For the CSET test, you need to learn what dependent and independent clauses are.

Another term for dependent clause is subordinate clause: this means that the clause is subordinate to a different factor (the independent clause) and is determined by that other factor for its meaning.

A dependent clause is a clause which cannot exist alone; it wants a main (or independent) clause to go together with it. For example:

Because it was raining, I took my umbrella.

This sentence contains two clauses, “Because it was raining” and “I took my umbrella”. The primary clause doesn’t mean something on its own. In the event you say “Because it was raining”, and nothing else, people will not be able to understand what you mean. Nonetheless, “I took my umbrella” is an independent clause – we will perceive what it means even when it is by itself.

The difference between an independent and dependent clause rests on the appearance of one word.

Dependent markers include phrases like: as, after, before, until, once, since, while, when, whenever (referring to time), where, wherever (relating to place), although, though, despite,if, even if, even though, how, unless, whether, because, in order to, why, who, which, that (relative pronouns).

Take into account how the addition of one phrase changes the nature of the clause:

The inspector makes use of a dye to reveal imperfections in the metal. (independent clause)

After the inspector uses a dye to disclose imperfections within the metal… (dependent clause)

Until the inspector uses a dye to disclose imperfections within the metal… (dependent clause)

Only the first example is an independent clause and a whole sentence. By including a dependent marker reminiscent of “after” or “unless,” we flip the final two examples into dependent clauses. And since those examples are dependent, they can’t be complete sentences.

Again, a dependent clause cannot represent a whole sentence by itself. Because a dependent clause by itself is a sentence fragment, the last two examples above want an independent clause in order to make an entire sentence.

After the inspector uses a dye to disclose imperfections within the steel, she examines the turbine below a magnifying glass and black light.

Our buyer won’t settle for our bid unless the inspector uses a dye to reveal imperfections in the steel.

Note that dependent clauses may come before or after an independent clause. They may also be inserted into a different clause, as in this case: “The inspector, who makes use of a dye to disclose imperfections within the metal, gave last month’s high quality assurance statistics.

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