6th grade independent and dependent clauses worksheets
Sixth grade worksheets use longer clauses and the full range of signal words, including unless, until, and whenever. Fast, accurate labeling here is the foundation for the phrase-and-clause grammar that seventh grade formalizes.
Free printable PDF worksheet.
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Need one more? These are the skills next door at this grade.
The kind of sentences you'll get
Read each group of words. Circle the letter of the kind of clause.
-
“who tunes her violin before every rehearsal” Kind of clause: .
dependent · independent
Answer: dependent
- “while the editors trimmed the final two pages” Kind of clause: . independent · dependent
- “the gymnast stuck the landing cleanly” Kind of clause: . dependent · independent
Every print pulls a new set of sentences at this level, so a make-up test or a second sibling gets a different mix.
What's on a 6th grade sheet
6th grade sheets draw from 60 sentences, 10 to a page. All 60 are on 5th grade sheets too, along with 60 more.
A few of the sentences:
- the drought cracked the pond bed by August
- which the tide uncovers every evening
- although the chess final lasted four hours
- Choose the word. Read each group of words. Circle the letter of the kind of clause. 10 questions per page.
Every version prints on US Letter or A4, with its answer key on the last page.
How to teach this
Push for speed and for the why. A sixth grader should label a clause on first read and name the signal word that made it lean. When the sheet is easy, flip it: give an independent clause and ask for three different signal words that would make it lean.
Watch for: Kids judge by length. A dependent clause can be long and detailed and still lean; a four-word independent clause stands fine. The signal word IS the difference: the same words with because in front stop standing alone. Have kids read the clause with and without its first word to feel it.
Common questions about 6th grade independent and dependent clauses
- Is this still useful in sixth grade?
- It is the gateway skill. Comma rules, fixing run-ons, and next year's phrase-versus-clause grammar all assume a student can label a clause instantly, and essays are where it pays off.
- What does mastery look like?
- Label on first read, name the signal word, and, for a bonus, turn the dependent clause into a full sentence by adding an independent one. That last move is combining sentences, already practiced.
Related worksheets
- 5th grade independent and dependent clauses A step easier, same skill
- 6th grade run-on sentences Same grade, nearby skill
- 6th grade sentence fragments Same grade, nearby skill
- Independent and dependent clauses, all grades The full progression
- All 6th grade English worksheets Every skill at this level
- All 6th grade worksheets Everything at this level
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Reviewed by the One more sheet team. Content version 241, updated August 2026.
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