Dependent clauses are fundamental to constructing complex and nuanced sentences in English. Mastering them allows you to express intricate relationships between ideas, providing depth and clarity to your writing and speech.
This article serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding, identifying, and effectively using dependent clauses. Whether you’re a student looking to improve your grammar or a professional aiming for polished communication, this masterclass will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to confidently navigate the world of dependent clauses.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of a Dependent Clause
- Structural Breakdown
- Types of Dependent Clauses
- Examples of Dependent Clauses
- Usage Rules for Dependent Clauses
- Common Mistakes with Dependent Clauses
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of 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. Unlike an independent clause, which can stand alone as a sentence, a dependent clause relies on an independent clause to form a complete sentence. Dependent clauses act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs within the larger sentence.
The key characteristic of a dependent clause is its inability to stand alone. It begins with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, if, when, since) or a relative pronoun (e.g., who, which, that), which connects it to the independent clause. This connection is essential for the dependent clause to make sense and contribute meaningfully to the overall sentence.
Understanding the function of dependent clauses is crucial for constructing complex and grammatically correct sentences. They allow you to add detail, provide context, and express relationships between ideas in a way that simple sentences cannot.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure of a dependent clause consists of three main components: a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun, a subject, and a verb. The subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun introduces the clause and establishes its relationship to the independent clause. The subject performs the action, and the verb expresses that action.
The order of these elements is generally consistent: subordinating conjunction/relative pronoun + subject + verb. However, variations can occur, especially with adjectival clauses where the relative pronoun may act as the subject.
Here’s a breakdown of the components:
- Subordinating Conjunctions: These words connect the dependent clause to the independent clause and indicate the relationship between them (e.g., time, cause, condition). Examples include because, although, if, when, since, while, until, unless, as, before, after.
- Relative Pronouns: These words introduce adjective clauses and relate them to the noun or pronoun they modify. Examples include who, whom, which, that, whose.
- Subject: The noun or pronoun that performs the action of the verb.
- Verb: The action word that expresses what the subject is doing or being.
Consider the following example: Because it was raining, I took my umbrella. Here, “because” is the subordinating conjunction, “it” is the subject, and “was raining” is the verb.
Types of Dependent Clauses
Dependent clauses are classified into three main types based on their function within the sentence: noun clauses, adjective clauses, and adverb clauses. Each type plays a distinct role in adding information and complexity to the sentence.
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 typically introduced by words such as that, what, whatever, who, whoever, whom, whomever, which, whichever, when, where, why, how, whether, if.
For example: What she said was surprising. (subject); I don’t know what he wants. (object); The question is whether we should go. (complement); My belief, that he is innocent, remains unchanged. (appositive)
Adjective Clauses (Relative Clauses)
An adjective clause, also known as a relative clause, modifies a noun or pronoun. It provides additional information about the noun or pronoun it describes. Adjective clauses are introduced by relative pronouns (who, whom, which, that, whose) or relative adverbs (where, when, why).
For example: The book that I borrowed from the library is due next week. (modifies “book”); The woman who lives next door is a doctor. (modifies “woman”); The restaurant where we had dinner is now closed. (modifies “restaurant”)
Adverb Clauses
An adverb clause modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It provides information about time, place, reason, manner, condition, concession, purpose, or result. Adverb clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as because, although, if, when, since, while, until, unless, as, before, after.
For example: Because it was raining, we stayed inside. (reason); We will go when the rain stops. (time); If you study hard, you will succeed. (condition); Although he was tired, he finished the race. (concession)
Examples of Dependent Clauses
Understanding the different types of dependent clauses is enhanced by exploring numerous examples. These examples demonstrate the variety of ways dependent clauses can be used to add detail and complexity to sentences.
Noun Clause Examples
Noun clauses can function as subjects, objects, complements, or appositives within a sentence. The following table provides a range of examples illustrating these different functions.
| Function | Example |
|---|---|
| Subject | What he said surprised everyone. |
| Subject | How she did it remains a mystery. |
| Subject | That he lied is unforgivable. |
| Object | I don’t know what she wants. |
| Object | She told me that she was leaving. |
| Object | They discovered where the treasure was hidden. |
| Complement | The question is whether we should go. |
| Complement | My concern is that he might be late. |
| Complement | This proves that he is guilty. |
| Appositive | His belief, that he is innocent, is unwavering. |
| Appositive | The rumor, that she resigned, turned out to be true. |
| Appositive | The fact, that he failed the test, disappointed him. |
| Subject | Whoever wins will receive a prize. |
| Object | Give it to whomever you trust. |
| Subject | Whether it rains or not, the game will continue. |
| Object | I’m not sure if he’ll come. |
| Object | He explained why he was late. |
| Subject | When he will arrive is still unknown. |
| Object | I understand how you feel. |
| Subject | Whatever you decide is fine with me. |
| Object | She will take whatever is offered. |
| Object | I can’t imagine what he’s thinking. |
The table above showcases the versatility of noun clauses in various sentence structures. Pay attention to the introductory words (that, what, how, whether, whoever) that signal the beginning of the noun clause and its function within the main clause.
Adjective Clause Examples
Adjective clauses modify nouns or pronouns, providing additional information. They are introduced by relative pronouns (who, whom, which, that, whose) or relative adverbs (where, when, why). The following table presents examples of adjective clauses modifying different nouns.
| Modified Noun | Example |
|---|---|
| Book | The book that I borrowed from the library is due next week. |
| Woman | The woman who lives next door is a doctor. |
| Restaurant | The restaurant where we had dinner is now closed. |
| Movie | The movie which we watched last night was fantastic. |
| Car | The car that he bought is very expensive. |
| Person | The person who called didn’t leave a message. |
| House | The house where I grew up is still standing. |
| Time | That was the time when I felt happiest. |
| Reason | I don’t know the reason why he left. |
| Student | The student who excels in math is very dedicated. |
| City | Paris, which is the capital of France, is a beautiful city. |
| Dog | The dog that is barking belongs to my neighbor. |
| Project | The project that we are working on is due soon. |
| Teacher | The teacher who taught us English is retiring. |
| Song | The song that they played was my favorite. |
| Gift | The gift which she received was very thoughtful. |
| Man | The man whom I saw yesterday is my uncle. |
| Author | The author whose book I read is very talented. |
| Day | I will never forget the day when we met. |
| Place | This is the place where I first saw her. |
| Idea | The idea that he suggested was brilliant. |
| Problem | The problem that we faced was very complex. |
| Opportunity | This is an opportunity that you shouldn’t miss. |
| Team | The team that won the championship is very strong. |
Notice how each adjective clause is directly connected to the noun it modifies, providing specific and relevant details. The relative pronouns and adverbs act as bridges, linking the clause to the noun and establishing the relationship between them.
Adverb Clause Examples
Adverb clauses modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing information about time, place, reason, manner, condition, concession, purpose, or result. The following table illustrates the different types of adverb clauses and their functions.
| Type | Subordinating Conjunction | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Time | when, while, before, after, since, until, as soon as | We will go when the rain stops. |
| Time | when, while, before, after, since, until, as soon as | Before you leave, please close the door. |
| Time | when, while, before, after, since, until, as soon as | I have been studying since this morning. |
| Place | where, wherever | We can sit wherever you like. |
| Place | where, wherever | He searched where the treasure was hidden. |
| Place | where, wherever | They will go where the festival is being held. |
| Reason | because, since, as | Because it was raining, we stayed inside. |
| Reason | because, since, as | Since you’re not busy, can you help me? |
| Reason | because, since, as | As he was tired, he went to bed early. |
| Manner | as, as if, as though | He acted as if he knew everything. |
| Manner | as, as if, as though | She sang as though she were a professional. |
| Manner | as, as if, as though | They behaved as if nothing had happened. |
| Condition | if, unless, provided that, as long as | If you study hard, you will succeed. |
| Condition | if, unless, provided that, as long as | Unless you hurry, you will be late. |
| Condition | if, unless, provided that, as long as | Provided that you agree, we can proceed. |
| Concession | although, though, even though | Although he was tired, he finished the race. |
| Concession | although, though, even though | Though it was difficult, she managed to succeed. |
| Concession | although, though, even though | Even though he disagreed, he remained silent. |
| Purpose | so that, in order that | He studied hard so that he could pass the exam. |
| Purpose | so that, in order that | They saved money in order that they could buy a house. |
| Purpose | so that, in order that | She exercises regularly so that she can stay healthy. |
| Result | so…that, such…that | He was so tired that he fell asleep immediately. |
| Result | so…that, such…that | It was such a beautiful day that we went for a walk. |
| Result | so…that, such…that | The movie was so boring that many people left. |
The subordinating conjunctions in the table above signal the type of relationship between the adverb clause and the main clause. Understanding these conjunctions is essential for correctly identifying and using adverb clauses.
Usage Rules for Dependent Clauses
Using dependent clauses correctly involves understanding several key rules regarding punctuation, word order, and agreement. Following these rules ensures clarity and grammatical accuracy in your writing.
- Punctuation: When a dependent clause comes before an independent clause, a comma is typically used to separate the two clauses. For example: Because it was raining, I took my umbrella. However, when the dependent clause follows the independent clause, a comma is usually not necessary. For example: I took my umbrella because it was raining.
- Word Order: The word order within a dependent clause generally follows the subject-verb pattern. However, in adjective clauses, the relative pronoun may sometimes act as the subject. For example: The book that is on the table is mine. (Here, “that” is the subject of “is.”)
- Subject-Verb Agreement: The verb in a dependent clause must agree with its subject in number and person. For example: What she says is important. (Singular subject “she” agrees with singular verb “says.”)
- Tense Consistency: Maintain consistent tense between the dependent and independent clauses, unless there is a specific reason to change tense. For example: I knew that he was coming. (Both clauses are in the past tense.)
- Relative Pronoun Choice: Choose the correct relative pronoun based on the noun or pronoun being modified. Use who or whom for people, which for things, and that for both people and things. Whose indicates possession.
Understanding these rules will help you avoid common errors and use dependent clauses effectively in your writing and speech. Remember to pay attention to the relationship between the clauses and choose the appropriate subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun to convey your intended meaning.
Common Mistakes with Dependent Clauses
Several common mistakes can occur when using dependent clauses. Recognizing and avoiding these errors will significantly improve your grammar skills.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Because I was tired, I went to bed. | Because I was tired, I went to bed. | This sentence is grammatically correct. The comma is necessary when the dependent clause comes first. |
| I went to bed, because I was tired. | I went to bed because I was tired. | The comma is unnecessary when the dependent clause follows the independent clause. |
| What he said, was a lie. | What he said was a lie. | Noun clauses functioning as subjects do not need to be separated by a comma. |
| The book, that I borrowed, is good. | The book that I borrowed is good. | Restrictive adjective clauses (essential to the meaning) should not be set off by commas. |
| Although, he was late, he apologized. | Although he was late, he apologized. | Avoid unnecessary commas after subordinating conjunctions at the beginning of a sentence. |
| He said that, he was tired. | He said that he was tired. | Do not insert a comma between “that” and the rest of the noun clause. |
| The reason why, he left, is unknown. | The reason why he left is unknown. | Avoid unnecessary commas within the noun clause. |
| If I would have known, I would have told you. | If I had known, I would have told you. | Use the correct verb tense in conditional clauses (past perfect in the “if” clause). |
| Because of I was late, I missed the bus. | Because I was late, I missed the bus. | Use “because” to introduce a dependent clause, not “because of.” |
| Who is the person which helped you? | Who is the person who helped you? | Use “who” for people, not “which.” |
| The house where I live it is big. | The house where I live is big. | Do not include an extra pronoun (“it”) in the adjective clause. |
| He asked me that what I wanted. | He asked me what I wanted. | Do not use “that” before “what” in a noun clause. |
| Although he is rich, but he is unhappy. | Although he is rich, he is unhappy. OR He is rich, but he is unhappy. |
Do not use “but” after “although” or “though.” |
| I don’t know that if he will come. | I don’t know if he will come. OR I don’t know whether he will come. |
Avoid using “that” and “if” together. Use either “if” or “whether.” |
| She is the woman which I saw yesterday. | She is the woman whom I saw yesterday. OR She is the woman that I saw yesterday. |
While “that” is acceptable, “whom” is more formally correct when it is the object of the verb. |
By being aware of these common mistakes, you can proofread your work more effectively and ensure that your sentences are grammatically sound. Pay close attention to punctuation, word choice, and tense consistency when using dependent clauses.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of dependent clauses, complete the following practice exercises. Identify the dependent clauses in each sentence and indicate their type (noun, adjective, or adverb).
| Question | Answer | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Because it was snowing, the game was canceled. | Because it was snowing | Adverb |
| 2. The book that I read was very interesting. | that I read | Adjective |
| 3. I don’t know what he wants. | what he wants | Noun |
| 4. If you study hard, you will succeed. | If you study hard | Adverb |
| 5. The house where I grew up is still standing. | where I grew up | Adjective |
| 6. What she said surprised everyone. | What she said | Noun |
| 7. Although he was tired, he kept working. | Although he was tired | Adverb |
| 8. The man who helped me was very kind. | who helped me | Adjective |
| 9. I will go wherever you go. | wherever you go | Adverb |
| 10. That he is innocent is clear. | That he is innocent | Noun |
| 11. She will take whatever is offered. | whatever is offered | Noun |
| 12. Since you’re not busy, can you help me? | Since you’re not busy | Adverb |
| 13. The movie which we watched was scary. | which we watched | Adjective |
| 14. I will call you when I arrive. | when I arrive | Adverb |
| 15. His belief, that he is right, is strong. | that he is right | Noun |
| 16. She is the person whom I admire. | whom I admire | Adjective |
| 17. They saved money so that they could travel. | so that they could travel | Adverb |
| 18. The reason why he left is unknown. | why he left | Noun |
| 19. He acted as if he knew everything. | as if he knew everything | Adverb |
| 20. Whoever wins will get a prize. | Whoever wins | Noun |
For further practice, try writing your own sentences using dependent clauses of each type. This will help you internalize the concepts and apply them more confidently.
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, there are several more complex aspects of dependent clauses to explore. These include elliptical clauses, reduced relative clauses, and the nuances of using different subordinating conjunctions.
- Elliptical Clauses: These are clauses where some words are omitted because they are understood from the context. For example: “While (I was) walking, I saw a friend.” The words “I was” are omitted but understood.
- Reduced Relative Clauses: These are adjective clauses that have been shortened by omitting the relative pronoun and the auxiliary verb. For example: “The book written by Hemingway is a classic.” This is a reduced form of “The book that was written by Hemingway is a classic.”
- Subordinating Conjunction Nuances: Different subordinating conjunctions can express subtle differences in meaning. For example, “since” can indicate either time or reason, and the context determines which meaning is intended.
Exploring these advanced topics will deepen your understanding of dependent clauses and allow you to use them with greater precision and sophistication. Pay attention to the subtle nuances of language and practice using these advanced techniques in your writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about dependent clauses:
- 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 or dependent, whereas a phrase is always dependent and functions as a single part of speech (e.g., noun phrase, verb phrase, prepositional phrase).
- How can I identify a dependent clause in a sentence?
Look for a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It will usually begin with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun.
- Can a sentence have multiple dependent clauses?
Yes, a sentence can have multiple dependent clauses. These clauses can be of different types and can be nested within each other, creating complex and layered sentence structures.
- What is the difference between “that,” “which,” and “who” as relative pronouns?
Use “who” to refer to people, “which” to refer to things, and “that” to refer to either people or things. However, “which” is typically used in nonrestrictive clauses, which provide additional but nonessential information and are set off by commas, while “that” is used in restrictive clauses, which are essential to the meaning of the sentence and are not set off by commas.
- When should I use a comma before a dependent clause?
Use a comma when the dependent clause comes before the independent clause. If the dependent clause follows the independent clause, a comma is generally not needed, unless the dependent clause is nonrestrictive (provides extra, nonessential information).
- What is a nonrestrictive clause?
A nonrestrictive clause provides additional information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. It is set off by commas. For example: “My brother, who lives in New York, is a doctor.” The phrase “who lives in New York” is nonrestrictive because the sentence still makes sense without it.
- What is a restrictive clause?
A restrictive clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence. It is not set off by commas. For example: “The book that I borrowed from the library is due next week.” The phrase “that I borrowed from the library” is restrictive because it specifies which book is being referred to.
- 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: “What he said was surprising.” In this sentence, “What he said” is a noun clause acting as the subject.
Conclusion
Mastering dependent clauses is a crucial step in developing advanced English grammar skills. By understanding their structure, types, and usage rules, you can construct more complex and nuanced sentences, adding depth and clarity to your writing and speech.
Remember to practice identifying and using dependent clauses in various contexts to solidify your understanding.
Continue to explore advanced topics such as elliptical clauses and reduced relative clauses to further refine your skills. Pay attention to the subtle nuances of language and strive for precision in your communication.
With consistent effort and practice, you can confidently navigate the world of dependent clauses and elevate your English proficiency to new heights.