Dependent Clause in English: Types, Rules, & Worksheet

What is Dependent Clause?

The dependent clause is a set of words comprising a subject and a verb, but it does not specify a complete thought. Therefore, it cannot stand alone as a whole sentence. An independent clause is required to make a complete and meaningful sentence. Its major purpose is to provide additional information and alter the independent clause. It is totally reliant on the independent clause to make the statement meaningful. Sometimes it is often introduced by the subordinating conjunctions such as "if", "because", "although", "since", "unless", "until", "when", "while", "after", "before", "even though", "as", "as if", etc. Here is an example of dependent clause, have a look.

"Because it was raining, we decided to stay at home".

“Because it was raining” – the dependent clause is incomplete and meaningless.

“We decided to stay at home” –this is an independent clause added to make a complete sentence.

This is the dependent clause definition and example that can help you to understand its meaning and usage to make a complete sentence. But, before you begin practising this, you must go through the types of dependent clauses in the following sections. So have a look.

Types of Dependent Clauses with Examples

Dependent clauses, also known as subordinating clauses, are divided into three main types based on their grammatical function. Here are the three types of dependent clauses.

• Adverbial Clause
• Adjective Clause
• Noun Clause-

Let’s explore them in detail in the next sections. 

1. Adverbial Clause

The adverbial clauses assist in modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs by providing additional information about place, reason, time, condition, etc. These clauses are introduced by the subordinating conjunctions such as if, because, when, since, although, while, etc. Here are examples of adverbial clauses.

• "The game started after it had rained all day" 

Here, the adverbial clause is "after it had rained all day", denoting the verb "started".

• "I didn't go to the party because I was tired."

Here, the adverbial clause is "because I was tired", denoting the verb "party".  

2. Adjective Clause

The adjective clause helps transform the nouns and pronouns in the main clause. These are also called relative nouns, which answer questions such as "what," "who," "when," "why," "where," "which," "those," and "how." Have a look at the examples.

• “The novel that I read was motivating”

Here, the adjective clauses are “which I read” that modify the noun “novel”.

• “The house where I grew up is now for sale”

Here, the adjective clauses “where I grew” modify the noun “house”.

3. Noun Clause

This type of clause works as a noun; it can function as the subject, object or complement of a verb, or it can be the object of a preposition. Moreover, it often begins with the words " that, whether, what, who, whom, when, where, which, how, why, etc. For example

• “What you said is important.”

Here, the noun clause “What you said” works as the subject in the sentence.

• “She didn't know what he wanted."

Here, the noun clause “what he wanted” works as the object in the sentence.

These are the types of dependent clauses that are commonly used in sentences to help identify and understand how they function. Looking at examples of dependent clauses can give you a better understanding of their structure and use. Now, let’s move on to the key rules of dependent clauses in the next section.

Dependent Clauses Rules

To write a meaningful sentence, you have to follow a proper structure and rules. So here are some of the rules that you must follow in case of dependent clauses.

Rule 1: Dependent clauses cannot stand alone- to make a complete sentence, you must add an independent clause.

Rule 2: They are mainly introduced by subordination conjunctions or relative pronouns.

Rule 3: Usage of a comma when the dependent clause is at the start. But it can’t be used after an independent clause.

Rule 4: The placement of dependent clauses can be at the beginning, middle, or end. But incorrect placement can convey wrong information.

Rule 5: It doesn’t convey a complete idea or thought. To make it meaningful, you have to combine the independent clause.

Uses of Subordinating Conjunctions & Relative Pronouns with Dependent Clauses

Using subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns with a dependent clause is crucial. It assists in creating complex sentences by combining dependent clauses and later linking those sentences with independent clauses. Thus, dependent clauses in English grammar work differently. Below is the explanation for this.

Subordinating Conjunctions with Dependent Clauses

Subordinating conjunctions denote a relationship between the dependent and independent clauses, highlighting how the two parts of the sentence are connected. For that, words like "if", "although," or "because" are commonly used for this purpose. Here is how subordinating conjunctions function with dependent clauses:

• Uses of subordinating conjunctions

1. It connects the dependent clauses within independent clauses by adding subordinating conjunctions.
2. Showing relationship between clauses like condition ("if"), cause and effect ("because"), concession ("although") or time ("when").
3. It adds background information, conditions, and reasons to your sentences.
4. It helps to make your writing more creative, engaging, and interesting.

Example - "I went to the shop because I needed baking powder" – a dependent clause "because I needed" it describes the reason for going to the shop to buy baking powder.

Relative Pronouns with Dependent Clause

A relative pronoun is used to introduce the dependent clause that delivers the additional information in a sentence about a noun present in the independent clause. It is introduced by the "who," "that," or "which,". Have a look at the uses of the relative noun with the dependent clause stated below.

• Use of the relative pronouns with a dependent clause

1. Assist in representing the relative clauses that help to alter the noun in the main clause (independent clause).
2. They add information about the noun they talk about, such as clarification or description.
3. Relative nouns work as pronouns with dependent clauses; they speak about the nouns in the main clause.
4. It creates different meanings by using "who," "which," and "that". It can slightly affect the tone and meaning of the sentence.
5. "The cycle that I bought is red"—the relative clause here is "that I bought", describing the cycle.

This was all about the uses of subordinating conjunctions & relative pronouns with dependent clauses. It will help you to know how you can convert a dependent clause into a meaningful sentence by using subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns. Want to know how much you have learned? Then solve the following worksheet.

Exercise on Dependent Clauses with Answers

The dependent clauses cannot stand alone as a sentence; to complete a statement, you have to use independent clauses and conjunctions. To test your knowledge, we have provided an exercise on dependent clauses. Here, you have to solve a quiz by identifying whether the bold sentence is dependent or independent. Also, you can cross-check your answer through the answer sheet.

1. I will be so sad if she decides not to meet me. – Dependent/ Independent
2. While I enjoy eating any type of food, my brother will only eat vegetarian. – Dependent/ Independent
3. Please let me know when you reach. - Dependent/ Independent
4. Although I know she's a legendary actor, I can't remember her name. Dependent/ Independent
5. My brother, who is in the army force, has always been very confident and outgoing. - Dependent/ Independent
6. I believe that he shouldn't have been chosen, Manish. - Dependent/ Independent
7. After you have finished your task, we can head out for dinner.- Dependent/ Independent 
8. Because they are accountable to the public, they must act appropriately.- Dependent/ Independent
9. The car that was stolen was parked in front of his house. - Dependent/ Independent
10. I'll be leaving my job soon as I'm close to retirement.- Dependent/ Independent

Answer Sheet

1. Independent
2. Dependent
3. Dependent
4. Independent
5. Dependent
6. Independent
7. Independent
8. Dependent
9. Independent
10. Dependent

This is the exercise on dependent clauses that may clear your doubts on how to find the dependent clause in the sentence. If you want more exercises like this to upskill your abilities and improve the areas you lack, you can connect to our experts, who will provide you with all the related worksheets.

Conclusion

In summary, the dependent clause definition refers to a group of words that includes a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought on its own. It could be challenging to identify the dependent clause, but once you learn the approach, you can easily find it. Moreover, to become proficient, you can solve a worksheet. But, if you want to learn another part of speech in grammar, such as nouns, adverbs and more, you can learn with this expert at Gradding. 

FAQs

1. What is a dependent clause?

The dependent clause is a set of words comprising a subject and a verb, but it does not specify a complete thought. Therefore, it cannot stand alone as a whole sentence.

2. How is a dependent clause different from an independent clause?

A Dependent clause is an incomplete thought and can’t stand alone. An independent clause is a complete thought and can stand alone to make a meaningful sentence.

3. Can a sentence start with a dependent clause?

Yes, a sentence can start with a dependent clause. If a dependent clause appears first, it will be followed by a comma, and an independent clause will be added to complete the sentence.

4. Are there different types of dependent clauses?

Yes, there are three main types of dependent clauses:

1. Adverbial Clause– Modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb and answers questions like when, why, how, or under what condition.
2. Adjective Clause– Describes or gives more information about a noun or pronoun.
3. Noun Clause– Functions as a noun within a sentence (e.g., as a subject, object, or complement).