What Is A Dependent Clauses

Understanding Dependent Clauses: The Building Blocks of Complex Sentences

Dependent clauses, also known as subordinate clauses, are crucial components of complex sentences in English grammar. Understanding them is key to mastering sentence structure and writing clear, effective prose. This comprehensive guide will delve into the definition, types, functions, and punctuation of dependent clauses, providing a thorough understanding for learners of all levels. We'll explore how they add depth and nuance to your writing, helping you craft more sophisticated and engaging sentences. This article will cover everything you need to know about dependent clauses, from basic identification to advanced applications.

What is a Dependent Clause?

A dependent clause, unlike an independent clause, cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It lacks the subject-verb agreement necessary to convey a complete thought. Think of it as a sentence fragment that needs the support of an independent clause to express a full idea. A dependent clause always contains a subject and a verb, but it begins with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun, which makes it grammatically incomplete on its own.

Example: "because it was raining" is a dependent clause. It has a subject ("it") and a verb ("was raining"), but it doesn't express a complete thought. We need to add an independent clause to understand the context: "Because it was raining, the game was cancelled."

Identifying Dependent Clauses: Keywords and Clues

The easiest way to identify a dependent clause is by looking for these key indicators:

• Subordinating Conjunctions: These words introduce dependent clauses and indicate the relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause. Common subordinating conjunctions include: after, although, as, as if, because, before, even if, even though, if, in order that, once, since, so that, than, that, though, unless, until, when, whenever, where, whereas, wherever, while.

• Relative Pronouns: These pronouns introduce dependent clauses that modify nouns or pronouns. Common relative pronouns include: who, whom, whose, which, that.

Let's illustrate this with examples:

• Subordinating Conjunction: "Although it was cold, she went for a walk." ("Although it was cold" is the dependent clause.)

• Relative Pronoun: "The book that I borrowed is fascinating." ("that I borrowed" is the dependent clause modifying "book".)

Types of Dependent Clauses

Dependent clauses are categorized based on their function within a sentence. The primary types are:

1. Adverbial Clauses: These clauses function as adverbs, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They answer questions like when, where, why, how, to what extent.

• Example (Time): "After the rain stopped, the sun came out."
• Example (Place): "We went wherever the music led us."
• Example (Reason): "He stayed home because he was sick."
• Example (Condition): "If it snows, we'll build a snowman."
• Example (Manner): "She sang as if she were a professional."

2. Adjective Clauses (Relative Clauses): These clauses function as adjectives, modifying nouns or pronouns. They provide additional information about the noun or pronoun they modify.

• Example: "The house that Jack built is made of bricks." ("that Jack built" modifies "house")
• Example: "The woman who won the lottery is my neighbor." ("who won the lottery" modifies "woman")
• Example: "The car, which was very expensive, needed repairs." ("which was very expensive" modifies "car")

3. Noun Clauses: These clauses function as nouns, acting as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence. They often begin with words like that, whether, who, what, whoever, whomever.

• Example (Subject): "That she won the prize surprised everyone." ("That she won the prize" is the subject of the verb "surprised")
• Example (Object): "He said that he would be late." ("that he would be late" is the object of the verb "said")
• Example (Complement): "The problem is that we don't have enough time." ("that we don't have enough time" is the complement of the verb "is")

Punctuating Dependent Clauses

The punctuation of a dependent clause depends on its position in the sentence:

• Dependent Clause at the Beginning: If a dependent clause starts the sentence, it's followed by a comma.

  • Example: "Because it was raining, the game was postponed."

• Dependent Clause in the Middle: If a dependent clause is embedded within an independent clause, it is usually set off by commas.

  • Example: "The dog, which was barking loudly, ran into the street."

• Dependent Clause at the End: If a dependent clause ends the sentence, no comma is necessary unless it is a nonrestrictive relative clause (providing extra, non-essential information).

  • Example: "The game was postponed because it was raining."
  • Example: "My car, which is a ten-year-old model, still runs well." (comma needed because the clause is nonrestrictive)

The Importance of Dependent Clauses in Writing

Mastering dependent clauses significantly enhances your writing style. They allow for:

• More Complex and Nuanced Sentences: Dependent clauses provide a way to combine related ideas into a single, more sophisticated sentence. This makes your writing more concise and engaging.

• Improved Clarity and Precision: By specifying relationships between ideas (time, cause, effect, etc.), dependent clauses make your writing more clear and unambiguous.

• More Expressive Writing: Dependent clauses can add layers of meaning and descriptive detail, making your writing more vibrant and interesting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Several common errors occur when using dependent clauses:

• Comma Splices: This occurs when two independent clauses are joined by only a comma. To correct this, use a semicolon, a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet), or separate them into two sentences.

• Run-on Sentences: This happens when multiple independent and dependent clauses are strung together without proper punctuation, creating a long, confusing sentence. Break them down into shorter, clearer sentences.

• Fragment Sentences: This error occurs when a dependent clause is mistakenly punctuated as a complete sentence. Ensure that every sentence contains an independent clause.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What's the difference between a phrase and a clause?

A: A phrase is a group of related words that does not contain a subject and a verb. A clause contains both a subject and a verb.

Q: Can a sentence have multiple dependent clauses?

A: Yes, a sentence can contain multiple dependent clauses, as long as it also includes at least one independent clause.

Q: How can I improve my use of dependent clauses?

A: Practice identifying dependent clauses in your reading. Then, try incorporating them into your own writing, paying attention to punctuation and sentence structure.

Conclusion

Understanding dependent clauses is vital for developing strong writing skills. By mastering their function, types, and punctuation, you can create more sophisticated, nuanced, and engaging sentences. Practice regularly, and you'll find yourself naturally incorporating these essential grammatical elements to enhance the clarity and impact of your writing. Through diligent study and application, you can transform your writing from simple sentences to complex, well-structured prose that captivates your readers. Remember to always focus on clarity and ensure your sentence structure supports your message. With continued practice and attention to detail, you'll become confident and skilled in using dependent clauses effectively.