Day 27 Topic 24

Here is a complete guide to Clauses & Phrases for the ATI TEAS Version 7 (English & Language Usage) , focusing on:

Independent vs. dependent clauses
Grammar tricks (mnemonics + tips)
Practice questions with options and answers

1. Definitions (Quick Reference)

Term	Definition	Example
Clause	A group of words with a subject and a verb	She runs.
Phrase	A group of words without a subject-verb pair	in the park
Independent clause	Can stand alone as a complete sentence	She runs every morning.
Dependent clause	Cannot stand alone; needs an independent clause	Because she runs every morning

2. Independent Clauses

Definition

An independent clause (also called a main clause) has:

A subject
A verb
A complete thought

It can stand alone as a sentence.

Examples

Independent Clause	Subject	Verb
The dog barked.	The dog	barked
She is reading a book.	She	is reading
They went home.	They	went
I love chocolate.	I	love

Grammar Trick: S.V.C.

Letter	Meaning	Ask yourself
S	Subject?	Who or what?
V	Verb?	Action or state?
C	Complete thought?	Does it make sense alone?

📌 Trick: If you can put a period at the end and it feels finished, it's independent.

3. Dependent Clauses

Definition

A dependent clause (also called a subordinate clause) has:

A subject
A verb
BUT does not express a complete thought

It begins with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun.

Common Subordinating Conjunctions (A.WHITE BUS)

Letter	Word	Letter	Word
A	after	H	how
W	when	I	if
H	where	T	than
I	while	E	even if
T	though	B	because
E	although	U	unless
B	before	S	since
U	until
S	so that

Additional common ones:
as, as if, as long as, as soon as, in order that, provided that, rather than, whereas, wherever

Common Relative Pronouns

Examples of Dependent Clauses

Dependent Clause	Subject	Verb	Begins with
Because she was tired	she	was	Because
When the bell rang	the bell	rang	When
Although he tried hard	he	tried	Although
Who lives next door	who	lives	Who
That I bought yesterday	I	bought	That

Grammar Trick: D.C. = Depend on S.A.M.

Letter	Meaning	Examples
S	Subordinating conjunction	because, although, when
A	After the clause, needs main clause	When it rains, I stay inside.
M	Missing complete thought	Leaves you hanging

📌 Trick: If a clause starts with a "dependent word", it’s dependent. Ask: "So what?"

4. Independent vs. Dependent Clauses – Comparison Table

Feature	Independent Clause	Dependent Clause
Complete thought?	Yes	No
Can stand alone?	Yes	No
Begins with subordinating conjunction?	No	Yes (often)
Begins with relative pronoun?	No	Yes (sometimes)
Example	She smiled.	Because she smiled
Question to ask	Does it make sense alone?	What happens next?

5. How to Identify Dependent Clauses (The "So What?" Test)

Dependent Clause	"So What?" Response	Independent?
Because it was raining	So what happened? → Not complete	❌
When I arrived home	So what? → Not complete	❌
Although she studied	So what? → Not complete	❌
The dog barked	No question needed	✅

6. Phrases (Distinguishing from Clauses)

Definition

A phrase is a group of words that does not contain a subject-verb pair.

Type of Phrase	Example	Subject + Verb?
Noun phrase	the big red ball	No
Verb phrase	has been running	No
Prepositional phrase	in the morning	No
Infinitive phrase	to learn English	No
Participial phrase	running quickly	No

Clause vs. Phrase – Quick Comparison

Group of Words	Subject + Verb?	Clause or Phrase?
in the garden	No	Phrase
She sings	Yes	Clause (independent)
when she sings	Yes	Clause (dependent)
running down the street	No	Phrase
after the rain stopped	Yes	Clause (dependent)

7. Grammar Tricks for TEAS Success

Trick 1: The "Dependent Word" List (A.WHITE BUS)

A W H I T E B U S
after when where if though even if because unless since
although while how than even though before until so that

Trick 2: The "Period Test"

Complete → Independent
Incomplete → Dependent

Trick 3: The "Question Test"

If it feels complete → independent
If it feels unfinished → dependent

Trick 4: Comma Rule Trick

Order	Rule
Dependent clause FIRST	Use comma
Dependent clause SECOND	No comma

8. Practice Questions (with Options and Answers)

Part 1: Independent vs. Dependent Clauses (1–15)

Question 1
Which is independent?
A) Because the sun was shining
B) When the meeting ended
C) She drove to work
D) Although he was tired

✅ Answer: C

Question 2
Which is dependent?
A) The cat slept on the couch
B) I enjoy reading books
C) They arrived late
D) After the movie started

✅ Answer: D

Question 3
"When the rain stopped, we went outside to play."
A) we went outside to play
B) When the rain stopped
C) to play
D) outside to play

✅ Answer: B

Question 4
"Although she was nervous, she gave a great presentation."
A) Although she was nervous
B) she gave a great presentation
C) a great presentation
D) Although she was

✅ Answer: B

Question 5
Which is independent?
A) If you study hard
B) Because I said so
C) The car needs gas
D) When the bell rings

✅ Answer: C

Question 6
Which is dependent?
A) The phone rang loudly
B) She answered immediately
C) Before the sun set
D) The children played outside

✅ Answer: C

Question 7
"I will go to the party even if I am tired."
A) Independent clause
B) Dependent clause
C) Phrase
D) Compound sentence

✅ Answer: B

Question 8
Only independent clause:
A) Because she smiled
B) When he arrives
C) The flowers are beautiful
D) Although it is cold

✅ Answer: C

Question 9
Contains dependent clause:
A) She likes coffee
B) He drives to work
C) They are sleeping
D) If you need help, call me

✅ Answer: D

Part 1: Identifying Independent vs. Dependent Clauses (Questions 1–15)

Question 1
Which of the following is an independent clause?

A) Because the sun was shining
B) When the meeting ended
C) She drove to work
D) Although he was tired

✅ Answer: C

Question 2
Which of the following is a dependent clause?

A) The cat slept on the couch
B) I enjoy reading books
C) They arrived late
D) After the movie started

✅ Answer: D

Question 3
Identify the dependent clause in the sentence:
"When the rain stopped, we went outside to play."

A) we went outside to play
B) When the rain stopped
C) to play
D) outside to play

✅ Answer: B

Question 4
Identify the independent clause in the sentence:
"Although she was nervous, she gave a great presentation."

A) Although she was nervous
B) she gave a great presentation
C) a great presentation
D) Although she was

✅ Answer: B

Question 5
Which group of words is an independent clause?

A) If you study hard
B) Because I said so
C) The car needs gas
D) When the bell rings

✅ Answer: C

Question 6
Which group of words is a dependent clause?

A) The phone rang loudly
B) She answered immediately
C) Before the sun set
D) The children played outside

✅ Answer: C

Question 7
In the sentence below, the underlined portion is:
"I will go to the party even if I am tired."

A) Independent clause
B) Dependent clause
C) Phrase
D) Compound sentence

✅ Answer: B

Question 8
Which of the following contains only an independent clause?

A) Because she smiled
B) When he arrives
C) The flowers are beautiful
D) Although it is cold

✅ Answer: C

Question 9
Which of the following contains a dependent clause?

A) She likes coffee.
B) He drives to work.
C) They are sleeping.
D) If you need help, call me.

✅ Answer: D

Question 10
"Since you are here, we can start the meeting."
The dependent clause is:

A) we can start the meeting
B) Since you are here
C) start the meeting
D) you are here

✅ Answer: B

Question 11
"The book that I borrowed from the library is overdue."
The dependent clause is:

A) The book is overdue
B) that I borrowed from the library
C) from the library
D) The book

✅ Answer: B (relative clause beginning with "that")

Question 12
Which of the following is NOT a dependent clause?

A) While she was sleeping
B) Unless you apologize
C) The sun rose early
D) Because it was raining

✅ Answer: C

Question 13
"Wherever you go, I will follow you."
The dependent clause is:

A) I will follow you
B) Wherever you go
C) follow you
D) you go

✅ Answer: B

Question 14
Which sentence contains a dependent clause?

A) The dog barked loudly.
B) She ran to the store.
C) He finished his homework and went to bed.
D) After the game ended, the fans cheered.

✅ Answer: D

Question 15
"She failed the test because she didn't study."
The independent clause is:

A) because she didn't study
B) She failed the test
C) didn't study
D) She failed

✅ Answer: B

Part 2: Distinguishing Clauses from Phrases (Questions 16–25)

Question 16
Which of the following is a phrase (NOT a clause)?

A) She sings beautifully
B) in the morning
C) When the bell rings
D) Because I am happy

✅ Answer: B

Question 17
Which of the following is a clause?

A) under the table
B) running quickly
C) to the store
D) she arrived late

✅ Answer: D

Question 18
Identify the phrase in the sentence:
"The man in the blue suit is my uncle."

A) The man
B) in the blue suit
C) is my uncle
D) my uncle

✅ Answer: B (prepositional phrase, no subject-verb)

Question 19
Identify the clause in the sentence:
"After eating dinner, we watched a movie."

A) After eating dinner
B) eating dinner
C) we watched a movie
D) watched a movie

✅ Answer: C (independent clause)

Question 20
Which group of words is a clause?

A) across the street
B) running through the park
C) to finish the work
D) they are coming

✅ Answer: D

Question 21
Which group of words is a phrase?

A) Because I was late
B) The sun is shining
C) on top of the mountain
D) When she arrives

✅ Answer: C

Question 22
"Walking to school, Sarah saw a rainbow."
The phrase is:

A) Walking to school
B) Sarah saw a rainbow
C) a rainbow
D) Sarah saw

✅ Answer: A (participial phrase)

Question 23
Which of the following contains ONLY a phrase (no clause)?

A) She is happy.
B) After the rain stopped.
C) in the middle of the night
D) The car needs gas.

✅ Answer: C

Question 24
"To win the championship is our goal."
The underlined group is:

A) Independent clause
B) Dependent clause
C) Phrase
D) Compound sentence

✅ Answer: C (infinitive phrase)

Question 25
Which of the following is a clause?

A) having fun
B) under the bridge
C) with great care
D) they laughed

✅ Answer: D

Part 3: Combining Clauses – Punctuation Rules (Questions 26–35)

Question 26
Which sentence correctly combines an independent and dependent clause?

A) Because she was tired she went to bed.
B) Because she was tired, she went to bed.
C) Because she was tired, she went, to bed.
D) Because she was tired she went, to bed.

✅ Answer: B (comma after dependent clause when it comes first)

Question 27
Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A) I will call you when I arrive home.
B) I will call you, when I arrive home.
C) I will call you when, I arrive home.
D) I will call you when I arrive, home.

✅ Answer: A (no comma when dependent clause comes second)

Question 28
Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.

A) Although he studied hard he failed the exam.
B) Although he studied hard, he failed the exam.
C) Although, he studied hard he failed the exam.
D) Although he studied hard he failed, the exam.

✅ Answer: B

Question 29
Which sentence is correct?

A) She smiled when, she saw him.
B) She smiled, when she saw him.
C) She smiled when she saw him.
D) She smiled when she saw, him.

✅ Answer: C

Question 30
Choose the INCORRECT sentence.

A) If it rains, the picnic will be canceled.
B) The picnic will be canceled if it rains.
C) If it rains the picnic will be canceled.
D) The picnic will be canceled if it rains.

✅ Answer: C (missing comma after dependent clause)

Question 31
Which sentence correctly uses a comma?

A) Since you asked I will tell you.
B) Since you asked, I will tell you.
C) Since, you asked I will tell you.
D) Since you asked I will tell, you.

✅ Answer: B

Question 32
Which sentence does NOT need a comma?

A) When the movie ended we left.
B) Because she was happy she danced.
C) We left when the movie ended.
D) Although it was late she stayed.

✅ Answer: C (dependent clause second = no comma)

Question 33
Choose the correctly punctuated complex sentence.

A) Even though I was scared, I went on the roller coaster.
B) Even though I was scared I went on the roller coaster.
C) Even though, I was scared I went on the roller coaster.
D) Even though I was scared I went, on the roller coaster.

✅ Answer: A

Question 34
Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A) Before you leave, turn off the lights.
B) Before you leave turn off the lights.
C) Before, you leave turn off the lights.
D) Before you leave turn off, the lights.

✅ Answer: A

Question 35
Correct punctuation for:
"I will help you if you need me"

A) I will help you, if you need me.
B) I will help you if, you need me.
C) I will help you if you need me.
D) I will help, you if you need me.

✅ Answer: C

Part 4: Identifying Clause Types in Sentences (Questions 36–45)

Question 36
What type of clause is "because she loves to read"?

A) Independent clause
B) Dependent clause (adverb clause)
C) Noun phrase
D) Prepositional phrase

✅ Answer: B

Question 37
What type of clause is "who lives next door"?

A) Independent clause
B) Dependent clause (adjective/relative clause)
C) Verb phrase
D) Independent clause

✅ Answer: B

Question 38
In the sentence "I know that you are telling the truth," the clause "that you are telling the truth" functions as:

A) An independent clause
B) A dependent noun clause
C) A phrase
D) An adverb clause

✅ Answer: B

Question 39
In the sentence "The student who won the contest is my brother," the clause "who won the contest" is:

A) Independent clause
B) Dependent adjective clause
C) Noun phrase
D) Adverb clause

✅ Answer: B

Question 40
How many independent clauses are in this sentence?
"She ran to the store, but it was already closed."

A) 0
B) 1
C) 2
D) 3

✅ Answer: C ("She ran to the store" and "it was already closed")

Question 41
How many dependent clauses are in this sentence?
"Because it was raining, we stayed home, although we wanted to go out."

A) 0
B) 1
C) 2
D) 3

✅ Answer: C ("Because it was raining" and "although we wanted to go out")

Question 42
Identify the sentence type:
"When the bell rang, the students left the classroom."

A) Simple sentence
B) Compound sentence
C) Complex sentence
D) Compound-complex sentence

✅ Answer: C (one dependent + one independent)

Question 43
Identify the sentence type:
"She studied hard, but she still failed because she was sick."

A) Simple sentence
B) Compound sentence
C) Complex sentence
D) Compound-complex sentence

✅ Answer: D (two independent + one dependent)

Question 44
Which sentence contains two independent clauses?

A) Because I was late, I missed the bus.
B) I was late, so I missed the bus.
C) I missed the bus because I was late.
D) Missing the bus made me late.

✅ Answer: B ("I was late" and "I missed the bus" joined by "so")

Question 45
Which sentence contains a dependent clause?

A) The dog barked and the cat ran away.
B) The dog barked loudly.
C) The dog that barked loudly is mine.
D) The dog barked at the cat.

✅ Answer: C ("that barked loudly" – relative clause)

Part 5: TEAS-Style Mixed Practice (Questions 46–50)

Question 46
Read the sentence below. Choose the option that correctly identifies the underlined portion.
"Although the weather was cold, we decided to go hiking."

A) Independent clause
B) Dependent clause
C) Phrase
D) Compound sentence

✅ Answer: B

Question 47
Which of the following is a complete sentence (independent clause)?

A) Because she forgot her keys.
B) Running down the street.
C) When the phone rang.
D) The flowers need water.

✅ Answer: D

Question 48
Choose the option that correctly completes the sentence:
"___________ , you will succeed."

A) If you work hard
B) If you work hard.
C) Working hard
D) Because working hard

✅ Answer: A

Question 49
Which sentence contains an error in clause punctuation?

A) After the show ended, we went for dinner.
B) We went for dinner after the show ended.
C) After the show ended we went for dinner.
D) We went for dinner after the show ended.

✅ Answer: C

Question 50
How many clauses (both independent and dependent) are in this sentence?
"When I woke up, I saw that it was snowing, so I made coffee."

A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5

✅ Answer: B

25 practice questions on Clauses & Phrases (Independent vs. Dependent clauses) for the ATI TEAS Version 7.

Answers are NOT included in this set. Each question has 4 options (A–D).

Questions 1–5: Identifying Independent vs. Dependent Clauses

Question 1

Which of the following is an independent clause?

A) Because the alarm clock didn't ring
B) When the teacher entered the classroom
C) The students completed their assignment
D) Although she studied all night

Question 2

Which of the following is a dependent clause?

A) The coffee is cold
B) She drives to work every day
C) Before the movie started
D) They arrived on time

Question 3

Identify the dependent clause in the sentence:
"If you need any help, please call me immediately."

A) please call me immediately
B) If you need any help
C) call me immediately
D) you need any help

Question 4

Identify the independent clause in the sentence:
"Even though it was raining, the team continued to play."

A) Even though it was raining
B) the team continued to play
C) it was raining
D) continued to play

Question 5

Which group of words is an independent clause?

A) Unless you leave now
B) While I was sleeping
C) The store will close at 8 PM
D) That I bought yesterday

Questions 6–10: Distinguishing Clauses from Phrases

Question 6

Which of the following is a phrase (NOT a clause)?

A) She laughed loudly
B) under the warm blanket
C) When the sun sets
D) Because I am happy

Question 7

Which of the following is a clause?

A) across the bridge
B) running very fast
C) to finish the project
D) they have arrived

Question 8

Identify the phrase in the sentence:
"The woman wearing the red dress is my aunt."

A) The woman
B) wearing the red dress
C) is my aunt
D) my aunt

Question 9

Identify the clause in the sentence:
"Before eating breakfast, she goes for a run."

A) Before eating breakfast
B) eating breakfast
C) she goes for a run
D) for a run

Question 10

Which group of words is a phrase?

A) Because I forgot my keys
B) When the phone rang
C) on top of the refrigerator
D) The car needs gas

Questions 11–15: Punctuation Rules for Clauses

Question 11

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A) Because she was late she missed the bus.
B) Because she was late, she missed the bus.
C) Because she was late she missed, the bus.
D) Because, she was late she missed the bus.

Question 12

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A) I will help you if you need me.
B) I will help you, if you need me.
C) I will help, you if you need me.
D) I will help you if, you need me.

Question 13

Choose the INCORRECT sentence.

A) When the concert ended, the crowd cheered.
B) The crowd cheered when the concert ended.
C) When the concert ended the crowd cheered.
D) The crowd cheered when the concert ended.

Question 14

Which sentence correctly uses a comma?

A) Since you asked I will answer honestly.
B) Since you asked, I will answer honestly.
C) Since, you asked I will answer honestly.
D) Since you asked I will answer, honestly.

Question 15

Which sentence does NOT need a comma?

A) Although it was cold we went outside.
B) We went outside although it was cold.
C) If you study hard you will pass.
D) Because she was happy she smiled.

Questions 16–20: Identifying Clause Types in Sentences

Question 16

What type of clause is "because she loves to sing"?

A) Independent clause
B) Dependent adverb clause
C) Noun phrase
D) Prepositional phrase

Question 17

What type of clause is "who lives across the street"?

A) Independent clause
B) Dependent adjective (relative) clause
C) Verb phrase
D) Prepositional phrase

Question 18

In the sentence "I believe that you are telling the truth," the clause "that you are telling the truth" functions as:

A) An independent clause
B) A dependent noun clause
C) A phrase
D) An adverb clause

Question 19

How many independent clauses are in this sentence?
"She wanted to go to the party, but she was too tired."

A) 0
B) 1
C) 2
D) 3

Question 20

How many dependent clauses are in this sentence?
"After the movie ended, we went to dinner because we were hungry."

A) 0
B) 1
C) 2
D) 3

Questions 21–25: TEAS-Style Mixed Practice

Question 21

Read the sentence below. Choose the option that correctly identifies the underlined portion.
"Whenever I visit New York, I always go to see a Broadway show."

A) Independent clause
B) Dependent clause
C) Phrase
D) Compound sentence

Question 22

Which of the following is a complete sentence (independent clause)?

A) When the storm finally ended.
B) Running through the park every morning.
C) The patient waited for the doctor.
D) Because she forgot to set her alarm.

Question 23

Choose the option that correctly completes the sentence:
"___________ , you should always tell the truth."

A) If you want to be trusted
B) If you want to be trusted.
C) Wanting to be trusted
D) Because wanting to be trusted

Question 24

Which sentence contains an error in clause punctuation?

A) Before you leave for work, lock the front door.
B) Lock the front door before you leave for work.
C) Before you leave for work lock the front door.
D) Before you leave for work, lock the front door.

Question 25

How many clauses (both independent and dependent) are in this sentence?
"When I got home, I realized that I had forgotten my keys, so I called my roommate."

A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5

Here are the answers with short reasons for all 25 questions:

Questions 1–5

Q1: C
✔ It is a complete sentence with subject + verb.

Q2: C
✔ Starts with “Before” and cannot stand alone.

Q3: B
✔ “If you need any help” is the dependent condition.

Q4: B
✔ Complete thought: subject + verb (“team continued”).

Q5: C
✔ Has full meaning and stands alone.

Questions 6–10

Q6: B
✔ Phrase; no subject + verb.

Q7: D
✔ Contains subject + verb (“they have arrived”).

Q8: B
✔ “wearing the red dress” = participial phrase.

Q9: C
✔ Independent clause with full meaning.

Q10: C
✔ Prepositional phrase, no subject-verb.

Questions 11–15

Q11: B
✔ Correct comma after dependent clause.

Q12: A
✔ No comma needed when dependent clause comes second.

Q13: C
✔ Missing comma after dependent clause.

Q14: B
✔ Correct comma usage after introductory dependent clause.

Q15: B
✔ No comma needed when clause comes second.

Questions 16–20

Q16: B
✔ Dependent adverb clause (starts with “because”).

Q17: B
✔ Relative clause describing noun.

Q18: B
✔ Noun clause acting as object.

Q19: C
✔ Two independent clauses joined by “but”.

Q20: C
✔ Two dependent clauses (“After…”, “because…”).

Questions 21–25

Q21: B
✔ “Whenever I visit New York” = dependent clause.

Q22: C
✔ Complete independent sentence.

Q23: A
✔ Correct dependent clause without period.

Q24: C
✔ Missing comma after introductory clause.

Q25: B
✔ Three clauses:

Thursday, 28 May 2026

Day 27 Topic 24 Here is a complete guide to Clauses & Phrases for the ATI TEAS Version 7 (English & Language Usage) , focusing on:

Here is a complete guide to Clauses & Phrases for the ATI TEAS Version 7 (English & Language Usage) , focusing on:

1. Definitions (Quick Reference)

2. Independent Clauses

Definition

Examples

Grammar Trick: S.V.C.

3. Dependent Clauses

Definition

Common Subordinating Conjunctions (A.WHITE BUS)

Common Relative Pronouns

Examples of Dependent Clauses

Grammar Trick: D.C. = Depend on S.A.M.

4. Independent vs. Dependent Clauses – Comparison Table

5. How to Identify Dependent Clauses (The "So What?" Test)

6. Phrases (Distinguishing from Clauses)

Definition

Clause vs. Phrase – Quick Comparison

7. Grammar Tricks for TEAS Success

Trick 1: The "Dependent Word" List (A.WHITE BUS)

Trick 2: The "Period Test"

Trick 3: The "Question Test"

Trick 4: Comma Rule Trick

8. Practice Questions (with Options and Answers)

Part 1: Independent vs. Dependent Clauses (1–15)

Part 1: Identifying Independent vs. Dependent Clauses (Questions 1–15)

Part 2: Distinguishing Clauses from Phrases (Questions 16–25)

Part 3: Combining Clauses – Punctuation Rules (Questions 26–35)

Part 4: Identifying Clause Types in Sentences (Questions 36–45)

Part 5: TEAS-Style Mixed Practice (Questions 46–50)

25 practice questions on Clauses & Phrases (Independent vs. Dependent clauses) for the ATI TEAS Version 7.

Questions 1–5: Identifying Independent vs. Dependent Clauses

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5

Questions 6–10: Distinguishing Clauses from Phrases

Question 6

Question 7

Question 8

Question 9

Question 10

Questions 11–15: Punctuation Rules for Clauses

Question 11

Question 12

Question 13

Question 14

Question 15

Questions 16–20: Identifying Clause Types in Sentences

Question 16

Question 17

Question 18

Question 19

Question 20

Questions 21–25: TEAS-Style Mixed Practice

Question 21

Question 22

Question 23

Question 24

Question 25

Questions 1–5

Questions 6–10

Questions 11–15

Questions 16–20

Questions 21–25

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Day 27 Topic 24 Here is a complete guide to Clauses & Phrases for the ATI TEAS Version 7 (English & Language Usage) , focusing on: