Dependent Clauses

A dependent clause is an idea that is not complete. It has a subject and verb, but it also has a word that requires more detail.

Because is a clear example of a word that makes an idea a dependent clause. A clause that begins with because cannot be used alone. You need to connect it to an independent clause for the idea to be complete.

• Because I don’t like to swim. (Incomplete)
• Because I don’t like to swim, I do not go to the pool. (Complete)

When a sentence has a dependent clause and an independent clause, it is called a complex sentence. There are many different types of dependent clauses. We use the different clauses to show different connections between ideas.

Time Clauses

A specific type of dependent clause is a time clause. These clauses have a time word that requires more information to show the sequence of actions. Common time words are after, before, when, while, whenever, since, and until.

When you start a sentence with the dependent clause, you need a comma to connect the clauses.

• After – After she exercises, she goes to school.
  • The dependent clause is the first action in time.
• Before – Before I go to bed, I brush my teeth.
  • The dependent clause is the second action in time.
• When – When he drives, he listens to music.
  • The dependent clause is the first action in time.
• While – While I was studying at the ELC, I met my best friend.
  • The dependent clause started first but continues during the second action.
• Whenever – Whenever Bryan hears this song, he misses his home.
  • The dependent clause is the first action and causes the second action.
• Since – Since we started the semester, we have been classmates.
  • The dependent clause is the first action. The focus is on the period of time, usually between the first action and the present.
• Until – Until they graduate, they will need to focus on studying.
  • The dependent clause is the second action. The focus is on the period of time, usually between the present moment and the second action.

When you start the sentence with the independent clause, you do not need a comma to connect the sentences.

• After – She goes to school after she exercises.
• Before – I brush my teeth before I go to bed.
• When – He listens to music when he drives.
• While – I met my best friend while I was studying at the ELC.
• Whenever – He misses his home whenever Bryan hears this song.
• Since – We have been classmates since we started the semester.
• Until – They will need to focus on studying until they graduate.