dependent clause

The counterpart of an independent clause. A dependent clause has a subject and verb, but it cannot stand on its own. It is not a complete sentence. A dependent clause begins with a DMW. For example, the following clause is independent:

Jim drove his car over the bridge.

but when a DMW is added to it, it becomes a dependent clause.

When Jim drove his car over the bridge…

The word “when” is a DMW and makes this clause dependent. It is called “dependent” because it must be attached to an independent clause in order for it to function as a complete thought (it is dependent on an independent clause).  Dependent clauses can function either:

  1. adverbially,
  2. adjectivally, or
  3. substantivally.

When the DMW is

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top