Do you know what a dependent clause is? How many types of dependent clauses are there, and how should you use them? Join IDP to explore everything you need to know about Dependent Clauses and how to apply them effectively in your IELTS preparation.
1. What Is a Dependent Clause?
A dependent clause (also known as a subordinate clause) is a clause that begins with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun. It cannot stand alone and must be connected to an independent clause to form a complete sentence with meaning.
Although a dependent clause includes both a subject and a verb, it only provides additional information, such as a condition, description, or clarification for the main clause.
Example:
Even though it rained a lot, we still went to the supermarket.
➡ In this example, even though it rained a lot is the dependent clause. It cannot stand alone and is used to support the main clause we still went to the supermarket.
2. Types of Dependent Clauses in English
There are three main types of dependent clauses: Adverbial Clauses, Noun Clauses, and Adjective Clauses.
Adverbial Clauses
An Adverbial Clause functions as an adverb and modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. These clauses typically provide information related to time, reason, condition, purpose, contrast, or manner.
Common adverbial clauses include:
Time Clauses: beginning with when, while, as, until
Concessive Clauses: beginning with although, though, even though, despite, in spite of
Purpose Clauses: beginning with in order to, so as to, so that, in order that
Reason Clauses: beginning with because, as, since, now that, due to the fact that
Examples:
After the man received a phone call, he left home immediately.
We visited Mike last weekend because he had an accident.
I hang out in a restaurant where my favorite food is served.
Noun Clauses
A Noun Clause (also called a Nominal Clause) acts as a noun in a sentence and can function as a subject, object, or complement.
Common starters: that, how, who, whoever, whom, whomever, whose, what, whatever, which, whichever, where, when, why, whether, if
Examples:
What she said surprised everyone.
Who I met in Hanoi was a beautiful girl from Hue.
I will give whatever you propose my full support.
Adjective Clauses
An Adjective Clause (also called a Relative Clause) functions like an adjective to describe a noun. It often begins with relative pronouns such as who, whom, which, that, whose, or relative adverbs like where, when, why.
Examples:
Staff who did not attend the conference need to do so tomorrow.
The book that I borrowed from the library is very interesting.
This is the mountain that we traveled to three years ago.
3. Placement of Dependent Clauses in English Sentences
The position of dependent clauses can vary depending on the clause type and the emphasis of the sentence.
Beginning of the sentence: to highlight the dependent clause Example: After I finished my homework, I went to bed.
Middle of the sentence: to connect ideas smoothly Example: I will meet you at the park, where we often go for walks.
End of the sentence: most common position Example: She apologized for being late when she arrived.
4. Practice Exercises on Dependent Clauses
Exercise: Identify the dependent clause in each sentence
When I lived in this village, we often played football.
My husband gave food to poor people whom he met on the street.
Because the boy was smart, he absorbed the lesson very quickly.
If he kept lying, no one would believe him.
I am about to go to a place that I have been dreaming of.
Answer Key
Dependent clause: When I lived in this village
Dependent clause: whom he met on the street
Dependent clause: Because the boy was smart
Dependent clause: If he kept lying
Dependent clause: that I have been dreaming of
Master Dependent Clauses with IDP
We hope this article has helped you clearly understand the definition and usage of Dependent Clauses in English. Make sure to practice regularly to become more confident and accurate when using this essential grammar point.
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