Dependent Clauses and Phrases Quiz

Dependent Clauses

• Dependent clauses are groups of words containing a subject and verb, but they cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
• They require an independent clause to create a complete thought.
• They are often introduced by subordinating conjunctions.
• Examples of dependent clauses include: "Because it was raining," "Although the weather was nice," and "When she went to the store."
• These clauses act as adjectives, adverbs, or nouns within a sentence.

Dependent Phrases

• Dependent phrases are groups of related words that do not contain both a subject and a verb.
• Unlike clauses, they cannot express a complete thought on their own.
• They function as adjectives, adverbs, or nouns within a sentence.
• Examples include: "In the park," "With a smile," and "On the table."

Subordinating Conjunctions

• These conjunctions connect dependent clauses to independent clauses.
• They typically signal a relationship of time, cause, contrast, condition, or place.
• Common examples include: after, although, as, as if, as long as, as though, because, before, even though, if, in order that, since, so that, than, that, though, unless, until, when, whenever, where, wherever, while, and why.

Differences Between Dependent Clauses and Phrases

• Clauses: Contain both a subject and a verb.
• Phrases: Do not contain both a subject and a verb.
• Both dependent clauses and phrases function as modifiers, adding details or modifying meaning.
• Dependent clauses typically express a complete thought, whereas phrases typically express a condition or modification.

Types of Dependent Phrases

• Prepositional phrases: Start with a preposition (e.g., on, in, under, with, without).
• Participial phrases: Begin with a present or past participle (e.g., walking down the street, having finished the race).
• Infinitive phrases: Begin with an infinitive (e.g., to eat, to sleep, to play).
• Appositive phrases: Restate or explain nouns or pronouns.

Function of Dependent Clauses and Phrases

• Adjective Clauses: Provide additional information about a noun or pronoun.
• Adverb Clauses: Modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
• Noun Clauses: Act as subjects, objects, or complements within a sentence.

Examples of Dependent Clauses Functioning as Modifiers

• Adjective Clause: The book that I bought yesterday is excellent. (Modifies "book")
• Adverb Clause: I will go to the store when I have time. (Modifies "go")

Examples of Dependent Phrases Functioning as Modifiers

• Prepositional Phrase: The book on the table is mine. (Modifies "book")
• Participial Phrase: Having finished the work, he went home. (Modifies "went")
• Infinitive Phrase: To succeed in school, hard work is necessary. (Modifies "success")