A dependent clause is an essential building block of complex sentences, adding depth and detail to your writing. Unlike independent clauses, dependent clauses cannot stand alone as complete sentences, but they play a crucial role in enriching meaning and context.
Understanding dependent clauses is key to mastering sentence construction, improving your writing skills, and avoiding common grammar mistakes. In this article, we’ll explore the definition of dependent clauses, their different types, practical examples, and tips for using them effectively in your writing. Let’s get started!
What Is a Dependent Clause?
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. Consequently, it cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be connected to an independent clause to convey a complete idea.
Why Can’t a Dependent Clause Stand Alone?
A dependent clause cannot function as a sentence by itself because it leaves the reader expecting more information. It begins with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, since) or a relative pronoun (e.g., who, which, that) which makes it incomplete.
Compare these examples:
- Independent Clause (Complete Sentence):
- “She went to the store.” (This sentence is complete and makes sense on its own.)
- Dependent Clause (Incomplete Thought):
- “Because she went to the store.” (This leaves the question: What happened next?)
Examples of Dependent Clauses in Sentences
Here are some examples showing dependent clauses combined with independent clauses to form complete sentences:
1. “Because she was tired, she went to bed early.”
- Dependent Clause: “Because she was tired”
- Independent Clause: “she went to bed early.”
2. “I’ll call you when I arrive.”
- Dependent Clause: “when I arrive”
- Independent Clause: “I’ll call you.”
3. “The book that you lent me was fascinating.”
- Dependent Clause: “that you lent me”
- Independent Clause: “The book was fascinating.”
Each dependent clause adds information but cannot function as a standalone sentence. Understanding how these clauses work will help improve sentence structure and avoid grammar mistakes.
Types of Dependent Clauses
Dependent clauses can function as adverbs, adjectives, or nouns within a sentence. Understanding these types is crucial for proper sentence construction.
Adverbial Clauses
Adverbial clauses function as adverbs, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They often answer questions like when, where, why, how, and under what conditions.
These clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as because, although, if, when, and since. For example:
- “He scored well on the test because he studied hard.”
Here, the adverbial clause “because he studied hard.” explains “why he scored well on the test.”
Adjective (Relative) Clauses
Adjective clauses, or relative clauses, function like adjectives, providing more information about a noun or pronoun. They often begin with relative pronouns like who, whom, whose, which, or that. For example:
- “The book that you lent me was fascinating.”
In this sentence, the clause “that you lent me” provides more information about “the book.”
Noun Clauses
Noun clauses function as nouns within a sentence and can serve as subjects, objects, or complements. They often begin with words like that, what, whatever, who, whom, whoever, whomever, how, when, where, why, or whether. For instance:
- “What he decided surprised everyone.”
Here, the noun clause “What he decided” is the subject of the sentence.
How to Identify a Dependent Clause in a Sentence
Recognizing dependent clauses is essential for improving sentence structure and avoiding common grammar mistakes. Below, we’ll go over strategies to spot dependent clauses, a step-by-step identification method, and example sentences to illustrate their use.
Strategies for Spotting Dependent Clauses
To quickly identify a dependent clause, look for the following clues:
- It begins with a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun.
- Subordinating conjunctions: because, although, since, unless, etc.
- Relative pronoun: who, whom, whose, which, that.
- It cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
- A dependent clause always requires an independent clause to form a complete thought.
- It functions as an adverb, adjective, or noun in a sentence.
- Ask yourself: Does this clause provide additional information about a verb, noun, or the subject of the sentence?
Step-by-step Method for Identifying Dependent Clauses
Use this simple process to determine whether a clause is dependent:
1. Look for a subject and verb.
- Example: “Because she was late” (Subject: she, Verb: was)
- This clause has a subject and verb, so it’s a clause.
2. Check if it expresses a complete thought.
- Does the clause make sense on its own?
- “Because she was late” sounds incomplete. It leaves the reader wondering, “What happened?”
- Since it does not express a full thought, it is a dependent clause.
3. Identify if it starts with a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun.
- “Because she was late” begins with “because”, a subordinating conjunction.
- This confirms that it is a dependent clause.
4. Determine how it functions in the sentence.
- If it acts like an adverb, adjective, or noun, it is a dependent clause.
- Example: “The book that she borrowed was excellent.”
- “that she borrowed” describes “book”, making it an adjective clause.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions and Relative Pronouns
Dependent clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns, which link them to independent clauses and indicate the relationship between the two parts of the sentence.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are essential for introducing dependent clauses. They clarify the relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause. Some commonly used subordinating conjunctions include:
Download: Subordinating Conjunctions Worksheets
- Time: after, before, since, until, when, while
- Example: “She waited until the train arrived.”
- Cause and Effect: because, since, as, so that
- Example: “He stayed home because he was feeling unwell.”
- Condition: if, unless, even if, provided that
- Example: “If it rains, the game will be canceled.”
- Contrast: although, though, even though, whereas
- Example: “Although she was tired, she finished the project.”
Common Relative Pronouns
Relative pronouns introduce adjective clauses and connect them to the noun or pronoun they modify. These include:
- Who: Refers to people
- Example: “The teacher who helped me is retiring.”
- Which: Refers to things
- Example: “The car, which was brand new, broke down.”
- That: Refers to people or things
- Example: “This is the book that I recommend.”
Common Mistakes with Dependent Clauses
Dependent clauses are essential for complex sentence construction, but they can lead to common grammar mistakes. Below are some frequent errors to avoid, along with explanations and corrections.
1. Fragment Errors (Incomplete Sentences)
One of the most common mistakes is using a dependent clause as a standalone sentence. Since a dependent clause does not express a complete thought, it creates a sentence fragment, which confuses readers.
Examples:
❌ “Because she was tired.”
✅ “Because she was tired, she went to bed early.”
❌ “Although I studied all night.”
✅ “Although I studied all night, I still found the test difficult.”
2. Punctuation Mistakes with Dependent Clauses
Punctuation errors often occur when dependent clauses are improperly separated from independent clauses. The rules depend on the placement of the dependent clause:
- If a dependent clause comes first, use a comma.
- “Although it was late, we continued working.”
- If the dependent clause comes after the independent clause, no comma is needed.
- “We continued working although it was late.”
3. Misplaced or Dangling Clauses
A misplaced dependent clause is positioned incorrectly, making the sentence unclear or confusing.
❌ “She almost ate all the cookies while watching TV.” (Does this mean she “almost ate” or she ate all the cookies while watching TV?)
✅ “While watching TV, she almost ate all the cookies.”
A dangling dependent clause lacks a clear subject, leaving the meaning ambiguous.
❌ “While walking in the past, a beautiful sunset appeared.” (Who was walking? The sunset can’t walk!)
✅ “While walking in the park, I saw a beautiful sunset.”
4. Overusing Dependent Clauses
While dependent clauses enrich writing, overusing them can make sentences unnecessarily complex. Strive for a balance between independent and dependent clauses.
❌ “When I looked out the window, because it was raining, and since I didn’t have an umbrella, I decided to cancel my plans.”
✅ “When I looked out the window and saw it was raining, I decided to cancel my plans since I didn’t have an umbrella.”
How to Correctly Use Dependent Clauses in Writing
To write well-structured sentences with dependent clauses, follow these key strategies:
1. Combining Dependent and Independent Clauses
A dependent clause must be attached to an independent clause to form a complete sentence.
Examples:
- “Because I missed the bus, I arrived late to work.”
- “She stayed home since she wasn’t feeling well.”
- “The book that you recommend was excellent.”
2. Punctuation Rules for Dependent Clauses
- When the dependent clause comes first, use a comma before the independent clause.
- “If it rains tomorrow, we will stay inside.”
- When the dependent clause comes after the independent clause, do not use a comma.
- “We will stay inside if it rains tomorrow.”
Download: Punctuation Rules for Dependent Clauses
- Adjective (relative) clauses that provide essential information do not need commas.
- “The student who won the contest is my friend.”
- Adjective clauses that add extra (non-essential) information require commas.
- “My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting next week.”
Download: Punctuation Rules for Dependent Clause (Adjective Clauses)
By following these rules, you can use dependent clauses effectively, enhancing sentence variety and clarity in your writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to identify a dependent clause?
Look for a subject-verb combination that doesn’t form a complete thought. If the clause leaves you asking “and then what?” it’s likely dependent.
2. Can a sentence have more than one dependent clause?
Yes, sentences can have multiple dependent clauses. For example:
- “Although she was tired, because she had worked late, she still went to the gym.”
3. What’s the difference between a dependent clause and a phrase?
A dependent clause has both a subject and a verb, whereas a phrase lacks one or both.
Example of a phrase: “After the party” (no verb).
4. Do all dependent clauses need subordinating conjunctions?
Most dependent clauses begin with a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun, but some noun clauses can start with question words like what or how.
5. Can dependent clauses come at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence?
Yes, they are flexible and can appear in various positions depending on the sentence structure. For example:
- Beginning: “When the movie ended, we went home.”
- Middle: “We, who had never seen the show before, were amazed.”
- End: “We went home after the movie ended.”
Summary
Dependent clauses are essential tools for creating complex, meaningful sentences. They add depth, clarify relationships between ideas, and enhance the flow of your writing. By mastering the types, functions, and rules of dependent clauses, you can elevate your grammar skills and communicate more effectively.
Now that you’ve learned all about dependent clauses, why not practice? Visit Worksheetzone for fun, interactive grammar exercises and clauses worksheets to solidify your understanding. Start practicing today!
