Dependent Clauses:

A dependent clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It needs to be connected to an independent clause to make sense.

These clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions like “because,” “if,” or “when.” Dependent clauses help add extra information to a sentence but do not express a complete thought on their own.

Types of Dependent Clause

There are three main types of dependent clauses: noun clauses, adjective clauses, and adverb clauses.

1. Noun Clause

A noun clause acts like a noun in a sentence. It can serve as the subject, object, or complement.

• What she said surprised everyone.
• I don’t know where he went.

2. Adjective Clause

An adjective clause describes a noun or pronoun in the main sentence. It usually begins with words like who, whom, whose, which, or that.

• The book that she lent me was interesting.
• I know a person who can help us.

3. Adverb Clause

An adverb clause explains when, where, why, or how something happens. It often begins with words like because, if, when, while, or since.

• I’ll call you when I arrive.
• Because he was late, he missed the bus.

Independent vs. Dependent Clauses

Understanding the difference between independent and dependent clauses helps us build clear sentences. Both types of clauses contain a subject and a verb, but they function differently within a sentence.

Independent Clause

An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. It doesn’t need any additional information to make sense.

• She finished her homework.
• The sun is shining today.

Dependent Clause

A dependent clause, on the other hand, cannot stand alone because it does not express a complete thought. It needs an independent clause to form a meaningful sentence. Dependent clauses often begin with words like because, if, when, although, or since.

• When she finished her homework, she watched a movie.
• The sun is shining because the clouds cleared.

Subordinating Conjunctions & Relative Pronouns in Dependent Clauses

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions link a dependent clause to an independent clause, showing a relationship like time, cause, condition, contrast, or purpose. Common subordinating conjunctions include because, if, when, although, since, and while.

• Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
• If you study hard, you will pass the exam.

Relative Pronouns

Relative pronouns introduce adjective clauses (a type of dependent clause) that describe a noun or pronoun in the main sentence. Common relative pronouns include who, whom, whose, which, and that.

• The book that I borrowed was very interesting.
• She met someone who shares her interests.

How do dependent clauses connect to independent clauses?

Dependent clauses join independent clauses using conjunctions or relative pronouns, adding details and meaning to a sentence.

1. Using Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, if, although) connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, showing relationships like cause, time, or condition.

• Because I was tired, I went to bed early. (Shows reason)
• If it rains tomorrow, we will stay indoors. (Shows condition)

2. Using Relative Pronouns

Relative pronouns (e.g., who, which, that) connect a dependent clause to a noun, adding more details.

• The book that she lent me is interesting. (Identifies the book)
• The man who helped me was very kind. (Describes the man)

Example Sentences with Dependent Clause

• When she arrived, the meeting had already started.
• He left early because he was feeling sick.
• The cake, which I baked this morning, smells delicious.
• Although it was raining, they went for a walk.
• She smiled while she was reading the letter.
• Since you’re here, let’s start the project.
• The phone rang as soon as I sat down.
• Unless you study, you might fail the test.
• He didn’t come because he was busy.
• Before the sun sets, they want to finish the work.

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