependent clause "When Buck earned sixteen hundred dollars in five minutes for John Thornton" is not an independent clause because it does not express a complete thought on its own. It relies on the independent clause to complete its meaning. In other words, the dependent clause provides additional information about when the action of the independent clause took place.
The Role of the Dependent Clause
The dependent clause "When Buck earned sixteen hundred dollars in five minutes for John Thornton" serves several purposes:
- It provides additional information about the timing of the action.
- It sets the scene for the action of the independent clause.
- It helps to create a more nuanced and detailed picture of the situation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the independent clause in the given sentence is "He made it possible for his master to pay off certain debts and to journey with his partners into the East after." This clause contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. The dependent clause "When Buck earned sixteen hundred dollars in five minutes for John Thornton" provides additional information about the timing of the action and helps to create a more nuanced and detailed picture of the situation.
Understanding Complex Sentences
Complex sentences like the one in this article can be challenging to analyze, but by identifying the independent clause, we can gain a deeper understanding of the sentence's structure and meaning. By recognizing the role of the dependent clause, we can also appreciate the ways in which it contributes to the overall meaning of the sentence.
Tips for Identifying Independent Clauses
Here are some tips for identifying independent clauses:
- Look for a subject and a verb.
- Check if the clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.
- Identify the main action of the clause.
- Consider the role of the dependent clause in relation to the independent clause.
In our previous article, we explored the concept of independent clauses and how to identify them in complex sentences. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about independent clauses to help you better understand this important aspect of English grammar.
Q: What is the difference between an independent clause and a dependent clause?
A: An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate (verb) and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a complete sentence. A dependent clause, on the other hand, is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate but does not express a complete thought. It relies on an independent clause to complete its meaning.
Q: How do I know if a clause is independent or dependent?
A: To determine if a clause is independent or dependent, look for the following characteristics:
- Independent clause: contains a subject and a predicate (verb) and expresses a complete thought.
- Dependent clause: contains a subject and a predicate but does not express a complete thought.
Q: Can a dependent clause stand alone as a complete sentence?
A: No, a dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It relies on an independent clause to complete its meaning.
Q: What is the role of a dependent clause in a sentence?
A: A dependent clause provides additional information about the independent clause. It can:
- Provide additional information about the timing of the action.
- Set the scene for the action of the independent clause.
- Help to create a more nuanced and detailed picture of the situation.
Q: Can a sentence have multiple independent clauses?
A: Yes, a sentence can have multiple independent clauses. In this case, the independent clauses are joined by a conjunction, such as "and" or "but."
Q: What is the difference between a compound sentence and a complex sentence?
A: A compound sentence is a sentence that contains two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction. A complex sentence, on the other hand, is a sentence that contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.
Q: How do I identify the independent clause in a complex sentence?
A: To identify the independent clause in a complex sentence, look for the following characteristics:
- Contains a subject and a predicate (verb).
- Expresses a complete thought.
- Can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Q: Can a sentence have multiple dependent clauses?
A: Yes, a sentence can have multiple dependent clauses. In this case, the dependent clauses are joined by a conjunction, such as "and" or "but."
Conclusion
In conclusion, independent clauses are a crucial aspect of English grammar. By understanding how to identify independent clauses and the role of dependent clauses, you can improve your writing and communication skills. Remember to look for the characteristics of an independent clause, such as a subject and a predicate, and to recognize the role of dependent clauses in providing additional information.
Tips for Working with Independent Clauses
Here are some tips for working with independent clauses:
- Practice identifying independent clauses in complex sentences.
- Use independent clauses to create clear and concise sentences.
- Recognize the role of dependent clauses in providing additional information.
- Use conjunctions to join independent clauses and create compound sentences.
By following these tips and understanding the concepts of independent clauses, you can become a more confident and effective writer and communicator.