Dependent Clause Examples & Definition

In order to practice identifying a dependent clause, it is best to see how they pair alongside independent clauses to form complete sentences. Here is a list of examples:

“After the thrilling soccer game, we celebrated with cheers and high-fives, feeling a sense of accomplishment.”

• The dependent clause “After the thrilling soccer game,” needs to be completed with the independent clause “we celebrated with cheers and high-fives.”

“Although it was cold, we still played outside.”

• The sentence begins with the dependent clause “Although it was cold,” and the sentence is finished with the independent clause “we still played outside.” Without the latter portion, the sentence would be incomplete. 

“Although the science experiment didn’t turn out as expected, we learned valuable lessons about the scientific process and the importance of perseverance.”

• Similarly, the sentence above begins with the dependent clause “Although the science experiment didn’t turn out as expected,” and is completed with an independent clause. This portion is: “we learned valuable lessons about the scientific process and the importance of perseverance. 

“Because it was a rainy day, we stayed inside and read books.”

• The dependent clause “Because it was a rainy day,” cannot stand alone on its own without the independent clause “we stayed inside and read books.” 

“Because we had finished our math assignment early, we were allowed to read our favorite books until the end of the class period.”

• Since the word “Because” begins the sentence, this is a cue that there may be a dependent clause is being used. That’s correct! The sentence begins with a dependent clause and concludes with the independent clause “we were allowed to read out favorite books until the end of the class period.”

“The students studied diligently, hoping to ace the upcoming test.”

• In this sentence, the dependent clause arrives at the very end of the sentence. The dependent clause provides details about the students and how they prepared for their assessment. The first clause is complete and therefore independent: “The students studied diligently.” It is followed by the dependent clause, “hoping to ace the upcoming test.”

Practice Identifying Independent and Dependent Clauses

Identify the dependent clauses in each sentence. 

1. Although the lesson was fun, the class period felt very long. 
2. After thinking about it, I decided to go home and rest rather than going out with my friends. 
3. Because we studied hard, we did well on the test.
4. Before we went to bed, we brushed our teeth.
5. If we finish our work early, we can play games.
6. If we work diligently and complete our assignments on time, we will be rewarded with extra playtime or a special treat.
7. Since it was a holiday, we didn’t have school.
8. Since we’ve already finished our test, we can read at our desks quietly. 
9. When the bell rang, the students rushed to the playground.
10. When the teacher asked a question, no one raised their hand.
11. While the students were excitedly chatting about the upcoming field trip, the teacher announced that it would be postponed due to the unexpected rain shower.
12. While we were eating lunch, a bird flew into the cafeteria.
13. We played outside until the sun went down, enjoying the cool evening breeze.
14. The little girl smiled happily, knowing that her parents were proud of her.

Practice Answer Key:

1. Although the lesson was fun, the class period felt very long. 
2. After thinking about it, I decided to go home and rest rather than going out with my friends. 
3. Because we studied hard, we did well on the test.
4. Before we went to bed, we brushed our teeth.
5. If we finish our work early, we can play games.
6. If we work diligently and complete our assignments on time, we will be rewarded with extra playtime or a special treat.
7. Since it was a holiday, we didn’t have school.
8. Since we’ve already finished our test, we can read at our desks quietly. 
9. When the bell rang, the students rushed to the playground.
10. When the teacher asked a question, no one raised their hand.
11. While the students were excitedly chatting about the upcoming field trip, the teacher announced that it would be postponed due to the unexpected rain shower.
12. While we were eating lunch, a bird flew into the cafeteria.
13. We played outside until the sun went down, enjoying the cool evening breeze.
14. The little girl smiled happily, knowing that her parents were proud of her.