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 complete sentence, a dependent clause relies on an independent clause to form a complete and meaningful sentence.
Dependent clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns, which indicate the relationship between the dependent clause and the rest of the sentence. Common subordinating conjunctions include words like “because,” “although,” “if,” and “when.” Relative pronouns include “who,” “which,” and “that.”
Here are a few examples of dependent clauses:
- Because it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.
Dependent clause: “Because it was raining”
- Although she studied hard, Maria did not perform well in the exam.
Dependent clause: “Although she studied hard”
- Whenever I visit my grandparents, I enjoy listening to their stories.
Dependent clause: “Whenever I visit my grandparents”
In each example, the dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence but needs to be combined with an independent clause to convey a full thought.