Dependent Clause | Examples & Definition
A dependent clause is a type of clause—a group of words that contains a subject and a verb—that cannot stand on its own as a sentence. Dependent clauses are also known as subordinate clauses.
A dependent clause must always be connected to an independent clause (also known as a main clause) to form a complete sentence.
If it rains, we will move inside.
I want the scarf that Yuki made.
Independent vs dependent clauses
An independent clause can be a complete sentence on its own. That is, independent clauses contain a subject and a verb and express a complete thought.
Eliza is late.
Dependent clauses, on the other hand, cannot stand alone as a sentence. They are considered sentence fragments when written on their own.
In the examples below, notice that when a word (sometimes called a dependent marker) is added in front of the independent clause, it becomes a dependent clause.
- When I went to the park.
- Because Eliza is late.
A dependent clause must be joined to an independent clause to form a complete sentence.
We will miss our bus because Eliza is late.
What is a dependent clause?
Dependent clauses can act as either an adverb, an adjective, or a noun in sentences.
Adverbial clause
An adverbial clause is a dependent clause that acts as an adverb in a sentence by modifying a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Adverbial clauses often answer questions such as when, where, why, how, or under what conditions.
If Carlos doesn’t want to go to the concert, I’ll go with you.
When the adverbial clause comes before the independent clause, it must be followed by a comma. However, when the adverbial clause follows the independent clause, no comma is needed.
- Because it’s a holiday, the bank is closed.
- Because it’s a holiday the bank is closed.
- The bank is closed because it’s a holiday.
- The bank is closed, because it’s a holiday.
However, in most cases, the rule that a comma should not be used when an adverbial clause follows an independent clause can be followed.
Adjective clause
An adjective clause (also called a relative clause) is a dependent clause that acts as an adjective in a sentence to give more information about a noun or pronoun.
Amari wants a cortado, which is made with equal parts milk and espresso.
In the examples above, the relative pronoun (e.g., “who,” “which,” “that”) acts as the subject of the clause. An adjective clause can’t be placed at the beginning of a sentence because it must follow the noun or pronoun it describes.
The use of commas with an adjective clause depends on the intended meaning of the sentence. Commas are needed for nonrestrictive clauses, which provide nonessential information (e.g., “I am going to Dresden, which is in Germany”). However, they are not needed for restrictive clauses, which provide essential information (e.g., “Book the flight that has the fewest stops”).
The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help ensure you’re using restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses correctly.
Noun clause
A noun clause is a dependent clause that acts as a noun in a sentence. Like all nouns, it can serve as a subject or an object.
Ian always asks why I live so far from the train station. [direct object]
My availability depends on what Prof. Pierce assigns this week. [object of a preposition]
Commas are not typically used to join a noun clause to the rest of the sentence.
Common dependent clause markers
Dependent clauses are usually marked by certain words at the beginning of the clause. These words can be useful in identifying dependent clauses.
Subordinating conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are words or phrases that are used to link a dependent clause (especially an adverbial clause) to an independent clause (e.g., “When Peter gets here, we will eat dinner”).
Subordinating conjunctions can be grouped based on the function they fulfill in the sentence. For example, they might give information about time or place, state a reason or condition, or grant a concession.
The table below gives some common examples of different types of subordinating conjunctions.
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Time | when, whenever, before, after, while, until, as, as soon as, since, once |
| Place | where, wherever |
| Reason | because, in order, since, so that, as |
| Condition | if, even if, whether, unless |
| Concession | although, though, whereas, while |
Relative pronouns
Relative pronouns are used to introduce adjective clauses (also called relative clauses) and noun clauses.
Common relative pronouns include the following:
- that
- which
- who
- whom
- whose
- where
- when
It is sometimes possible to omit the relative pronoun in a dependent clause.
This is the person [whom] I want to marry.
Frequently asked questions about dependent clauses
- What is the difference between an independent clause and a dependent clause?
-
An independent clause has a subject and a verb and can stand on its own as a complete sentence (e.g., “Puppies are playful”).
A dependent clause must be joined with an independent clause because it does not express a complete thought (e.g., “Puppies are playful because they have a lot of energy”).
Dependent clauses are marked by the use of subordinating conjunctions (e.g., “because,” “although,” “while”).
- Are adjective clauses dependent clauses?
-
Yes, all adjective clauses (e.g., “that I like the best”) are dependent clauses (that is, they can’t stand on their own as a sentence). There are two other types of dependent clauses: adverbial clauses and noun clauses.
- Are adverbial clauses dependent clauses?
-
Yes, all adverbial clauses (e.g., “because I am thirsty”) are dependent clauses (that is, they can’t stand on their own as a sentence). There are other types of dependent clauses as well: adjective clauses and noun clauses.
- How can dependent clauses be identified?
-
Dependent clauses typically begin with a word called a dependent marker. This dependent marker can be either a subordinating conjunction (e.g., “because,” “before,” “unless”) or a relative pronoun (e.g., “that,” “which,” “who”).
- What are the types of dependent clauses?
-
There are three types of dependent clauses: adverbial clauses, adjective clauses, and noun clauses. Dependent clauses are categorized into these types based on the role they play in a sentence.
