Dependent clauses are an essential part of sentence structure. They add depth to a sentence by providing additional information and context. In this article, we will explore the concept of dependent clauses and how to identify them in sentences. We will also provide examples to help you grasp the concept more easily.
What is a Dependent Clause?
A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It depends on an independent clause to form a complete thought. Dependent clauses are also known as subordinate clauses because they depend on the main clause to give them meaning.
Dependent clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions such as “because,” “although,” “if,” “when,” “since,” “while,” “unless,” and “after.” These conjunctions signal that the clause cannot stand alone and needs the support of an independent clause to make sense.
Identifying Dependent Clauses
Identifying dependent clauses in a sentence can sometimes be tricky, but there are a few key indicators to look for. Here are some tips to help you recognize dependent clauses:
- Presence of a subordinating conjunction: Look for words like “although,” “because,” “if,” “when,” and “while” at the beginning of a group of words. These are strong indicators of a dependent clause.
- Lack of complete thought: If the group of words does not express a complete thought and needs additional information to make sense, it is likely a dependent clause.
- Reliance on an independent clause: Dependent clauses rely on independent clauses to form complete sentences. If a group of words cannot stand alone as a sentence, it is probably a dependent clause.
Examples of Sentences Containing Dependent Clauses
Let’s take a look at some examples of sentences containing dependent clauses. In each example, we will identify the dependent clause and discuss how it relies on the independent clause to form a complete sentence.
Example 1:
“Although I studied hard, I still failed the exam.”
In this example, the dependent clause is “Although I studied hard.” This clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it lacks a full thought. It depends on the independent clause “I still failed the exam” to make sense.
Example 2:
“Because she was feeling unwell, she decided to stay home.”
Here, the dependent clause “Because she was feeling unwell” relies on the independent clause “she decided to stay home” to complete the thought. Without the independent clause, the dependent clause does not make complete sense on its own.
Which Sentences Contain Dependent Clauses? Select Two Options
Now that we have a better understanding of dependent clauses, let’s explore some options to identify sentences containing dependent clauses. Below are two sentences, and you have to select the ones that contain dependent clauses.
| Option | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | “I will go to the park if it stops raining.” |
| 2 | “The dog barked loudly in the middle of the night.” |
Take a moment to analyze these options and select the sentences that contain dependent clauses.
Analysis of the Options
Let’s break down each option to determine which ones contain dependent clauses.
Option 1: “I will go to the park if it stops raining.”
This sentence contains a dependent clause. The dependent clause is “if it stops raining.” It relies on the independent clause “I will go to the park” to form a complete sentence. Therefore, Option 1 contains a dependent clause.
Option 2: “The dog barked loudly in the middle of the night.”
This sentence does not contain a dependent clause. It is a simple sentence with one independent clause. The entire sentence forms a complete thought on its own. Therefore, Option 2 does not contain a dependent clause.
Based on our analysis, Option 1 is the correct answer as it contains a dependent clause.
Conclusion
Understanding dependent clauses is crucial for developing strong writing skills. By recognizing the presence of dependent clauses in sentences, you can enhance the clarity and coherence of your writing. Remember to look for subordinating conjunctions and the reliance on independent clauses to identify dependent clauses effectively. With practice, you will become adept at identifying and using dependent clauses in your own writing.
