Independent and dependent clauses
An independent clause, or main clause, expresses a complete thought. Two can be joined with and, but, or or so: "It rained, but we went out."
A dependent clause, or subordinate clause, usually starts with a word such as because, although, if, when, who or that. It needs a main clause to complete its meaning.
Three types of dependent clause
A dependent clause does the job of a noun, adjective or adverb in the sentence.
| Type | Job | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun clause | Acts as a noun | I know that he is honest. |
| Adjective clause | Describes a noun | The girl who won is my sister. |
| Adverb clause | Says when, why, how or on what condition | We left because it was late. |
Clause or phrase?
A clause has a subject and a verb. A phrase doesn't have both. "After the match" is a phrase, while "after the match ended" is a clause because match is a subject and ended is its verb.
Common mistakes
Wrong: Because it was raining.
Right: We stayed in because it was raining.
A dependent clause alone is a fragment, not a sentence.
Wrong: It was late, we went home.
Right: It was late, so we went home.
Two independent clauses need a joining word, a semicolon or a full stop, not just a comma.
Wrong: Although it was cold, but we swam.
Right: Although it was cold, we swam.
Use although or but, not both.
Using this in IELTS and PTE
IELTS Writing marks Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and using dependent clauses correctly helps show range. Mix them with simple sentences instead of making every sentence long. Fragments and comma splices are common errors in timed writing, so check for them first when you review your work.
5 questions
Exercise
Try each one, then open it to check your answer.
1. Is this a clause or a phrase? "on the table"
A phrase.
It has no subject or verb.
2. Is this clause independent or dependent? "if you study"
Dependent.
If leaves the thought unfinished.
3. Name the type: "The book that I bought is long."
Adjective clause.
It describes the noun book.
4. Name the type: "She said that she was busy."
Noun clause.
It is the object of said.
5. Correct this: "He was tired, he went to bed."
He was tired, so he went to bed.
A comma alone can't join two independent clauses.
Frequently asked questions
Can a clause be one word?+
A clause normally needs a subject and a verb. In commands the subject you is understood, so "Stop!" works as a one-word clause.
How many clauses can a sentence have?+
As many as stay clear. Most strong sentences have one to three.
What is a relative clause?+
It is another name for an adjective clause, because it usually begins with a relative pronoun such as who, which or that.
Keep going
More grammar lessons
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