Dependent Clause: Issues and Examples

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A dependent clause is one of the terms that comes up in advanced grammar. A dependent clause definition refers to a group of words containing a subject and a verb but not expressing a complete thought. This term has different names, like subordinate clause, subclause, or embedded clause. However, all of them have one purpose, which is to provide additional information to the main (independent) clause of a sentence. If you are a student pursuing a degree in English or any of the related fields, you should know about this term and how to use it. This blog post from AllAssignmentHelp discusses everything about dependent clauses, including their types and examples. So make sure to not skip any part of this blog and strengthen your vocabulary and grammar usage.

Independent Clause VS Dependent Clause

The independent clause is a complete sentence in its own right. It does not rely on dependencies. However, the usage of dependent clauses after independent clauses makes the sentence look more crisp, clear, and understandable. On the other hand, dependent clauses cannot function without the help of independent clauses. It will give no meaning to the sentence, or we can say that it cannot stand alone without any support. A dependent clause is a group of words containing a subject and verb, but it is incomplete. It requires an independent clause to provide context and meaning.

Examples of an Independent Clause and Dependent Clause:

He decided to go outside, although the weather was bad.
The audition was postponed because the judge was not well.
Johnson likes to work at night because he is more productive at that time.
Let’s host your bachelor party where you first met.
He played the guitar while she was dancing.
She moved to a new city because her husband moved there.
He was confident, even though he was nervous from the inside.
We went to eat outside even though it was raining.
She borrowed my bill because it was urgent.
We can eat snacks when the classes are over.
He decided to go to the meeting, even though he was late.
Priya felt better after talking to her best friend.
She will call you as soon as she gets free from work.
He didn’t attend the meeting because he was busy with other things.
We will visit you when our work is completed.
She left early so that she could reach her college on time.
I will clean the house after completing my office work.
She smiled when she received her promotion.
We will leave once our meeting is over.
He is saving money so that he can buy his favorite bike.
I will finish this web series before going to college.
.She wore a coat because the AC was high.
They went out for a picnic even though he had some office work to do.
My friend called me after reaching the airport.
I will wait here until you finish your work.
He could not perform well in exams because he was not well.
Mary missed her presentation because she could not complete it on time.
I felt happy when I received your call.
He enjoys cooking although he isn’t very good at it.

We hope that now the dependent clause words might be clear for you. If you still have trouble understanding these terms and are not clear about how and when to use them, then it is a matter of concern. because if you still don’t understand the meaning of dependent clauses and how dependent clauses and independent clauses are different from each other, then proceeding with your course and getting good grades in it might be difficult. But no worries, you can still pay for online class help from online experts and receive top grades. They will assist you in the best manner and provide you with step-by-step processes for understanding and implementing a dependent clause.

Common Issues Related to Dependent Clause

Dependent clauses are subordinating clauses, but is it still important? Are you wondering why dependent clauses are important in a sentence? Well, let us briefly discuss the common issue and rule related to this term, which will help you understand.

We have discussed the two common issues related to dependent clauses.

First Issue: Should a Comma Be Used with a Dependent Clause?

Individuals often struggle with whether they should use commas with dependent clauses or not. Let us find an answer to this question with simple answers.

Rule 1: Use a comma to balance out any fronted adverbs in your dependent clause.

An adverb will be used to describe a dependent clause that begins with a subordinating conjunction. This means that if your dependent clause has a verb in the first sentence, you should use a comma in between them. Moreover, it also explains that if a dependent clause is placed in the first half of the sentence, offset the clause with a comma. If the clause is ending the sentence, then Aoid is using a comma in it.

Example 1: Because she was tired, she took an off today.

Here, the dependent clause is placed at the beginning of the sentence; hence, you should use a comma to complete the sentence.

Example 2: I want to check on my mother before going to the office.

Here, the dependent clause is placed at the end, so it is not necessary to use a comma

Rule 2: A comma (or two commas if it’s in the middle of a phrase) should be used to offset any nonessential adjectives in your dependent clause.

The dependent clause will serve as an adjective if it begins with a relative pronoun. A restrictive clause is one that is essential for the meaning of the sentence, and you should not use a comma before your relative pronoun. On the other hand, you can use a comma before a relative pronoun in the case of a non-restrictive clause, which tends to add additional information to the sentence.

Example 1: My brother who works at Google, has the best salary package in our family.

With this sentence, it is clear that there can be more brothers who do not work at Google. It is an example of a restrictive clause, and you should not use a comma between them.

Example 2: My brother Mark, who works at Google, has the best salary package in our family.

Here, the term “who works at Google” is just additional information to the sentence. This is a nonrestrictive clause, and a comma is essential to use.

Second Issue: Avoid Using “which” At the Beginning of Declarative Sentences

A declarative sentence should not start with who or which. However, you can use who and which to start a sentence that is a question.

Examples:

The biryani was delicious. Which everyone enjoyed.
He forgot his jacket. Which left him drenched in the rain.
She adopted a kitten. Which needed a lot of care.
The web series was boring. Which made us sleep early.
The grocery store was closed. Which meant we couldn’t buy anything.

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Dependent Clause Examples

Dependent clauses are not complete sentences, even though they have both a subject and a verb. It always requires the support of independent clauses to make a dependent sentence complete. If you see a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun in a sentence, you can easily infer that it is a dependent clause or an independent clause. That was a brief dependent clause definition. Moreover, let us look at a few examples of dependent clauses that will help you understand this term better.

1- Dependent Adverb Clause

In a sentence, dependent adverb clauses serve as adverbs. It also relates to altering other adverbs, adjectives, or verbs. Subordinating conjunctions like after, although, as far as, where, wherever, and why, are typically used to start them. Here are a few instances:

We will leave when the rain stops.
Call me before you arrive.
While you were sleeping, I finished the project.
They went out for dinner after the movie ended.
She left as soon as the function ended.
He stayed home because his sister was sick.
Although he was not well, he kept working.
Even though they were late, they managed to catch the bus.
Since you’re here, let’s start the meeting.

2- Dependent Adjective Clause

A dependent-adjective clause is one that uses a relative pronoun at the beginning. Common relative pronouns—that, which, who, whom, and whose—are a few of the adjectives used in between the sentences. Following are some examples of dependent clauses.

The teacher who taught me psychology is retiring next year.
The professor whom you recommended will be giving a lecture tomorrow.
My boyfriend gave me a gift which I will always cherish.
The students who scored the highest will receive special gifts from the principal.
The man whom they hired is highly experienced.
The movie that we watched was interesting.
The girl who is wearing a red dress is my school friend.

3- Dependent Noun Clause

A noun refers to a person, place, or thing. The same dependent noun cause refers to clauses that can serve as subjects, objects, or complements. that, whether, if, what, who, whom, whose, why, how, when, where, or whatever are a few of the instances that can be used within the sentences. Moreover, look at the following sentence example to understand this term better.

What I saw was unbelievable
Whether you like it or not you should still learn daily
I don’t know what my teacher expects from me
The problem is that we don’t have enough time
What I need now is a hair and body massage
I don’t know why he called
She believes that her sister will get hired
We are not sure whether he will come or not
I don’t know why he was behaving like that in the party
She explained how she solved the problem
Do you remember when we went on our first date?

These were a few examples of dependent clauses using nouns, adverbs, and adjectives. We hope that now you have understood the meaning of dependent sentences and how to correctly use dependent clause words. Moreover, if you need any help with your online classes, hire professional online class takers for them. Just by searching, who can take my online class on the internet? You can submit all of your pending assignments, essays, exams, and online classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is a dependent clause?
A dependent clause is a group of words containing a subject and verb, but it is incomplete. It requires an independent clause to provide context and meaning.

Question 2: What is an independent clause?
The independent clause is a complete sentence in its own right. It does not rely on dependencies. However, using dependent clauses after independent clauses makes the sentence look more crisp, clear, and understandable.

Question 3: What are the common mistakes to avoid with dependent and independent clauses?
Sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and comma splices are the three mistakes you should avoid to make your sentence complete.

Question 4: What are dependent clause words?
Why, whomever, when, what, that, who, whatever, because, before, even if, and even though are some of the dependent clause words.