English Grammar for the Utterly Confused - Laurie Rozakis 2003
Dependent Clauses
Chapter 7 Phrases and Clauses
Part 3 Sentence Sense
Dependent clauses add additional information to the main clauses, but they are not necessary to complete the thought. Although each of the dependent clauses shown on the previous chart has a subject and a verb, it does not express a complete thought. As a result, it cannot stand alone.
A dependent clause often starts with a word that makes the clause unable to stand alone. Look back at the three dependent clauses in the chart on p. 102. The words used here are when, in, and for, respectively. These words are subordinating conjunctions.
Quick Tip
You can’t determine whether a clause is independent or dependent from its length.
Either type of clause can be very long or very short—or somewhere in between. Skilled writers often vary the length of their clauses to achieve rhythm, balance, and meaning in their writing.
Subordinating conjunctions link an independent clause to a dependent clause. Each subordinating conjunction expresses a relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause. For example, some conjunctions show time order, while others show result or effect.
The following chart lists the subordinating conjunctions used most often and the relationships they express:
Quick Tip
When a dependent clause introduced by a subordinating conjunction comes before the independent clause, the clauses are usually separated by a comma.
When you are in Greece, you should visit the Parthenon.
(before)
You should visit the Parthenon when you are in Greece.
(after)
There are three different kinds of subordinate clauses: adverb clauses, adjective clauses, and noun clauses.
1. Adverb clause
An adverb clause is a dependent clause that describes a verb, adjective, or other adverb.
As with adverbs, an adverb clause answers these questions:
Where? Why? When?
To what extent? Under what condition? In what manner?
You can place an adverb clause in the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
• Adverb clause at the beginning of a sentence:
Wherever Misty goes, she leaves broken hearts behind.
The adverb clause “wherever she goes” modifies the verb leaves.
• Adverb clause in the middle of a sentence:
Fritz liked the meal more than Tish did because she is a picky eater.
The adverb clause “than Tish did” modifies the adverb more.
• Adverb clause at the end of a sentence:
Harvey wanted to change his appearance because he was wanted for embezzlement.
The adverb clause “because he was wanted for embezzlement” modifies the verb change.
2. Adjective clauses
An adjective clause is a dependent clause that describes nouns and pronouns. As with adjectives, an adjective clause answers these questions:
What kind? Which one? How many? How much?
Most adjective clauses start with the pronouns who, whom, why, whose, which, that, when, where.
The traffic is never light on the days when I’m in a hurry.
The adjective clause “when I’m in a hurry” describes the noun traffic.
We selected the candidates who were best qualified for the job.
The adjective clause “who were best qualified for the job” describes the noun candidates.
3. Relative clauses
Adjective clauses that begin with one of the relative pronouns are called relative clauses. The relative pronouns are: who, whom, whose, which, that. Relative pronouns connect an adjective clause to the word the clause describes.
Ms. Harris, whose son is an athlete, is used to having their home filled with sporting equipment.
The relative clause “whose son is an athlete” describes the noun Ms. Harris.
The person of whom you spoke is my cousin.
The relative clause “of whom you spoke” describes the noun person.
4. Noun clauses
A noun clause is a dependent clause that functions as a noun.
Tracey does whatever her parents ask her to do.
The noun clause is “whatever her parents ask her to do.”
The teacher did not accept my excuse that the dog ate my homework.
The noun clause is “that the dog ate my homework.”
