Dependent Clause (Noun)
Meaning
A clause in a complex sentence that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and that functions within the sentence as a noun or adjective or adverb.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The dependent clause "because I was tired" cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and functions as an adverb in the sentence "I went to bed early because I was tired."
- The phrase "that the company will hire me" is a dependent clause that functions as a noun in the sentence "My hope is that the company will hire me."
- The clause "which was written by my favorite author" is a dependent clause that functions as an adjective in the sentence "The book, which was written by my favorite author, is on the bestseller list."
- The dependent clause "although it was raining" functions as an adverb in the sentence "We went to the park although it was raining."
- The clause "that I had studied for the exam" is a dependent clause that functions as a noun in the sentence "My confidence that I had studied for the exam helped me to perform well."