Which Sentence Contains A Dependent Clause

Identifying dependent clauses is a foundational skill for understanding sentence structure and enhancing writing proficiency. A dependent clause, unlike an independent clause, cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. This article will delve into the characteristics of dependent clauses, how to identify them within sentences, and why understanding them is crucial for effective communication. We'll explore different types of dependent clauses, provide numerous examples, and offer practical tips to help you master the art of spotting them.

Understanding Clauses: The Building Blocks of Sentences

Before diving into dependent clauses, it's essential to understand the broader concept of clauses themselves. A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb. Clauses form the basis of sentence construction. There are two main types of clauses:

• Independent Clause: An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. It contains a subject and a verb and makes sense on its own.

  Example: The dog barked. (Subject: dog; Verb: barked)

• Dependent Clause: A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, also contains a subject and a verb, but it does not express a complete thought. It relies on an independent clause to form a complete sentence.

  Example: Because it was raining. (This clause leaves you wondering what happened because of the rain.)

What is a Dependent Clause?

A dependent clause is a clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence. It starts with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun that connects it to the independent clause. Because it doesn't express a complete thought, a dependent clause is always part of a larger sentence.

Key Characteristics of Dependent Clauses:

1. Subordinating Conjunction or Relative Pronoun: Dependent clauses often begin with words that indicate their dependence on the independent clause.
2. Subject and Verb: Like all clauses, dependent clauses contain a subject and a verb.
3. Incomplete Thought: The most critical characteristic is that a dependent clause does not form a complete thought on its own.

Identifying Dependent Clauses: A Step-by-Step Guide

Identifying dependent clauses involves recognizing the key elements that make them distinct from independent clauses. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:

Step 1: Look for Subordinating Conjunctions and Relative Pronouns

These words are the most common indicators of a dependent clause.

• Subordinating Conjunctions: These words connect a dependent clause to an independent clause and indicate a relationship between them (e.g., cause, contrast, time). Common subordinating conjunctions include: after, although, as, because, before, if, since, than, that, though, until, when, where, while.
• Relative Pronouns: These pronouns introduce a dependent clause and relate it to a noun or pronoun in the main clause. Common relative pronouns include: who, whom, which, that, whose.

Step 2: Find the Subject and Verb

Every clause, whether dependent or independent, must have a subject and a verb. Identify these elements within the clause you suspect is dependent.

Step 3: Determine if the Clause Expresses a Complete Thought

This is the crucial step. Read the clause in isolation. Does it make sense on its own? Does it leave you with questions or a sense of incompleteness? If so, it's likely a dependent clause.

Step 4: Consider the Context of the Sentence

Examine how the clause functions within the larger sentence. How does it relate to the independent clause? Does it provide additional information, explain a cause, or indicate a condition?

Types of Dependent Clauses

Dependent clauses can be categorized into three main types based on their function within the sentence:

1. Adjective Clauses: These clauses modify a noun or pronoun, providing additional information about it. They often begin with relative pronouns.

   • Example: The book that I borrowed from the library is overdue. (The adjective clause "that I borrowed from the library" modifies the noun "book.")

2. Adverb Clauses: These clauses modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb, providing information about time, place, manner, cause, purpose, condition, or degree. They typically begin with subordinating conjunctions.

   • Example: Because it was raining, we decided to stay home. (The adverb clause "Because it was raining" modifies the verb "decided," explaining why they stayed home.)

3. Noun Clauses: These clauses function as nouns within a sentence. They can act as subjects, objects, complements, or appositives. They often begin with words like that, what, whatever, who, whoever, whom, whomever, which, whichever, when, where, why, how, if, whether.

   • Example: What she said surprised everyone. (The noun clause "What she said" functions as the subject of the sentence.)

Examples of Sentences Containing Dependent Clauses

To further illustrate how to identify dependent clauses, let's examine several sentences with different types of dependent clauses:

1. Sentence: If you study hard, you will succeed.

   • Dependent Clause: If you study hard (adverb clause modifying the verb "will succeed")
   • Subordinating Conjunction: If
   • Subject: you
   • Verb: study
   • Independent Clause: you will succeed.

2. Sentence: The car that he bought is very expensive.

   • Dependent Clause: that he bought (adjective clause modifying the noun "car")
   • Relative Pronoun: that
   • Subject: he
   • Verb: bought
   • Independent Clause: The car is very expensive.

3. Sentence: I don't know what I should do.

   • Dependent Clause: what I should do (noun clause functioning as the object of the verb "know")
   • Word introducing the clause: what
   • Subject: I
   • Verb: should do
   • Independent Clause: I don't know.

4. Sentence: Although it was late, they continued working.

   • Dependent Clause: Although it was late (adverb clause modifying the verb "continued")
   • Subordinating Conjunction: Although
   • Subject: it
   • Verb: was
   • Independent Clause: they continued working.

5. Sentence: The man who helped me is a doctor.

   • Dependent Clause: who helped me (adjective clause modifying the noun "man")
   • Relative Pronoun: who
   • Subject: who (relative pronoun acting as subject)
   • Verb: helped
   • Independent Clause: The man is a doctor.

6. Sentence: She went to the store because she needed milk.

   • Dependent Clause: because she needed milk (adverb clause modifying the verb "went")
   • Subordinating Conjunction: because
   • Subject: she
   • Verb: needed
   • Independent Clause: She went to the store.

7. Sentence: Wherever you go, I will follow.

   • Dependent Clause: Wherever you go (adverb clause modifying the verb "will follow")
   • Subordinating Conjunction: Wherever
   • Subject: you
   • Verb: go
   • Independent Clause: I will follow.

8. Sentence: That he is innocent is obvious.

   • Dependent Clause: That he is innocent (noun clause functioning as the subject of the sentence)
   • Word introducing the clause: That
   • Subject: he
   • Verb: is
   • Independent Clause: is obvious.

9. Sentence: I will call you when I arrive.

   • Dependent Clause: when I arrive (adverb clause modifying the verb "will call")
   • Subordinating Conjunction: when
   • Subject: I
   • Verb: arrive
   • Independent Clause: I will call you.

10. Sentence: The house which is on the hill is for sale.

    • Dependent Clause: which is on the hill (adjective clause modifying the noun "house")
    • Relative Pronoun: which
    • Subject: which (relative pronoun acting as subject)
    • Verb: is
    • Independent Clause: The house is for sale.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Identifying dependent clauses can sometimes be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Confusing Phrases with Clauses: A phrase is a group of related words that does not contain both a subject and a verb. Do not mistake a phrase for a dependent clause.

  • Example of a Phrase: After the game (This lacks a verb and a subject performing the verb.)
  • Example of a Dependent Clause: After the game ended (This includes both a subject 'game' and a verb 'ended'.)

• Misidentifying the Subject and Verb: Ensure you correctly identify the subject and verb within the clause. Sometimes, the subject may be implied or a relative pronoun.

• Overlooking the Subordinating Conjunction or Relative Pronoun: These words are crucial indicators of a dependent clause. Always look for them first.

• Assuming Every "That" Introduces a Dependent Clause: While "that" often introduces noun and adjective clauses, it can also function as a demonstrative adjective or pronoun. Consider the context.

Why Understanding Dependent Clauses Matters

Understanding dependent clauses is essential for several reasons:

1. Improved Writing Clarity: Recognizing and using dependent clauses correctly allows you to create more complex and nuanced sentences. This leads to clearer and more effective communication.
2. Enhanced Reading Comprehension: Being able to identify dependent clauses helps you understand the relationships between different parts of a sentence. This improves your ability to comprehend complex texts.
3. Grammatical Accuracy: Proper use of dependent clauses ensures grammatical correctness in your writing. This enhances your credibility and professionalism.
4. Effective Sentence Variety: Incorporating dependent clauses into your writing adds variety to your sentences, making your writing more engaging and interesting to read.
5. Stronger Analytical Skills: Understanding the structure and function of dependent clauses strengthens your analytical skills. This is valuable in various academic and professional contexts.

Tips and Tricks for Mastering Dependent Clauses

Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you master the art of identifying and using dependent clauses:

• Practice Regularly: The more you practice identifying dependent clauses in different types of sentences, the better you will become at it.
• Read Widely: Reading a variety of texts exposes you to different sentence structures and helps you internalize the patterns of dependent clauses.
• Write Frequently: Writing regularly allows you to experiment with different types of dependent clauses and refine your understanding of how they function.
• Seek Feedback: Ask teachers, mentors, or peers to review your writing and provide feedback on your use of dependent clauses.
• Use Online Resources: Utilize online grammar resources and exercises to reinforce your understanding of dependent clauses.
• Break Down Complex Sentences: When encountering a complex sentence, break it down into its component clauses to identify the dependent clauses and their functions.
• Memorize Common Subordinating Conjunctions and Relative Pronouns: Familiarizing yourself with these words will make it easier to spot dependent clauses.
• Focus on Meaning: Always consider the meaning of the sentence and how the dependent clause contributes to the overall message.

The Interplay Between Independent and Dependent Clauses

The relationship between independent and dependent clauses is the foundation of complex sentence structure. To create sophisticated and nuanced writing, it's important to understand how these clauses work together. Here's a deeper look at their interplay:

• Coordination vs. Subordination: Independent clauses can be joined together using coordination (with coordinating conjunctions like and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) to create compound sentences. Dependent clauses, on the other hand, are always subordinated to an independent clause.
• Varying Sentence Structure: By strategically using dependent clauses, you can create a variety of sentence structures, making your writing more engaging and preventing monotony.
• Emphasis and Focus: The placement of a dependent clause can influence the emphasis of a sentence. For example, placing an adverb clause at the beginning of a sentence can draw attention to the condition or cause.
• Creating Complex Arguments: Dependent clauses are essential for building complex arguments and expressing nuanced ideas. They allow you to provide supporting information, offer explanations, and qualify your statements.

Advanced Concepts: Elliptical Clauses and Reduced Clauses

As you become more proficient in identifying and using dependent clauses, you may encounter more advanced concepts such as elliptical clauses and reduced clauses.

• Elliptical Clauses: These are clauses in which some words are omitted because they are understood from the context. This often occurs in adverb clauses.

  • Example: While (I was) walking to school, I saw a friend.

• Reduced Clauses: These are clauses that have been shortened, typically by omitting the relative pronoun and auxiliary verb.

  • Example: The book written by Hemingway is a classic. (Reduced from "The book that was written by Hemingway is a classic.")

Dependent Clauses in Different Writing Styles

The use of dependent clauses can vary depending on the writing style and purpose.

• Academic Writing: Academic writing often requires complex sentences with multiple dependent clauses to express sophisticated ideas and arguments.
• Creative Writing: Creative writing can utilize dependent clauses to create vivid imagery, build suspense, and develop characters.
• Business Writing: Business writing should be clear and concise. While dependent clauses can be used, it's important to ensure that they don't obscure the meaning of the sentence.

Conclusion

Mastering the identification and use of dependent clauses is a crucial step in becoming a proficient writer and reader. By understanding the characteristics of dependent clauses, recognizing their different types, and practicing regularly, you can significantly enhance your communication skills. Remember to look for subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns, identify the subject and verb, and determine whether the clause expresses a complete thought. With consistent effort and attention to detail, you can confidently navigate the complexities of sentence structure and write with clarity, precision, and style. Embrace the challenge, and watch your writing skills flourish.