Dependent Clauses

 Generally clauses are divided into two groups, as we have discusses already. i. Dependent or subordinate clauses ii. Independent clauses

Dependent clauses contain both a subject and a verb, but cannot stand alone as a sentence. Dependent clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as because, what, if etc. Example: Although there is no sure way to prevent disaster. We can identify dependent clauses in a sentence by two markers, Subordinate conjunctions and Verb forms.

 i) Subordination Conjunctions
Clauses which are introduced by one of the subordinating conjunctions are subordinate
clauses. Here are some examples:
Examples:
 James left the room because he was angry.
 If you need more money, just phone me.
 I read a magazine while I was waiting.
ii) Verb Form
If the verb phrase is non-finite, then the clause in which it occurs is a subordinate clause.
We can recall that the non-finite verb forms are (1) the base form (often with to), (2) the -
ed form and (3) the -ing form.
Examples:
 The road was widened to improve the traffic flow.
 The warriors faced each other, dressed in black armour.
 The teacher stood in the doorway, saying nothing