Dependent clause

Definition

A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. These clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions like 'because,' 'although,' or 'if,' which link them to independent clauses, helping to add depth and detail to writing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dependent clauses cannot function independently; they need an independent clause to form a complete thought.
2. Common subordinating conjunctions that introduce dependent clauses include 'while,' 'because,' 'if,' 'since,' and 'although.'
3. Using dependent clauses in writing can provide additional information, making sentences more interesting and complex.
4. In punctuation, dependent clauses are often preceded by a comma when they appear at the beginning of a sentence but do not require one when they follow the independent clause.
5. Understanding how to effectively use dependent clauses helps improve overall writing skills by enhancing clarity and cohesion.

Review Questions

• How do dependent clauses enhance the complexity of sentences in writing?
  • Dependent clauses enhance the complexity of sentences by adding additional information that supports or modifies the main idea presented in an independent clause. By using these clauses, writers can convey relationships between ideas, such as causation or contrast, which enriches the text and allows for more detailed expression. This complexity helps engage readers and provides clarity in conveying thoughts.
• In what ways do subordinating conjunctions function within dependent clauses, and why are they important?
  • Subordinating conjunctions serve as connectors that introduce dependent clauses and establish the relationship between them and the independent clause. These conjunctions indicate whether the dependent clause adds cause, condition, contrast, or time to the main idea. They are important because they help to create logical flow in writing, allowing readers to understand how different ideas are interconnected within complex sentences.
• Evaluate the impact of dependent clauses on writing style and clarity. How do they influence reader comprehension?
  • Dependent clauses significantly impact writing style and clarity by allowing writers to combine ideas into more sophisticated sentences. They facilitate nuanced expression, enabling authors to convey subtlety and complexity in their messages. When used effectively, dependent clauses can enhance reader comprehension by clarifying relationships between concepts, ensuring that readers grasp the intent behind the statements without confusion or ambiguity.

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 that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, indicating the relationship between the two clauses.

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