Dependent Clause: Definition, Types, and Examples
A dependent clause (also called a subordinate clause) is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb
but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It relies on an independent clause to form a full thought.
Key Features of a Dependent Clause:
✔ Contains a subject and verb (e.g., "because she left").
✔ Begins with a subordinating conjunction (because, although, since, when, if, after, as soon as, since,
until, while, unless,) or a relative pronoun (who, which, that, whose, whom, where,).
✔ Cannot be a complete sentence on its own (it is a sentence fragment).
Examples of Dependent Clauses:
1. Because she was tired, she went to bed early.
2. When the rain stops, we can go outside.
3. The book that I borrowed is fascinating.
4. Although he studied hard, he failed the test.
5. Whoever finishes first will get a prize.
A noun clause is a dependent clause that functions as a noun in a sentence. Like a noun, it can act as the
subject, object, or complement of a sentence.
Key Features of a Noun Clause:
Begins with words like:
- That (I know that she is lying)
- Whether/If (She wonders whether he will come)
- Wh- words (what, who, when, where, why, how)
- Whoever, whatever, whichever (Give it to whoever needs it)
Functions of a Noun Clause with Examples
1. Noun Clause as a Subject
- What she said shocked everyone.
- Whoever arrives first will get a prize.
- Whether we win or lose doesn’t matter.
2. Noun Clause as an Object
- She knows that he is lying.
- I wonder why he left early.
- He asked if we could help him.
3. Noun Clause as a Subject Complement
- The problem is that we don’t have enough time.
- Her fear was that she might fail.
- The question is whether they will agree.
4. Noun Clause as an Object of a Preposition
- She is happy about what you did.
- We argued over who should pay the bill.
- It depends on whether it rains.
Words That Introduce Noun Clauses
A noun clause is introduced by specific words that signal its role in a sentence. These words can be
grouped into three main categories:
1. Subordinating Conjunctions
These words introduce noun clauses that function as statements or facts.
- that (most common, sometimes omitted in informal speech)
- Example: I know (that) she is coming.
- if / whether (used for yes/no questions)
- Example: She asked if/whether I was ready.
2. Question Words (Interrogative Pronouns/Adverbs)
These introduce noun clauses that function as indirect questions.
- what, whatever
- Example: Tell me what you want
- who, whoever
- Example: I don’t know who took my book.
- whom, whomever
- Example: Give it to whomever you trust
3. Relative Pronouns (Less Common but Possible)
These introduce noun clauses that refer to a person or thing previously mentioned.
- whoever (any person who)
- Example: Whoever wins gets a prize.
- whatever (anything that)
- Example: Eat whatever you like
- whichever (any one that)
- Example: Take whichever seat is free.
Class work
(Identify the Noun Clause)
1. What he said made no sense.
2. I don’t remember where I put my keys.
3. The truth is that nobody knew.
4. She was curious about how he escaped.
5. Whoever solves this puzzle wins a reward.
An adjective clause (also called a relative clause) is a dependent clause that functions as an adjective in a
sentence. It modifies a noun or pronoun, providing additional information about it. Adjective clauses
usually begin with a relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, which, that) or a relative adverb (when, where,
why).
Key Features of Adjective Clauses:
1. Dependent Clause – Cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
2. Modifies a Noun/Pronoun – Describes or gives more details about a noun.
3. Begins with a Relative Pronoun/Adverb – Connects the clause to the noun it modifies.
Examples of Adjective Clauses:
1. With who/whom (for people):
- The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
(Modifies woman)
- The man whom I met yesterday was very kind.
(Modifies man)
2. With whose (showing possession):
- The student whose book was lost asked for help.
(Modifies student)
3. With which (for things/animals):
- The book which you lent me is fascinating.
(Modifies book)
4. With that (for people or things):
- The car that I bought last week is very fast.
(Modifies car)
5. With where/when/why (for places, times, reasons):
- The house where I grew up is now a museum.
(Modifies house)
- The day when we met was unforgettable.
(Modifies day)
- The reason why she left is still unknown.
(Modifies reason)
An adverbial clause is a dependent clause that functions as an adverb in a sentence. It modifies a verb,
adjective, or another adverb, answering questions like:
- When? (Time)
- Where? (Place)
- Why? (Reason)
- How?(Manner)
- Under what condition? (Condition)
- To what extent? (Degree/Comparison)
Adverbial clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, when, if, although, since, while).
Types of Adverbial Clauses with Examples:
1.Time (When?)
- She called me when she arrived home.
- I’ll text you after the meeting ends.
Common conjunctions: when, before, after, since, until, while, as soon as
2. Place (Where?)
- Put the keys where you found them.
- He travels wherever his job takes him.
Common conjunctions: where, wherever, anywhere
3. Reason (Why?)
- She cried because she was sad.
- Since it’s raining, we’ll stay indoors.
Common conjunctions: because, since, as, so that
4. Condition (Under what condition?)
- If it rains, the match will be canceled.
- You’ll succeed provided that you work hard.
Common conjunctions if, unless, provided that, in case
5. Manner (How?)
- He acted as if he knew everything.
- *Do it the way I showed you.
Common conjunctions: as, as if, as though, the way
6. Purpose (Why? / For what goal?)
- She studies hard so that she can pass the exam.
- They left early in order to avoid traffic.
Common conjunctions: so that, in order that, lest
