Dependent clause

Definition

A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought, making it unable to stand alone as a sentence. These clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions like 'because', 'although', or 'if', which connect them to independent clauses. Understanding dependent clauses is essential for mastering sentence structure, as they add complexity and detail to writing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dependent clauses cannot function as standalone sentences because they leave the reader hanging without complete information.
2. They provide additional information to the main idea expressed in an independent clause, enriching the overall meaning of the sentence.
3. Common subordinating conjunctions include 'because', 'if', 'when', 'although', and 'since', which signal that the clause is dependent.
4. When used correctly, dependent clauses help create complex sentences, allowing for varied sentence structures that enhance writing style.
5. Punctuation plays an important role with dependent clauses; if they come at the beginning of a sentence, they are usually followed by a comma when joined to an independent clause.

Review Questions

• How does a dependent clause differ from an independent clause in terms of sentence structure?
  • A dependent clause differs from an independent clause in that it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. While an independent clause contains both a subject and a verb and can convey a full idea by itself, a dependent clause relies on an independent clause for context and meaning. This distinction is crucial for understanding how to construct sentences effectively.
• Discuss the role of subordinating conjunctions in connecting dependent clauses to independent clauses.
  • Subordinating conjunctions are essential for linking dependent clauses to independent clauses, as they indicate the relationship between the two. These conjunctions help clarify how the ideas within the clauses are related, such as cause-and-effect or contrast. For example, in the sentence 'Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk,' 'although' connects the dependent clause to the independent clause, showing that despite the rain, the action of walking occurred.
• Evaluate the impact of using dependent clauses on writing style and sentence variety.
  • Using dependent clauses can significantly enhance writing style and introduce variety into sentences. By incorporating these clauses, writers can create complex sentences that convey nuanced ideas and relationships between thoughts. This complexity can engage readers more effectively and allow for clearer expression of intricate concepts. The strategic use of dependent clauses also helps break up monotonous sentence patterns, making writing more dynamic and interesting.

Related terms

independent clause:

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought, allowing it to stand alone as a sentence.

subordinating conjunction: A subordinating conjunction is a word or phrase that introduces a dependent clause, linking it to an independent clause and showing the relationship between the two.

complex sentence:

A complex sentence is a type of sentence that contains at least one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses, allowing for more nuanced expression of ideas.