Dependent clause

A dependent clause (also embedded clause, subordinate clause) cannot stand alone as a sentence. In itself, a dependent clause does not express a complete thought; therefore, it is usually attached to an independent clause. Although a dependent clause contains a subject and a predicate, it sounds incomplete when standing alone. Some grammarians use the term subordinate clause as a synonym for dependent clause, but in the majority of grammars, subordinate clause refers only to adverbial dependent clauses.

Dependent clauses are classified further into:

-Noun clause

-Adverbial clause

-Adjective clause

Noun clause

A noun clause can be used the same way as a noun. It can be a subject, predicate nominative, direct object, appositive, indirect object, or object of the preposition. Some of the words that introduce noun clauses are that, whether, who, why, whom, what, how, when, whoever, where, and whomever. Notice that some of these words also introduce adjective and adverbial clauses. To check whether a clause is a noun clause, try substituting the appropriate pronoun (he, she, it, or they).

Examples:

I know who said that. (I know it.)

Whoever said it is wrong. (He is wrong.)

Sometimes a noun clause is used without the introductory word.

Example:

I know that he is here.

I know he is here. (without "that")

Adjective clause

An adjective clause—also called an adjectival or relative clause—will meet three requirements. First, it will contain a subject and verb. Next, it will begin with a relative pronoun [who, whom, whose, that, or which] or a relative adverb [when, where, or why]. Finally, it will function as an adjective, answering questions such as: What kind? How many? or Which one?

The adjective clause will follow one of these two patterns:

Relative Pronoun [or Relative Adverb] + Subject + Verb = Incomplete Thought

Relative Pronoun [Functioning as Subject] + Verb = Incomplete Thought

Non-finite dependent clauses

Dependent clauses may be headed by an infinitive or other non-finite verb form, which in linguistics is called deranked. In these cases, the subject of the dependent clause may take a non-nominative form.

Examples:

I want him to vanish.

I saw you wandering around.