Dependent Clause
 
 
 
 
Dependent Clause

In this lesson you will learn the definition of a dependent clause and study examples of dependent clauses.
Dependent Clause Definition
Dependent Clause Examples
  • That the kid was making so much money bothered me.
  • noun clause: That the kid was making so much money (functions as a subject)
  • Her eyes were a shade of blue that reminded me of the sea.
  • adjective clause: that reminded me of the sea
  • I have a tendency to cry when I'm upset.
  • adverb clause: when I'm upset
  • My sister cried because she scraped her knee. (complex sentence)
  • subjects: My sister, she
  • predicates: cried, scraped her knee
  • subordinate conjunction: because
  • When they told me I won the contest, I cried, but I didn't faint. (compound-complex sentence)
  • subjects: they, I, I, I
  • predicates: told me, won the contest, cried, didn't faint
  • coordinate conjunction: but
  • The above sentence actually contains two dependent clauses. "When they told me" is one; the other is "(that) I won the contest." The "that" is understood to precede the "I won" and functions as a subordinate conjunction.
 
Additional Information
Can You Find the Clauses?
(Beginner - Listening)

An audio lesson to help with your understanding of clauses. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.
Grammar Tips
Can You Catch These Native Speaker Mistakes?
(Beginner - Listening)

An audio lesson to help with your understanding of common mistakes. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.
Commonly Confused Words: Part One
(Beginner - Listening, reading)

A video lesson to help with your understanding of commonly confused words.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Click here to visit the lesson page.
Commonly Confused Words: Part One
(Beginner - Listening)

An audio lesson to help with your understanding of commonly confused words. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.
Commonly Confused Words: Part Two
(Beginner - Listening, reading)

A video lesson to help with your understanding of commonly confused words.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Click here to visit the lesson page.
Commonly Confused Words: Part Two
(Beginner - Listening)

An audio lesson to help with your understanding of commonly confused words. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.