independent clauseA group of words with a subject and a verb that makes sense by itself as a complete sentence.
You’ll leave with these skills
01Tell whether a group of words can stand alone as a sentenceRead the words on each side of the period by themselves and check that each side has a subject and a main verb and makes sense alone.
02Keep an opening “although” or -ing phrase attached to its sentenceWhen the words before the blank start with “although” or an -ing word and can’t stand alone, cross out every choice with a period or semicolon after them.
03Find the main verb in a sentence crowded with “which” and “who” descriptionsCover the part that starts with “which,” “who,” or “that” and check that a verb is still left to tell what the subject did.
04Spot when a phrase after a period starts a complete new sentenceRead past the phrase after the period to its comma, and if a subject and a main verb come next, keep the period.
This lesson is part of the full library
202 lessons that teach every skill the SAT tests
66Math
40Reading
24Grammar
10 full-length practice tests to build test-day stamina and confidence
A Desmos simulator to solve math questions faster
A step-by-step guide to every practice test question
The Bluebook Simulator, so test day feels familiar
A drawing for every key term, so new ideas make sense at a glance
