What is a dependent clause?

A dependent clause is a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It relies on an independent clause to provide a complete thought. This means that a dependent clause includes a subject and a verb, but it does not express a complete idea. For example, in the sentence "Although it was raining," the phrase "Although it was raining" is a dependent clause because it leaves the reader wanting more information to understand the full context. It needs additional information, such as "Although it was raining, we went for a walk," to form a complete sentence.

In contrast, options that suggest it can stand alone or characterize it as a type of independent clause do not accurately represent the nature of dependent clauses. Additionally, the concept of a sentence fragment with modifiers does not capture the essence of what makes a dependent clause unique; rather, it describes a broader range of grammatical issues. Thus, focusing on the defining feature of dependent clauses helps clarify their role in sentences.