contains a subject and a verb (subject/predicate)
may be independent or dependent
if independent: it makes sense
if dependent: it needs something else for it to make sense
does not contain a subject AND a verb
a complete sentence
has a subject & a verb (subject/predicate)
makes sense; can stand alone
contains a subject & a verb, BUT does not make sense to stand alone
often has a word that hints that it is a dependent clause
those clue words are referred to as a DCM, dependent clause markers
the fancy grammar term: subordinating conjunctions
the placement of the DCM helps you know where the comma goes
dependent clause is the same thing as a subordinate clauses
subordinate is just the fancy grammar term
click on the items below if needing a fresher
slideshow of clause vs. phrase: click here
video explanation: click here
these are from BIG 2 on Writing with Sophistication page