A dependent clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb. It does not express a complete thought so it is not a sentence and can't stand alone. These clauses include adverb clauses, adjective clauses and noun clauses.
Adverb Clauses
Adverb clauses modify verbs and begin with subordinating conjunctions. Here are examples of dependent clauses that are adverb clauses:
- When the president arrives
- Because I can't wait for the bus
- As if he knew what was going to happen
- Than his sister can
- If you can work on Sundays
- Until the sun sets
- While flowers continue to bloom
- Whenever you come to visit
- Since I don't have enough money
- Although I had never considered it
- Unless you have the right size
- As the lights were dimming
- No matter how you look at it
- How he got elected
- Before the food gets cold
- Supposing that she really wanted to go
Adjective Clauses
Adjective clauses modify nouns and usually begin with a relative pronoun and sometimes with a subordinating conjunction. Here are examples of dependent clauses that are adjective clauses:
- That I sold him
- Which is located in Italy
- Who is intelligent
- Whom we met after the movie
- Whose writing is always intriguing
- When the leaves turn colors and fall
- Where I went to elementary school
- Why the movie was a flop
- That was a bestseller
- Who live by the ocean
Noun Clauses
Noun clauses name a person, place, thing or idea. Since it acts as a noun, it can be a subject, object, a subject complement, an object complement or an appositive. Here are examples of dependent clauses that are noun clauses:
- Why she said that
- Whomever you like
- How they would get there
- Who let the cat out of the bag
- What she anticipated
- Whatever makes you happy
- That you are listening
- Whether he can drive that far
- If the dress is on sale
Whoever shows up on time
Dependent Clauses in Sentences- What the girl did was not very helpful.
- He finally finished his novel, after months of research.
- The trophy goes to whoever wins the race.
- While I was asleep, the cat knocked over the plant.
- A helium nucleus has two protons, whereas hydrogen has only one.
- Where is the ice cream that was in the freezer?
- After Mike sneezed all over the hamburger patties, no one wanted to eat.
- The town where I was born is on the east coast.
- I can't figure out why she said that.
- We will do whatever is necessary.
- The author, whom I met at the book signing, was very cordial.
- Nero fiddled while Rome burned.
- You may play outside until the street lights come on.
- That cat that you found belongs to the Smiths.
- Whenever I go to Greece, I will visit Santorini
- Since no one else volunteered, the job is yours.
If you can give me two reasons, I will allow it.
