Mastering Dependent Clauses: Types, and Examples,

Types of Dependent Clause

Dependent clauses add information to a sentence but cannot stand alone. They are usually attached to an independent clause to complete the meaning. 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.

Examples:

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

In these examples, the noun clauses (what she said and where he went) are essential to the sentence’s meaning.

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.

Examples:

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

Here, the adjective clauses (that she lent me and who can help us) give more details about the nouns book and person.

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.

Examples:

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

In these sentences, the adverb clauses (when I arrive and because he was late) give more information about the actions in the main sentence.

Independent vs. Dependent Clauses

In English, 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.

Examples:

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

Each independent clause here has a clear meaning on its own and doesn’t rely on any other words to complete it.

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.

Examples:

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

In these examples, the dependent clauses (when she finished her homework and because the clouds cleared) add extra details but rely on the main clause to complete the thought.

Subordinating Conjunctions & Relative Pronouns in Dependent Clauses

Dependent clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns, which help connect them to an independent clause and add more meaning to the sentence.

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.

Examples:

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

Here, the subordinating conjunctions (because and if) connect the dependent clauses to the independent clauses, explaining the reason and condition.

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.

Examples:

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

In these examples, the relative pronouns (that and who) introduce clauses that provide more details about the book and someone.

Summary

Subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns play essential roles in connecting dependent clauses to independent clauses, helping to add context and detail to sentences.

How do dependent clauses connect to independent clauses?

Dependent clauses connect to independent clauses through conjunctions or relative pronouns. Subordinating conjunctions like because, if, and although link the dependent clause to the main sentence, showing relationships like cause or time.

Relative pronouns such as who, which, and that connect dependent clauses to nouns in the main sentence, providing additional details. These connections create complete, meaningful sentences.

Using Conjunctions

A conjunction connects a dependent clause to an independent clause. These conjunctions show the relationship between the two parts, like cause, time, or condition.

• Because I was tired, I went to bed early.

In this sentence, because is a subordinating conjunction that connects the dependent clause because I was tired to the independent clause I went to bed early. The conjunction shows the reason for going to bed early.

• If it rains tomorrow, we will stay indoors.

Here, if is a conjunction that connects the dependent clause if it rains tomorrow with the independent clause we will stay indoors, showing the condition for staying indoors.

2. Using Relative Pronouns

Relative pronouns connect a dependent clause to a noun in the independent clause. They provide more information about that noun.

• The book that she lent me is interesting.

In this sentence, that is a relative pronoun that connects the dependent clause that she lent me to the noun book, explaining which book is being referred to.

• The man who helped me was very kind.

Here, who is a relative pronoun linking the dependent clause who helped me to the noun man, giving more information about the man.

Example Sentences with Dependent Clause

• When she arrived, the meeting had already started.
• He left early because he was feeling sick.
• If you need help, just call me.
• 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.
• Wherever you go, I will follow.
• She cleaned the room after he left.
• Until he apologizes, she won’t talk to him.
• The prize will go to whoever answers first.

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