dependent clause

noun

dependent clause

A clause that does not stand alone as a sentence but depends on another clause to complete its meaning: “ When I get my braces off , I will be very happy.” Dependent clauses are also known as subordinate clauses. ( Compare independent clause .)

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When a sentence is introduced by a participial phrase or a dependent clause it is in part or wholly periodic.

If the sentence last quoted were inverted, a comma would be placed after the dependent clause.

After a verb of wishing, the subjunctive is regularly used in the dependent clause.

Subordinate, joining a subordinate or dependent clause to a principal or independent clause.

A subordinate or dependent clause is one which makes a statement depending upon or modifying some word in the principal clause.

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