In the following sentence, which is the dependent clause?
We played a game while we waited, and then we had dinner

Rationale

While we waited

A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. In this case, "while we waited" serves as the dependent clause because it provides additional information about the timing of the action but does not express a complete thought on its own.

A (We played) YOUR ANSWER

This option represents an independent clause because it contains a subject ("we") and a verb ("played") and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence, making it independent rather than dependent.

B (Then we had dinner) YOUR ANSWER

Similar to option A, this choice is also an independent clause. It has a subject ("we") and a verb ("had") and conveys a complete idea. Therefore, it does not qualify as a dependent clause.

C (While we waited) CORRECT

This is the correct answer, as it is a dependent clause. It contains a subject ("we") and a verb ("waited") but lacks the ability to stand alone as a complete sentence. It adds context to the main clause but is reliant on it for full meaning.

D (A game) YOUR ANSWER

This choice is a noun phrase and does not contain a verb, meaning it cannot function as a clause at all. It fails to satisfy the requirements of being a dependent or independent clause because it does not express any action or state of being.

Conclusion

In the sentence provided, the dependent clause "while we waited" is the only option that cannot stand alone and requires additional information to form a complete thought. The other options represent independent clauses or a noun phrase, which can stand alone and convey a complete idea. Understanding the distinction between dependent and independent clauses is essential for proper sentence construction and clarity in writing.

In the following sentence, which is the dependent clause? We played a game while we waited, and then we had dinner

While we waited

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In the following sentence, which is the dependent clause?
We played a game while we waited, and then we had dinner