A dependent clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb.

It does not express a complete

thought so it is not a sentence and can't stand alone. These clauses include adverb clauses, adjective
clauses and noun clauses.

Adverb Clauses

Adverb clauses modify verbs and begin with subordinating conjunctions. Here are examples of
dependent clauses that are adverb clauses:

When the president arrives

Because I can't wait for the bus

As if he knew what was going to happen

Than his sister can

If you can work on Sundays

Until the sun sets

While flowers continue to bloom

Whenever you come to visit

Since I don't have enough money

Although I had never considered it

Unless you have the right size

As the lights were dimming

No matter how you look at it

How he got elected

Before the food gets cold

Supposing that she really wanted to go

Adjective Clauses

Adjective clauses modify nouns and usually begin with a relative pronoun and sometimes with a
subordinating conjunction. Here are examples of dependent clauses that are adjective clauses:
That I sold him

Which is located in Italy

Who is intelligent

Whom we met after the movie

Whose writing is always intriguing

When the leaves turn colors and fall

Where I went to elementary school

Why the movie was a flop

That was a bestseller

Who live by the ocean

Noun Clauses

Noun clauses name a person, place, thing or idea. Since it acts as a noun, it can be a subject, object, a
subject complement, an object complement or an appositive. Here are examples of dependent clauses
that are noun clauses:

Why she said that

Whomever you like

How they would get there

Who let the cat out of the bag

What she anticipated

Whatever makes you happy

That you are listening

Whether he can drive that far

If the dress is on sale

Whoever shows up on time

Dependent Clauses in Sentences

What the girl did was not very helpful.

He finally finished his novel, after months of research.

The trophy goes to whoever wins the race.

While I was asleep, the cat knocked over the plant.

A helium nucleus has two protons, whereas hydrogen has only one.

Where is the ice cream that was in the freezer?

After Mike sneezed all over the hamburger patties, no one wanted to eat.

The town where I was born is on the east coast.

I can't figure out why she said that.

We will do whatever is necessary.

The author, whom I met at the book signing, was very cordial.

Nero fiddled while Rome burned.

You may play outside until the street lights come on.

That cat that you found belongs to the Smiths.

Whenever I go to Greece, I will visit Santorini

Since no one else volunteered, the job is yours.

If you can give me two reasons, I will allow it.

n independent clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a predicate. It expresses a
complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. It can also be joined to other dependent or
independent clauses to make a more interesting and complex sentence.

Independent Clause Examples

Here are 23 examples of independent clauses that can stand alone as a sentence:

I enjoy sitting by the fireplace and reading.

Waiting to have my car's oil changed is boring.

She wants to travel the world and see wonderful sights.

Our planets revolve around the sun.

The professor always comes to class fully prepared.

Hurricanes strengthen over warm waters.

It is good to tackle the hardest chores first.

Meredith fixed the leaky faucet all by herself.

The soprano sang the aria perfectly.

Cheetahs are the fastest land animals.

Hiking and biking are my favorite summertime activities.

It is very important to brush your teeth twice a day.

We can hardly wait to see the movie.

This fall's television line-up is lacking in diversity.

The brand new Italian restaurant is beautifully decorated.

There is a lot of apathy concerning the upcoming election.

Andrew decided to buy a sundae instead of a double-scoop cone.

Joan teaches science and algebra at the community college.

The squirrels are busy storing nuts for the winter.

I like to swim laps to stay in shape.

Peter and Elaine could not decide if they wanted to elope or have a big wedding.

The team persevered and finally broke the tie.

The Alps in Switzerland are breathtaking.

Independent Clauses Joined By a Coordinating Conjunction

Here are examples of two independent clauses joined together in one sentence by a comma and a
coordinating conjunction:

The beach is a lot of fun, yet the mountains are better.

A group of us went to the movie, and we agreed it was enjoyable.

I went to the store, but I forgot to bring my shopping list.

He went to the theme park, and he went on all the rides.

I really wanted potato soup, but the cafe only served clam chowder.

Today is Thursday, and the test is on Friday.

She had just bought two gorgeous dresses, so she needed to get matching shoes.

I really want to see the game, but the mall is having a huge sale today.

She interviewed for three jobs, but she really wants to work here.

We all looked very tired, for we had stayed up all night cramming for the final.