Dependent clause
A dependent clause has its own subject and verb but is introduced by a word such as 'because', 'although' or 'who' that stops it standing alone, so it must attach to an independent clause to make a sentence.
Because the key was bent. Subject, verb, and no sentence. The word because has made the clause lean on something else. Remove it and the key was bent stands up on its own as an independent clause.
That is what dependent means here: the clause depends on a main clause to finish its thought. It is also called a subordinate clause.
The three kinds of dependent clause
- Adverb clauses say when, why, how or under what condition. They start with a subordinating conjunction: because, although, while, if, until, unless, since, after, before, when, whereas, so that. Example: We left before the speeches started.
- Relative clauses (adjective clauses) describe a noun. They start with who, whom, whose, which or that. Example: The girl who found the wallet handed it in.
- Noun clauses do the job of a noun, as subject or object. They often start with what, that, whether or how. Example: What she said surprised everyone.
Dependent clause examples
- If it snows tomorrow, school will be cancelled.
- I kept reading until the light went.
- Nobody knew whether the bridge was still open.
- The house where I grew up has been sold.
A sentence with a dependent clause is a complex sentence. Put a comma after a dependent clause that opens the sentence; one that follows the main clause usually needs none.
Why the choice matters
The craft point is not the grammar; it is the ranking. Subordination tells the reader which half of a sentence carries less weight.
- She apologised, although she had done nothing wrong.
- Although she apologised, she had done nothing wrong.
Identical facts, opposite emphasis. The independent clause is the one the reader walks away with. Whenever a sentence carries two facts of unequal importance, the smaller one belongs in the dependent clause. If a writer keeps putting the wrong half there, the prose reads as though it cannot tell what its own scene is about.
Front-loaded dependent clauses also delay the main statement, which is the basic move behind the periodic sentence.
Frequently asked questions
What is a dependent clause?
A dependent clause, also called a subordinate clause, is a group of words with a subject and a verb that cannot stand alone as a sentence. It depends on a main clause to complete its meaning, as in 'because it was late' or 'who lives next door'.
What is the difference between a dependent and an independent clause?
An independent clause is a complete thought and can be a sentence by itself. A dependent clause starts with a linking word such as because, if, when or which, and leaves the reader waiting for the rest.
Is a dependent clause a sentence fragment?
If it is punctuated as a sentence on its own, yes. 'Because it was late.' is a fragment. Attach it to an independent clause and it is correct: 'Because it was late, we took a taxi.'