Independent vs Dependent Clause Quiz

You can do this quiz online or print it on paper. It tests some of the material covered on the Independent vs Dependent Clause page in our grammar section.

1. An independent clause is one that _______ a complete thought.

might form
doesn't form
forms
a) might form b) doesn't form c) forms

2. A dependent clause is one that _______ a complete thought.

doesn't form
might form
must form
a) doesn't form b) might form c) must form

3. Which is an example of an independent clause?

we love dancing
if you like to dance
although we like dancing
a) we love dancing b) if you like to dance c) although we like dancing

4. Which is an example of a dependent clause?

we didn't go
it was raining
because it was raining
a) we didn't go b) it was raining c) because it was raining

5. Which can also be called a subordinate clause?

an independent clause
a dependent clause
any type of clause
a) an independent clause b) a dependent clause c) any type of clause

6. Which can also be called a main clause?

an independent clause
a dependent clause
any type of clause
a) an independent clause b) a dependent clause c) any type of clause

7. If a clause leaves you wanting more information, it must be

an independent clause
a dependent clause
an incomplete clause
a) an independent clause b) a dependent clause c) an incomplete clause

8. To make sense, a dependent clause has to be added to an independent clause to form

a simple sentence
a complex sentence
an incomplete sentence
a) a simple sentence b) a complex sentence c) an incomplete sentence

9. Which is a dependent clause starting with a subordinating conjunction?

if she's free
that I'm meeting
who we met there
a) if she's free b) that I'm meeting c) who we met there

10. Which is a dependent clause starting with a relative pronoun, or a relative clause?

that's the movie
that we're seeing
with our friends
a) that's the movie b) that we're seeing c) with our friends

Your score is:

Correct answers:

Matt Errey Contributor: Matt Errey. Matt is the author of several books including 1000 Phrasal Verbs in Context and Common English Idioms for learners, and Matt's ESL Games and Quizzes for teachers.
01/2025