In English grammar, there are two different types of clauses in a sentence. They are:
- Dependent Clause
- Independent Clause
In this session, we would be discussing the Dependent Clause and how they can be used in English sentences. You will be able to understand the dependent clauses and also learn how you can weave them into proper sentences to bring out a complete thought.
What are Dependent Clauses?
So, in the grammar context, a dependent clause is a group of words with a subject, verb and a predicate. But the main point to consider is that they cannot stand alone. While you read the sentence, it would appear incomplete to you. It will not be expressing the complete thought. They are also known as subordinate clauses.
There are basically three different types of dependent clauses:
- Adverbial Clause
- Adjective Clause
- Noun Clause
Let’s check out what are these different dependent clauses and how they modify the sentences.
1. Adverb Clauses
In English grammar, the Adverb clauses modify the verbs and begin with subordinating conjunctions. Let’s see the examples of dependent clauses that are adverb clauses:
- When the president arrives
- Because I can’t wait for the bus
- He reacted in a very obvious manner as if he knew what was going to happen
- Then his sister can
- If you can work on Sundays
- Until the sun sets
- While flowers continue to bloom
- Whenever you come to visit
- Since I don’t have enough money
- Although I had never considered it
- Unless you have the right size
2. Adjective Clauses
If you are checking the adjective clauses, then they can modify nouns and usually begin with a relative pronoun and sometimes with a subordinating conjunction. Let’s explore the examples of dependent clauses that are adjective clauses:
- That I sold him
- Which is located in Italy
- Who is intelligent
- Whom we met after the movie
- Whose writing is always intriguing
- When the leaves turn colors and fall
3. Noun Clauses
As we know the Noun clauses comprise of the name a person, place, thing or idea. Therefore, it can act as a noun, it can be a subject, object, a subject complement, an object complement or an appositive. You could see some examples below of dependent clauses that are noun clauses:
- Why she said that
- Whomever you like
- How they would get there
- Who let the cat out of the bag
- What she anticipated
- Whatever makes you happy
- That you are listening
Having look at common types of dependent clauses let’s look at a brief list of sentences using them.
15 Sentence Examples of Dependent Clauses
- What the girl on the train did was not very helpful to the passengers.
- We have finally finished his novel, after months of research and hard work.
- The champion’s trophy goes to the team who performs the best in the tournament.
- While all the members of the family were asleep, the dog knocked over the plant.
- It is a fact that a helium nucleus has two protons, whereas hydrogen has only one.
- Where is the ice cream and chocolates that I kept in the freezer?
- After Julia sneezed all over the pizza, no one wanted to eat.
- The town where I was born is on the east coast.
- I was unable to figure out what she was trying to say.
- The football team will do whatever is necessary to win the game.
- The author, whom I met at the literature fest, was very cordial.
- The new authors who were standing in the last row are the nominees.
- You can play outside with your friends until the street lights come on.
- The dogs and cats that you found in the garden belongs to the Smiths.
- Whenever I go to New York, I will visit Samuel.
- Since there is no one else to volunteer, the job is yours.
- If Maya can give me genuine reasons, I will allow her.
Conclusion:
So basically, the dependent clause is a considered to be a group of words that contain a subject, verb and verb phrase. But it does not provide a complete thought to the sentence hence it is called a dependent clause. It always needs the main clause to give complete meaning to the sentence. Englishbix will always provide assistance in case of any grammar doubt. Keep visiting our website to stay updated with the new concepts.