Mastering Dependent Clauses: Definition and Examples

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Understanding dependent clauses is crucial for mastering English grammar and constructing complex, nuanced sentences. Dependent clauses, unlike independent clauses, cannot stand alone as complete sentences.

They rely on an independent clause to form a complete thought. This article provides a comprehensive guide to dependent clauses, covering their definition, types, structural elements, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced topics.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this resource will equip you with the knowledge and practice necessary to confidently use dependent clauses in your writing and speech.

Table of Contents

Definition of Dependent Clauses

A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. Therefore, it cannot stand alone as a sentence. It depends on an independent clause to make a complete sentence. Dependent clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions (such as because, although, if, when, since, that, who, which, where) or relative pronouns (such as who, whom, which, that, whose).

The primary function of a dependent clause is to add extra information to the independent clause. This added information can provide context, detail, or explanation, enriching the overall meaning of the sentence.

Dependent clauses can act as adjectives, adverbs, or nouns within the larger sentence structure, each contributing a unique role to the sentence’s complexity and nuance.

Understanding the role of dependent clauses is essential for constructing grammatically correct and sophisticated sentences. Without them, our writing and speech would be limited to simple, often repetitive statements.

Dependent clauses allow us to express complex relationships between ideas, create clearer connections between events, and provide more detailed descriptions.

Structural Breakdown of Dependent Clauses

The basic structure of a dependent clause consists of three main components:

  1. Subordinating Conjunction or Relative Pronoun: This word introduces the dependent clause and connects it to the independent clause. Examples include because, if, when, although, who, which, that.
  2. Subject: The noun or pronoun that performs the action or is described in the clause.
  3. Verb: The action word or state of being in the clause.

Let’s look at an example: “Because it was raining, I took my umbrella.”

  • Subordinating Conjunction: Because
  • Subject: It
  • Verb: was raining

The dependent clause “Because it was raining” cannot stand alone as a sentence. It needs the independent clause “I took my umbrella” to form a complete thought.

Another example using a relative pronoun: “The book that I borrowed from the library is due next week.”

  • Relative Pronoun: that
  • Subject: I
  • Verb: borrowed

Here, “that I borrowed from the library” is the dependent clause, and it modifies the noun “book” in the independent clause “The book is due next week.”

The placement of the dependent clause within a sentence can vary. It can appear at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of the sentence.

When a dependent clause starts a sentence, it is usually followed by a comma. However, if it comes after the independent clause, a comma is generally not needed.

Types of Dependent Clauses

Dependent clauses can be classified into three main types based on their function within the sentence:

  • Adjective Clauses
  • Adverb Clauses
  • Noun Clauses

Adjective Clauses

An adjective clause modifies a noun or pronoun, providing more information about it. It typically begins with a relative pronoun (who, whom, which, that, whose) or a relative adverb (where, when, why). Adjective clauses answer the question “which one?” or “what kind?” about the noun or pronoun they modify.

For example, in the sentence “The man who is wearing a hat is my uncle,” the adjective clause “who is wearing a hat” modifies the noun “man.” It tells us which man we are talking about.

Adverb Clauses

An adverb clause modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, providing information about time, place, manner, cause, purpose, condition, or degree. It is introduced by a subordinating conjunction such as because, although, if, when, since, before, after, until, as, while, where, even though, so that.

For example, in the sentence “I went to bed early because I was tired,” the adverb clause “because I was tired” modifies the verb “went,” explaining why the action occurred. It answers the question “why?”

Noun Clauses

A noun clause functions as a noun in a sentence. It can act as a subject, object, complement, or appositive. Noun clauses are often introduced by words such as that, what, whatever, who, whoever, whom, whomever, which, whichever, when, where, why, how, if, whether.

For example, in the sentence “What you said is true,” the noun clause “What you said” functions as the subject of the verb “is.”

Examples of Dependent Clauses

The following sections provide extensive examples of each type of dependent clause, illustrating their function and structure within sentences.

Adjective Clause Examples

The table below provides examples of adjective clauses modifying nouns or pronouns. Notice how each clause adds specific information about the noun it modifies.

Sentence Adjective Clause Modified Noun/Pronoun
The book that I borrowed from you is excellent. that I borrowed from you book
The woman who lives next door is a doctor. who lives next door woman
The car which is parked outside is mine. which is parked outside car
The student whose essay won the competition was thrilled. whose essay won the competition student
The city where I was born is very beautiful. where I was born city
The reason why I am late is because of the traffic. why I am late reason
He is the person whom I admire the most. whom I admire the most person
The dog that barked all night kept me awake. that barked all night dog
The movie which we watched last night was very scary. which we watched last night movie
She is the artist whose paintings are displayed in the gallery. whose paintings are displayed in the gallery artist
The restaurant where we had dinner last week is closing. where we had dinner last week restaurant
The song that she sang was very moving. that she sang song
The man who helped me with my luggage was very kind. who helped me with my luggage man
The house which is painted blue is for sale. which is painted blue house
The teacher whose class I enjoy the most is Mr. Smith. whose class I enjoy the most teacher
The park where we often go for walks is lovely. where we often go for walks park
The gift that he gave me was very thoughtful. that he gave me gift
The actor who played the main role was excellent. who played the main role actor
The book which I found at the store was a bestseller. which I found at the store book
The woman whose car was stolen reported it to the police. whose car was stolen woman
The country where I want to travel is Japan. where I want to travel country
The cake that she baked was delicious. that she baked cake
The student who studies hard usually gets good grades. who studies hard student
The project which we are working on is very challenging. which we are working on project
The author whose books I love is coming to town. whose books I love author
The cafe where I meet my friends is always busy. where I meet my friends cafe
The letter that I received today made me very happy. that I received today letter
The musician who played the guitar was very talented. who played the guitar musician
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These examples demonstrate how adjective clauses provide essential details that enrich the meaning of the nouns they modify, making sentences more descriptive and informative.

Adverb Clause Examples

Adverb clauses modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, adding information about time, place, manner, cause, purpose, condition, or degree. The table below illustrates various types of adverb clauses and their function in sentences.

Sentence Adverb Clause Type of Information
I will call you when I arrive. when I arrive Time
Because it was raining, we stayed inside. Because it was raining Cause
If it doesn’t rain, we will go for a walk. If it doesn’t rain Condition
Although he was tired, he kept working. Although he was tired Contrast/Concession
She sings as if she were a professional. as if she were a professional Manner
Where there is a will, there is a way. Where there is a will Place
He studied hard so that he could pass the exam. so that he could pass the exam Purpose
Since you are here, let’s start the meeting. Since you are here Reason
Before you leave, please turn off the lights. Before you leave Time
After the movie ended, we went for ice cream. After the movie ended Time
Until you apologize, I won’t forgive you. Until you apologize Time
As I was walking down the street, I saw a friend. As I was walking down the street Time
While I was studying, my brother was watching TV. While I was studying Time
Wherever you go, I will follow you. Wherever you go Place
Even though it was expensive, I bought it. Even though it was expensive Contrast/Concession
So that everyone can hear, please speak louder. So that everyone can hear Purpose
As long as you promise, I will trust you. As long as you promise Condition
Because the store was closed, we went home. Because the store was closed Cause
If you need help, just ask. If you need help Condition
Although it was late, she continued to work. Although it was late Contrast/Concession
When the bell rings, the class will start. When the bell rings Time
Since he finished his work, he can relax. Since he finished his work Reason
Wherever he travels, he sends postcards. Wherever he travels Place
If she calls, tell her I’m out. If she calls Condition
Because they studied hard, they aced the exam. Because they studied hard Cause
Although she was nervous, she gave a great speech. Although she was nervous Contrast/Concession
As the sun sets, the sky turns orange. As the sun sets Time

These examples highlight the diverse roles of adverb clauses in providing context and detail to the main actions or descriptions in a sentence, enhancing clarity and depth.

Noun Clause Examples

Noun clauses function as nouns within a sentence, acting as subjects, objects, complements, or appositives. The following table provides examples of how noun clauses fulfill these roles.

Sentence Noun Clause Function
What you said is true. What you said Subject
I don’t know what he wants. what he wants Direct Object
The problem is that we are out of time. that we are out of time Subject Complement
Give it to whoever needs it. whoever needs it Object of Preposition
Whether she comes or not is uncertain. Whether she comes or not Subject
I am not sure if he will arrive on time. if he will arrive on time Direct Object
That he is innocent is clear. That he is innocent Subject
I believe what she told me. what she told me Direct Object
My question is why he did it. why he did it Subject Complement
She is worried about what might happen. what might happen Object of Preposition
How he did it remains a mystery. How he did it Subject
I understand how you feel. how you feel Direct Object
The truth is that he lied. that he lied Subject Complement
They are discussing where to go on vacation. where to go on vacation Object of Preposition
What she said surprised everyone. What she said Subject
He knows that he is wrong. that he is wrong Direct Object
The point is whether we can afford it. whether we can afford it Subject Complement
We are concerned about what they will do. what they will do Object of Preposition
Whoever wins will get a prize. Whoever wins Subject
I will give it to whomever asks first. whomever asks first Object of Preposition
That she succeeded is remarkable. That she succeeded Subject
I heard what you said earlier. what you said earlier Direct Object
The issue is why he didn’t call. why he didn’t call Subject Complement
She is interested in how the machine works. how the machine works Object of Preposition
What you need is a good rest. What you need Subject
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These examples demonstrate the versatile nature of noun clauses, showcasing their ability to function in various grammatical roles within sentences, adding complexity and depth to expression.

Usage Rules for Dependent Clauses

Several rules govern the proper use of dependent clauses:

  1. Comma Usage: When a dependent clause comes before an independent clause, a comma is usually required. For example: “Because it was raining, I took my umbrella.” However, when the dependent clause follows the independent clause, a comma is generally not needed: “I took my umbrella because it was raining.”
  2. Subject-Verb Agreement: The verb in the dependent clause must agree with its subject in number and person. For example: “The book that I read was interesting.” (singular subject, singular verb) vs. “The books that I read were interesting.” (plural subject, plural verb)
  3. Pronoun Case: Use the correct case of pronouns within the dependent clause. For example, use “who” for subjects and “whom” for objects: “The person who is speaking is my friend.” vs. “The person whom I saw was my friend.”
  4. Tense Consistency: Maintain consistent verb tenses within the sentence. If the main verb is in the past tense, the verb in the dependent clause should also be in the past tense or a tense that logically follows from the past. For example: “I knew that he had arrived.”
  5. Correct Subordinating Conjunctions and Relative Pronouns: Ensure that you use the appropriate subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun to introduce the dependent clause based on its function and meaning. For example, use “because” to indicate cause, “if” to indicate a condition, and “who” to refer to people.

Understanding and applying these rules will help you construct grammatically correct and clear sentences using dependent clauses.

Common Mistakes with Dependent Clauses

Several common mistakes are made when using dependent clauses. Being aware of these errors can help you avoid them in your own writing.

Incorrect Correct Explanation
Because I was late. Because I was late, I missed the bus. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence. It needs an independent clause.
The book which I enjoyed. The book which I enjoyed was very long. The adjective clause needs to be part of a complete sentence.
I don’t know what is he doing. I don’t know what he is doing. In noun clauses, the subject typically precedes the verb, especially after words like “what,” “how,” and “where.”
If I would have known, I would have told you. If I had known, I would have told you. In conditional sentences, use “had” in the “if” clause for past unreal conditions.
Although he is tired, but he kept working. Although he is tired, he kept working. OR He is tired, but he kept working. Do not use “but” after “although” or “though.” They serve the same function.
Because of rain, I stayed home. Because it was raining, I stayed home. “Because of” is followed by a noun phrase, while “because” is followed by a clause.
He asked that did I go to the store. He asked if I went to the store. OR He asked whether I went to the store. Use “if” or “whether” to introduce an indirect question.
The reason I am late is because the traffic. The reason I am late is that the traffic was bad. OR I am late because the traffic was bad. Avoid using “because” after “the reason is.” Use “that” instead.
Who did you see? That helped you. Who did you see that helped you? Combine the sentences using a relative pronoun to create a single, coherent sentence.
I will give the book to whomever asks. I will give the book to whoever asks. In this case, “whoever” is the subject of the verb “asks,” so the subjective case is appropriate.

By avoiding these common errors, you can improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing and speaking.

Practice Exercises

These exercises will help you practice identifying and using dependent clauses correctly. Each exercise focuses on a different aspect of dependent clause usage.

Exercise 1: Identifying Dependent Clauses

Identify the dependent clause in each of the following sentences.

Question Your Answer
1. Because it was snowing, the school was closed.
2. The man who is wearing a blue shirt is my brother.
3. I will call you when I get home.
4. What you said is not true.
5. If it rains, we will stay inside.
6. Although he was tired, he finished the race.
7. She knows that he is lying.
8. The house where I grew up is still standing.
9. Since you are here, let’s begin.
10. I don’t know what he wants.

Answer Key:

  1. Because it was snowing
  2. who is wearing a blue shirt
  3. when I get home
  4. What you said
  5. If it rains
  6. Although he was tired
  7. that he is lying
  8. where I grew up
  9. Since you are here
  10. what he wants

Exercise 2: Correcting Sentence Fragments

Correct the following sentence fragments by adding an independent clause to each.

Question Your Answer
1. Because it was raining.
2. Who is wearing a blue shirt.
3. When I get home.
4. What you said.
5. If it rains.
6. Although he was tired.
7. That he is lying.
8. Where I grew up.
9. Since you are here.
10. What he wants.
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Suggested Answers:

  1. Because it was raining, I stayed inside.
  2. The man who is wearing a blue shirt is my brother.
  3. I will call you when I get home.
  4. What you said is not true.
  5. If it rains, we will stay inside.
  6. Although he was tired, he finished the race.
  7. That he is lying is obvious.
  8. The house where I grew up is still standing.
  9. Since you are here, let’s begin the meeting.
  10. I don’t know what he wants.

Exercise 3: Combining Sentences with Dependent Clauses

Combine the following pairs of sentences into a single sentence using a dependent clause.

Question Your Answer
1. It was snowing. The school was closed.
2. The man is my brother. He is wearing a blue shirt.
3. I will get home. I will call you then.
4. You said something. It is not true.
5. It might rain. We will stay inside in that case.
6. He was tired. He finished the race anyway.
7. He is lying. She knows it.
8. I grew up somewhere. The house is still standing there.
9. You are here. Let’s begin now.
10. He wants something. I don’t know it.

Suggested Answers:

  1. Because it was snowing, the school was closed.
  2. The man who is wearing a blue shirt is my brother.
  3. I will call you when I get home.
  4. What you said is not true.
  5. If it rains, we will stay inside.
  6. Although he was tired, he finished the race.
  7. She knows that he is lying.
  8. The house where I grew up is still standing.
  9. Since you are here, let’s begin.
  10. I don’t know what he wants.

Advanced Topics in Dependent Clauses

For advanced learners, understanding reduced relative clauses and the nuances of ellipsis in adverb clauses can further refine their grasp of dependent clause usage.

Reduced Relative Clauses: In some cases, relative pronouns and auxiliary verbs can be omitted from adjective clauses, creating a reduced relative clause. For example, “The book that is on the table is mine” can be reduced to “The book on the table is mine.” This reduction is possible when the relative pronoun is followed by a verb in the passive voice or a progressive verb form.

Ellipsis in Adverb Clauses: Ellipsis refers to the omission of words that are understood from the context. In adverb clauses, ellipsis often occurs when the subject and auxiliary verb are the same as in the independent clause. For example, “While I was walking to the store, I saw a friend” can be shortened to “While walking to the store, I saw a friend,” omitting “I was.”

Mastering these advanced concepts allows for more concise and sophisticated writing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. What is the difference between a clause and a phrase?

    A clause contains a subject and a verb, while a phrase does not. A clause can be either independent (able to stand alone as a sentence) or dependent (not able to stand alone). A phrase functions as a single part of speech (e.g., noun phrase, verb phrase, prepositional phrase) and adds detail or context to a sentence.

  2. How can I identify a dependent clause in a sentence?

    Look for a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but is introduced by a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, if, when, although) or a relative pronoun (e.g., who, which, that). If the clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence, it is a dependent clause.

  3. Do I always need a comma before a dependent clause?

    Commas are generally used before dependent clauses that begin a sentence. For example, “Because it was raining, I took my umbrella.” However, when the dependent clause follows the independent clause, a comma is usually not needed: “I took my umbrella because it was raining.” There are exceptions based on style and emphasis.

  4. What are the most common subordinating conjunctions?

    Some of the most common subordinating conjunctions include because, if, when, although, since, before, after, until, as, while, where, even though, so that. These words connect dependent clauses to independent clauses and indicate the relationship between them (e.g., cause, condition, time, contrast).

  5. Can a dependent clause function as the subject of a sentence?

    Yes, a noun clause can function as the subject of a sentence. For example, in the sentence “What you said is true,” the noun clause “What you said” acts as the subject of the verb “is.”

  6. What is the difference between “that” and “which” in adjective clauses?

    In American English, “that” introduces restrictive (essential) adjective clauses, while “which” introduces nonrestrictive (nonessential) adjective clauses. Restrictive clauses are necessary to identify the noun they modify, while nonrestrictive clauses provide additional information but are not essential to the sentence’s meaning. Nonrestrictive clauses are set off by commas. For example: “The book that I borrowed from you is excellent.” (restrictive) vs. “The book, which I borrowed from you, is excellent.” (nonrestrictive).

  7. Is it correct to start a sentence with “because”?

    Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with “because,”

    Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with “because,” as long as the “because” clause is followed by an independent clause to form a complete sentence. For example: “Because it was raining, I took my umbrella.”

Conclusion

Dependent clauses are essential components of complex sentences, adding depth, nuance, and clarity to written and spoken communication. By understanding their structure, types, and usage rules, you can significantly enhance your ability to express complex ideas and create more engaging and informative content.

This comprehensive guide has provided you with the knowledge and practice exercises necessary to master dependent clauses and elevate your language skills. Continue to practice and apply these concepts in your writing and speech to further refine your understanding and proficiency.