Question 18

As soon as the puppies were asleep

The dependent clause in the sentence is "as soon as the puppies were asleep" because it cannot stand alone as a complete thought and relies on the main clause for its full meaning.

A) As soon as the puppies were asleep

This option is correct because it is a dependent clause that provides additional information about the timing of the action in the main clause. It begins with the subordinating conjunction "as soon as," indicating that it cannot function independently.

B) Left her bed as soon as

This option is incorrect as it does not form a complete clause. It lacks a subject and is part of the larger structure but does not convey a complete thought on its own.

C) The puppies were asleep

This option is incorrect because it is an independent clause. It has both a subject and a verb, allowing it to stand alone as a complete sentence.

D) The mother dog left her bed

This option is incorrect as well since it is also an independent clause. It contains a subject and a predicate, expressing a complete thought without needing additional information.

Conclusion

The correct answer, "as soon as the puppies were asleep," is definitively a dependent clause because it relies on the main clause to provide context and meaning. The other options either do not meet the criteria for a dependent clause or represent independent clauses capable of standing alone, which distinguishes them from the correct choice.