Dependent Clauses: Sentence Helpers
What is a clause?
Remember, a clause is a group of words with a subject (who or what the sentence is about) and a verb (an action or state of being).
Independent vs. Dependent
There are two main types of clauses:
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Independent Clause: Can stand alone as a complete sentence. It expresses a full thought.
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Dependent Clause: Cannot stand alone as a sentence. It needs to be connected to an independent clause to make sense.
Identifying Dependent Clauses
Dependent clauses usually start with a special word called a subordinating conjunction. These words are like signals that tell you the clause can’t stand alone.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions:
- Time: when, while, before, after, until, since
- Cause and Effect: because, since, as
- Contrast: although, even though
- Condition: if, unless
Examples of Dependent Clauses:
- When I woke up,
- Because he was tired,
- Although it was raining,
- If you study hard,
Notice how none of these make complete sense on their own. They need more information!
How to Use Dependent Clauses
We can combine dependent clauses with independent clauses to create complex sentences.
Examples:
- When I woke up, the sun was shining.
- He didn’t go to school because he was tired.
- Although it was raining, we went to the park.
- If you study hard, you will pass the test.
Let’s Practice!
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Complete the Sentence: Finish these sentences with an independent clause.
- Because I missed the bus, ____________.
- If I win the lottery, ____________.
- When I graduate from college, ___________.
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Identify the Dependent Clause: Underline the dependent clause in each sentence.
- After the movie, we went for ice cream.
- She was late because her car broke down.
- The dog barked whenever someone came to the door.
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Make Your Own Sentences: Write three sentences that include a dependent clause. Use a different subordinating conjunction in each sentence.
