Main clauses
You learn to find the main clause: the part of a sentence that makes sense on its own.
How to do the test
- Split the sentence at the joining word.
- Say each part on its own.
- The part that makes sense alone is the main clause.
Tap the main clause. When the bell rang, the children lined up.
- Say it on its own: "the children lined up" makes sense.
- The rest starts with the conjunction when and needs the main clause.
- The children lined up is the main clause.
More examples
Tap the main clause. If you finish early, you can read a book.
- Say it on its own: "you can read a book" makes sense.
- The rest starts with the conjunction if and needs the main clause.
- You can read a book is the main clause.
Tap the main clause. Dad waited until the train arrived.
- Say it on its own: "Dad waited" makes sense.
- The rest starts with the conjunction until and needs the main clause.
- Dad waited is the main clause.