Which clause cannot stand alone because it begins with a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun?

Which clause cannot stand alone because it begins with a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun?

• A. Independent clause
• B. Dependent clause
• C. Phrase
• D. Simple sentence

Answer: (B)

When a clause can stand alone, it expresses a complete thought and forms an independent clause. If a clause begins with a subordinating conjunction (like because, since, when, although) or a relative pronoun (like who, which, that), it becomes a dependent clause. A dependent clause cannot express a complete thought by itself and therefore cannot stand alone; it needs a main clause to complete the idea. For example, “Because it was late” isn’t a full sentence on its own, but “Because it was late, we went home” becomes a complete sentence when paired with a main clause. The other options don’t fit this reason: an independent clause can stand alone, a simple sentence is built from an independent clause, and a phrase isn’t even a clause.

When a clause can stand alone, it expresses a complete thought and forms an independent clause. If a clause begins with a subordinating conjunction (like because, since, when, although) or a relative pronoun (like who, which, that), it becomes a dependent clause. A dependent clause cannot express a complete thought by itself and therefore cannot stand alone; it needs a main clause to complete the idea. For example, “Because it was late” isn’t a full sentence on its own, but “Because it was late, we went home” becomes a complete sentence when paired with a main clause. The other options don’t fit this reason: an independent clause can stand alone, a simple sentence is built from an independent clause, and a phrase isn’t even a clause.