Types of Dependent Clauses

Dependent clauses have three main types depending upon the function that they
are performing in the sentence.
i) Noun Clauses
Noun-clauses are noun equivalents. They do the same work in a sentence as nouns or
pronouns or noun-phrases. Therefore, a noun-clause can function in the following ways:
as the subject of a verb; as the object of a verb; as the complement of a verb; as the object
of a preposition and as the object of a non-finite verb.
Example:
 We understood what the lecturer explained. [The entire clause what the
lecturer explained is the direct object of the verb understood.]
In the following sentences see how a noun clause may be the subject of the verb, a
predicate nominative, a direct object, an indirect object, or the object of a
preposition.
 That he was interested was evident. [That he was interested is a noun clause used
as the subject of the verb was.]
 This is what he wrote. [What he wrote is a noun clause used as a predicate
nominative
 They think that you wrote well. [That you wrote well is a noun clause used as
direct object.]
 The committee will give, whoever performs the best, the job. [Whoever
performs the best is a noun clause used as an indirect object.]
 The efficiency of what he had done helped him a lot. [What he had done is a noun
clause used as the object of the preposition of.]

ii) The Adjective Clause

An adjective clause is a subordinate clause that, like an adjective, modifies a noun or a

pronoun.

Examples:

 The paper that you are writing is an interesting work of research. [The

subordinate clause that you are writing modifies the noun Paper]

 The room where the equipment is kept is air-conditioned. [The subordinate

clause where the equipment is kept modifies the noun Room]

 The first student who won the Science and Technology Award was Jahngir. [The

subordinate clause who won the Science and technology Award modifies the noun

Jahngir.]

iii) The Adverb Clause

The adverb clause is a subordinate clause that, like an adverb, modifies a verb, an

adjective, or an adverb. In the following examples, the adverb clauses modify the

verb by telling how, when, where, why, to what extent, or under what conditions.

Examples:

 John felt as though he already had the job. [how he felt]

 Before he left, he said good-bye. [when he left]

 They sat down wherever they could find seats. [where they sat down]

 Since the office was closed, we left. [why we left]

 He understands mathematics better than I do. [how much or to what extent

he understands mathematics]

 Will you apply for the scholarship if you have to go to England? [under

what conditions you will apply]

Below given is a table that may help you understand the different types of dependent

clauses.