Three Types of Dependent Clauses - Kenneth | Learn English at EnglishCafe

This post focuses on the main types of dependent clauses. Remember that dependent clauses must be used with another independent clause to create a full sentence. You can find more on an overview of independent and dependent clauses I posted earlier.

Dependent clauses fall into three types which are based on how the dependent clause functions in a sentence. A dependent clause can function as a noun, as an adjective or as an adverb.  

Dependent Clauses -> as a noun phrase

A dependent clause can function as the subject of a verb. In other words, the dependent clause can indicate that which performs or caused an action or state.

Examples

What I think about you doesn't matter.

Whether they will be accepted has not yet been determined.

A dependent noun clause can also function as the direct object of a verb.  

Examples

She feels that it would be unfair to exclude him from the ceremonies.

Peter stated that he was overjoyed with the results.

Dependent Clauses -> as an adjective

Dependent clauses can also describe or modify a noun, in order to help define a person or an object. In this sense, dependent clauses can act as adjectives.

Examples

Is she the girl who went to summer camp?

This is the painting that I told you about yesterday.

The dependent clause 'who went to summer camp' modifies the noun 'girl'. '...that I told you about yesterday' helps to define the noun 'painting'.

Dependent Clauses -> as an adverb

Dependent clauses can also answer the questions of how something was done, or when, why or where it was done. They can also tell us when something was done. In these senses, dependent clauses can act as adverbs.

Examples

I'll let you know as soon as I get the letter.

She refused to help him because he had hurt her feelings.

'...as soon as I get the letter' tells me when the main action, 'I'll let you know', will take place. '...because he had hurt her feelings' answers the question why she refused to help him.