For Those Who Want To Pass the CSET Know Clauses

else, people will not be able to understand what you mean. However, “I took my umbrella” is an independent clause — we can understand what it means even if it is alone.

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

Dependent markers include words such as

as, after, before, until, once, since, while, when, whenever (relating to time)

where, wherever (relating to place)

although, though, despite (acknowledging contradictions)

if, even if, even though, how, unless, whether (acknowledging contingencies)

because, in order to, why (examining cause and effect)

who, which, that (relative pronouns)

Consider how the addition of one word changes the nature of the clause:

The inspector uses a dye to reveal imperfections in the metal. (independent clause)

After the inspector uses a dye to reveal imperfections in the metal… (dependent clause)

Unless the inspector uses a dye to reveal imperfections in the metal… (dependent clause)

Only the first example is an independent clause and a complete sentence. By adding a dependent marker such as “after” or “unless,” we turn the last two examples into dependent clauses. And because those examples are dependent, they cannot be complete sentences.

Again, a dependent clause cannot constitute a complete sentence by itself. Because a