2/9/2017 Dependent Clauses

Dependent Clauses
The dependent clause, also called the subordinate clause, functions just as its name impliesit is
subordinate to, or dependent on, the main clause of the sentence, i.e. the independent clause. It
contains a subject and a verb, and usually an object, complement, or other modifying phrase (just like
an independent clause), yet cannot stand alone as a sentence. The reason it cannot stand on its own
is that this clause is used to complete a function, that is, it adds some information to the main clause,
or is a part of the main clause (subject or object of the main clause). What distinguishes a
subordinate clause is the conjunction or pronoun that begins it (there are cases in which this
conjunction is omitted but it is nevertheless clearly understood.

There are three types of dependent clause: the noun clause, the adjective clause (also
called the relative clause), and the adverbial clause.

Each performs a specic function:

Noun clause
A noun clause functions as a subject or a direct object within an independent clause. It can also
function as an object to a preposition, or as a complement.

Ex:What she saiddidnt bother me as muchashow she said it. The rst clause is the subject of
the whole sentence, while the second clause is the object of the prepositionas.

Adjective clause
This clause functions just as a regular adjective would: it describes a noun. More than that,
however, an adjective clause is commonly used to identify indenite nouns, nouns that are not
specic enough to be identied on their own, or it can provide extra information to describe or
complete the understanding of a noun.

Ex:Someone from the banquet hallthat Margaret booked six months agojust called to conrm
the date of the reception. This adjective clause identies the specic banquet hall. There are many
such halls, but only this particular one called.

Margaret invited all her friends to the wedding,which she promised would be spectacular. This
sentence would be complete without the adjective clause; the clause simply adds information about
the wedding for eect, interest, persuasion, or any other reason.

Next week the newlyweds will y to Hawaii to visit Kevin,(who is) Jasons best friend,who cant
make it to the wedding. The rst adjective clause has a conjunction and verb that can be removed
to create an appositive. The second adjective clause provides extra information about Kevin.

Adverb Clause
These clauses suggest a relationship between the main clause and the subordinate clause. There
are various relationships, each based on the conjunction used. For example,thoughsignals a
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2/9/2017 Dependent Clauses

relationship ofcontrast,ifsignals a relationship ofcondition,whensignals a relationship oftime, and

so on. It is very important to recognize the conjunction and its function in order to understand the full
sentence and the relationship inherent in it.

Ex:When you arrive at the station,come outside and look for my car. The relationship here is one
of time.First, arrive.Then, come outside.

Ifyou dont water your plants regularly,they will wither and die. The plants survivaldepends
onyour watering them regularly.

The new computer software is very complicated,though it is not dicult to pick it up

quickly.Complicatedsuggests the softwareis dicultto learn.Thoughintroduces the contrasting
idea that isnot dicultto learn.

Because each subordinate clause functions very dierently, each clause will be looked at separately.
Once you understand the use of each, you can see how they may be embedded in one another.

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