Written by Z.E. and S.G. (B/E block); edited by Mrs. Adkins: A dependent clause is part of a sentence that cannot stand alone. An independent clause is a part of a sentence that can stand alone. Independent and dependent clauses work together and make sentences that make sense. Here are some examples: Over the weekend (dependent clause)/I spend two hours playing tennis (independent clause). Together, they make a complete sentence: Over the weekend, I spent two hours playing tennis. There can be no dependent clause without an independent clause, because a dependent clause is not a complete sentence. An independent clause can be a sentence without a dependent clause. Here is another example: When I bought a rainbow loom, I made bracelets, and I sold them. (Dependent clause, independent clause, independent clause). When writing a book or story, an author may use a dependent clause alone when people are talking (dialogue).
