Dependent Clause - Definition, Types and Examples

Dependent Clause - Definition, Types and Examples

Dependent clauses are commonly used clauses in English. Learning dependent clause, its types and structures improves not only spoken English but also written English. In this article, we've written about:

1. Dependent Clause - Definition and Meaning

2. Dependent Clauses Examples 
3. Types of Dependent Clause
4. Independent Vs Dependent Clause 
5. Dependent Clause Exercises
6. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Dependent Clause - Definition and Meaning

Merriam-Webster defines dependent clause as "A dependent clause does not form a simple sentence by itself. Also called a subordinate clause, it is connected to the main clause of a sentence by a conjunction such as that or when.".

ThoughtCo writes about dependent clause, "In English grammar, a dependent clause is a group of words that has both a subject and a verb, but (unlike an independent clause) cannot stand alone as a sentence.". 

From the definitions above, we learn that:

1. A dependent clause is a group of words.

2. It is also known as subordinate clause.

3. It has a subject and a verb.

4. It is connected to the main or independent clause by a conjunction.

5. It cannot form a complete sentence.

6. It cannot express a complete sense.

7. It cannot stand alone. 

8. It is dependent on the independent clause.

 

Dependent Clauses Examples

a. I know that John lied to me.

b. The boy who is standing there is my friend. 

c. I'll meet you after I reach home. 

The clauses in bold are noun, adjective and adverbial clauses which are types of dependent clause. They all satisfy the requirements of a dependent clause mentioned above. Think deeply. 

 

Types of Dependent Clause

Dependent or subordinate clause has the following 3 types. They are given as under:

1. Noun clause 

2. Adjective clause 

3. Adverbial clause

Noun clause

A noun clause, also known as content clause, is a dependent clause that acts as a noun. That is, a noun clause becomes a subject, object, subject complement, etc., in a sentence.

Examples:

a. John believes that he can do this job successfully.

b. That John topped the class is known to all.

The clauses in bold are noun or content clauses. The first noun clause, that he can do.... is the object of the verb, believes. The second noun clause, that John topped.... is the subject of the sentence. 

Adjective clause 

An adjective clause, also known as relative clause, is a dependent clause that acts as an adjective. Adjective clauses modify a noun, noun phrase or pronoun.

Examples:

a. The boy who met with you yesterday is my friend.

b. The one who works hard gets good marks.

The clause in bold are adjective clauses which modify the noun, the boy and the pronoun, the one. 

Adverbial clause 

An adverbial clause is a dependent clause that acts as an adverb. That is, it modifies the verb, adjective or adverb in the independent clause. 

Examples:

a. She'll attend the meeting after she has finished conducting her class. 

b. Heavy workout is dangerous if you don't take proper diet.

The clauses in bold are adverbial dependent clauses. The first adverbial dependent clause, after she has finished..... modifies the verb, attend in the independent clause. The second one, if you don't take..... modifies the adjective, dangerous in the independent clause.

Independent Vs Dependent Clause 

Independent and dependent clauses have some similar features and some different.

Similarities

1. Both independent and dependent clauses are a group of words.

2. They both have a subject and verb.

Differences 

1. An independent clause can form a complete sentence, while a dependent clause cannot.

2. An independent clause can be a complete sentence or part of it, whereas a dependent clause is always part of a sentence.

3. An independent clause can express a complete thought, while the same cannot be expressed by a dependent clause.

 

Dependent Clause Exercises

Identify the dependent clauses and their types in the below-given sentences. Try to find them yourself without looking at the answer keys.

a. I know that John has attended the class today.

b. That you don't know does not matter.

c. Think twice before you speak.

d. My son, who is 16, has topped the class. 

e. I believe that you can do it.

Answer keys:

a. that John has attended the class today. (noun clause)

b. that you don't know (noun clause)

c. before you speak (adverbial clause)

d. who is 16 (adjective clause)

e. that you can do it (noun clause)

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is a dependent clause?

A dependent clause, also know as subordinate clause, is a group of words that has a subject and predicate, and that cannot form a complete sentence, and that cannot stand alone, and that cannot express a complete thought.

What are the 5 examples of dependent clause?

1. I know that John has attended the class today.

2. That you don't know does not matter.

3. Think twice before you speak.

4. My son, who is 16, has topped the class. 

5. I believe that you can do it.