Building Complex Sentences with Dependent Clauses: | Practice 2
Instructions
Based on the lesson about dependent and independent clauses, identify the main clause (the independent clause) in the following sentences.
Examples
Example 1: The toy we bought yesterday has already broken down.
Main Clause 1: The toy has already broken down.
Example 2: The woman I was talking to at the party was Professor Ecks’s daughter.
Main Clause 2: The woman was Professor Ecks’s daughter.
When you are finished, click “Answer” to check your answer.
Note. Your answers will not be submitted. When you leave this page, they will be deleted.
PDF Handout
1. Norman Orentreich, the dermatologist responsible for the development of hair transplants, died at age 96 in 2019.
Norman Orentreich died at age 96 in 2019.
close
2. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 10 children with measles gets an ear infection, which can lead to permanent deafness.
One in 10 children with measles gets an ear infection.
close
3. After the hurricane passed and people started assessing the damage, the government sent out the National Guard to provide assistance to those who needed it.
The government sent out the National Guard.
close
4. Learning languages, which can be very time-consuming, can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s because it creates new neural pathways in your brain.
Learning languages can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s.
close
If you’re having difficulties with this exercise, consider reviewing the lesson before continuing.
5. During the test, the researcher who was in charge of asking the questions noticed that the participants were uneasy because of the types of questions being asked.
The researcher noticed (something).
close
If you’re having difficulties with this exercise, consider reviewing the lesson before continuing.
6. When the vending machine kept her money without dispensing her drink, Janet kicked it as hard as she could.
Janet kicked it (the vending machine).
close
7. After he saw a documentary on how poorly animals are treated in the United States, the young man, who wanted to be a veterinarian, considered becoming a vegetarian.
The young man considered becoming a vegetarian.
close
8. In exchange for paying for health insurance, you want to be sure that your health-related needs will be covered if you get ill.
You want to be sure.
close
9. In Japan, almost all of the 49 reported cases of measles in Mie Prefecture were people connected to Miroku Community Kyusei Shinkyo, a religious group that promotes alternative healing. (The New York Times)
Almost all (cases) were people (connected to the Mie Prefecture).
close
10. Most American teenagers — across demographic groups — see depression and anxiety as major problems among their peers, a new survey by the Pew Research Center found. (The New York Times)
Most American teenagers see depression and anxiety.
close
11. According to Philip Kendall, director of the Child and Adolescent Anxiety Disorders Clinic at Temple University in Philadelphia, teenagers who grew up in the post-9/11 era, and amid many school shootings, may have anxiety tied to an environment filled with dire warnings about safety. (The New York Times)
Teenagers may have anxiety.
close
12. DoubleClick, a survivor of the dot-com crash and a digital advertising pioneer, and Google, which made an early bet on the city, have played key roles in New York’s ascent to a tech town. (The New York Times)
DoubleClick and Google have play key roles (in New York’s ascent to a tech town).
close
Exercises in This Lesson
Practice 1. Identify the main clause.
Practice 2. Identify the main clause (more complex). (this page)
Practice 3. Combine sentences.
Practice 4. Practice omitting the verb “be" in dependent clauses.
Congratulations on completing this practice!
Thanks to our supporters!
This material has been made possible by supporters like you. Learn how you can support us.
“What should I learn next?”
Use the navigation buttons to choose another skill or another lesson in this skill.
Thank you for Supporting Snap Language
Snap Language supporters make the creation of these materials possible.
Learn how you can support our work, get perks, and help us continue creating high-quality materials.
You can support us by simply white-listing this site.