TSA CBT Practice Test

How is a dependent clause characterized?

1. It expresses a complete thought.

2. It can stand alone as a sentence.

3. It cannot stand alone as a sentence.

4. It always begins with a conjunction.

The correct answer is: It cannot stand alone as a sentence.

A dependent clause is characterized by its inability to stand alone as a complete sentence, which is precisely why "it cannot stand alone as a sentence" is the correct answer. This type of clause often relies on an independent clause to provide a complete thought and meaning. For example, in the sentence “Although it was raining,” the dependent clause "Although it was raining" does not form a complete idea and leaves the reader expecting more information. While it's true that a dependent clause often begins with a conjunction such as "although," "because," or "when," this does not exclusively define it. Additionally, it does not express a complete thought, which is a key distinction from an independent clause. Thus, the correct characterization of a dependent clause is its inability to stand alone as a sentence.