Examples of Dependent Clauses

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 cant 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 cant 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 dont 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 cant 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.