Identifying Dependent Clauses: An Example

_{October 5, 2023 by JoyAnswer.org, Category : Grammar}

Which is an example of a dependent clause? Explore an example of a dependent clause within a sentence, gaining a better understanding of its structure and role in forming complex sentences.

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Which is an example of a dependent clause?

A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, is a group of words that has a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought on its own. It relies on an independent clause (a complete sentence) to form a complete thought. Here's an example of a dependent clause:

"While I was studying for my exam,"

In this example, "While I was studying for my exam" is a dependent clause because it contains a subject ("I") and a verb ("was studying"), but it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It leaves the reader hanging and expecting more information to form a complete thought. To make it a complete sentence, you would need to add an independent clause:

"While I was studying for my exam, I realized I had forgotten my notes."

Now, the dependent clause is combined with an independent clause ("I realized I had forgotten my notes") to create a complete sentence.

Dependent Clause Examples: Understanding Sentence Structure

A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb, but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It is also known as a subordinate clause. Dependent clauses are used to modify nouns, pronouns, verbs, or adjectives.

To identify a dependent clause, look for a subordinating conjunction. Subordinating conjunctions are words that signal the beginning of a dependent clause. Some common subordinating conjunctions are:

after
although
as
as if
because
before
even though
if
in order to
since
than
that
though
unless
until
when
whenever

Here are some examples of dependent clauses:

After I finished my homework, I watched TV.
Although I was tired, I went to the gym.
As I was walking to school, I saw a cat.
As if he knew what I was thinking, he smiled.
Because I was late, I missed the bus.
Before I go to bed, I brush my teeth.
Even though it was raining, we went for a walk.
If I get a good grade on this test, I will go to the movies.
In order to pass the class, I need to study hard.
Since I'm hungry, I'm going to make a sandwich.
The book that I'm reading is very interesting.
I'm better at math than my sister.
I'm so glad that you're here.
Though I'm afraid of heights, I climbed the mountain.
Unless you finish your homework, you can't go outside.
I'm going to stay up until I finish this project.
When I was a kid, I loved to play baseball.
Whenever I see a dog, I want to pet it.

Identifying Subordinate Clauses: Dependent Clause Illustrations

Here are some illustrations of dependent clauses in sentences:

The man who lives next door is a doctor. (dependent clause modifies the noun "man")
I'm going to the store to buy groceries. (dependent clause modifies the verb "going")
The teacher said that she would be late. (dependent clause modifies the adjective "late")
The dog barked because the doorbell rang. (dependent clause modifies the verb "barked")

Examples of Dependent Clauses in Sentences

Here are some more examples of dependent clauses in sentences:

I'm going to the park as soon as I finish my homework.
I was so happy that I cried.
He's taller than his brother.
I'm not going to the party unless you come with me.
I'll wait here until you get back.
I remember when we were kids.
I love you more than words can say.

Dependent clauses are an important part of the English language. They allow us to add more detail and complexity to our sentences. By understanding how to use dependent clauses, we can improve our writing and speaking skills.