In English grammar, a clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate. Clauses can be classified into two main types: independent clauses and dependent clauses. While independent clauses can stand alone as complete sentences, dependent clauses cannot. Understanding the function and use of dependent clauses is essential for constructing complex, varied, and nuanced sentences. This article delves into what dependent clauses are, their types, and how to use them effectively.
What is a Dependent Clause?
A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It provides additional information to the main clause and relies on it to form a complete thought. Dependent clauses typically begin with subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, although, if), relative pronouns (e.g., who, which, that), or relative adverbs (e.g., where, when, why).
Types of Dependent Clauses
There are three main types of dependent clauses: adverbial clauses, adjective clauses, and noun clauses.
1. Adverbial Clauses:
Adverbial clauses function as adverbs, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. They often answer questions like why, when, where, and how.
- Example: “Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.”
- Explanation: The clause “Because it was raining” explains why we stayed indoors.
2. Adjective Clauses:
Adjective clauses, also known as relative clauses, function as adjectives, modifying a noun or pronoun. They provide more information about a noun.
- Example: “The book that you lent me was fascinating.”
- Explanation: The clause “that you lent me” provides additional information about the book.
3. Noun Clauses:
Noun clauses function as nouns. They can serve as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence.
- Example: “What she said was surprising.”
- Explanation: The clause “What she said” serves as the subject of the sentence.
Using Dependent Clauses Effectively
To use dependent clauses effectively, it is important to understand how they connect to independent clauses. Here are some tips:
1. Subordinating Conjunctions:
Use subordinating conjunctions to introduce dependent clauses. Common subordinating conjunctions include because, although, since, if, when, while, and unless.
- Example: “Although he was tired, he finished his homework.”
- Explanation: The subordinating conjunction “although” introduces the dependent clause.
2. Relative Pronouns and Adverbs:
Use relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) and relative adverbs (where, when, why) to introduce adjective clauses.
- Example: “The house where I grew up is being renovated.”
- Explanation: The relative adverb “where” introduces the adjective clause.
3. Placement:
Dependent clauses can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. When a dependent clause starts a sentence, it is usually followed by a comma.
- Beginning: “If you need help, let me know.”
- Middle: “The car, which was brand new, broke down.”
- End: “She smiled because she was happy.”
4. Punctuation:
When a dependent clause comes at the beginning of a sentence, use a comma to separate it from the independent clause. If it comes at the end, a comma is usually not needed unless the clause is non-essential.
- Example: “After the meeting ended, we went for dinner.”
- Explanation: The comma separates the dependent clause from the independent clause.
Common Mistakes with Dependent Clauses
1. Fragment Sentences:
A common mistake is writing a dependent clause as if it were a complete sentence, resulting in a sentence fragment.
- Incorrect: “Because he was late.”
- Correct: “Because he was late, we missed the bus.”
2. Comma Splices:
Combining two independent clauses with only a comma is incorrect. Use a semicolon, a conjunction, or make them separate sentences.
- Incorrect: “He was late, we missed the bus.”
- Correct: “He was late, so we missed the bus.”
Conclusion
Understanding and using dependent clauses effectively can enhance your writing by adding complexity and clarity. They provide essential information that explains, qualifies, or complements the main ideas in your sentences. By mastering the use of adverbial, adjective, and noun clauses, you can create more sophisticated and varied sentence structures, improving both your written and spoken English.