Dependent clause - English Grammar Lesson

 Definition: 

A dependent clause is a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. It is also called a subordinate clause because it depends on the main clause of a sentence for its meaning. 

3 types of dependent clauses: 

adjective clauses, adverb clauses, and noun clauses.

Examples of dependent clauses:

1. When I finish my homework (adverb clause)
2. Who is coming to the party (adjective clause)
3. That he is coming to the party (noun clause)
4. Although it was raining (adverb clause)
5. The book that I'm reading (adjective clause)

Practical uses:

• Dependent clauses are used to provide additional information about a noun or verb in the main clause of a sentence.
• They can be used to ask questions, express doubt, or make requests.

Examples:

• Do you know who is coming to the party? (ask a question)
• I wonder if he is coming to the party. (express doubt)
• It is essential that you arrive on time. (make a request)

Special cases:

• Dependent clauses can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
• When a dependent clause is placed at the beginning of a sentence, it is followed by a comma.

Examples:

• Although it was raining, we went on a hike.
• That he is coming to the party is great news.

Comprehension Exercises for dependent clauses:

1. Classify the dependent clause in the following sentence as an adjective clause, adverb clause, or noun clause: "When I finish my homework, I will watch TV."
2. Classify the dependent clause in the following sentence as an adjective clause, adverb clause, or noun clause: "The book that I'm reading is very interesting."
3. Classify the dependent clause in the following sentence as an adjective clause, adverb clause, or noun clause: "Do you know who is coming to the party?"
4. Classify the dependent clause in the following sentence as an adjective clause, adverb clause, or noun clause: "Although it was raining, we went on a hike."
5. Classify the dependent clause in the following sentence as an adjective clause, adverb clause, or noun clause: "That he is coming to the party is great news."

Answers:

1. adverb clause
2. adjective clause
3. adjective clause
4. adverb clause
5. noun clause