The USC Upstate Writing Center
HPAC 136
503-5883
Understanding Dependent Clauses & Sentence Fragments
A dependent clause is made up of a subject and a predicate but cannot stand alone as a
sentence. A dependent clause must be joined to an independent clause. A detached
dependent clause is called a sentence fragment. Although sentence fragments can be used
intentionally, writers must first understand the differences between dependent and independent
clauses.
Dependent clauses function as either adverb clauses or adjective clauses.
Adverb clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions (dependent clause markers) and answer
questions about the independent clause: How? Why? When? Under what circumstances?
Until the polar bear emerges from her den, the researchers will not be able to film her activities.
(The adverb clause tells when and under what circumstances the researchers will be able to
film.)
The following is a list of subordinating conjunctions. Recognizing these words may help to
identify and repair stand-alone dependent clauses (sentence fragments).
Subordinating Conjunctions and the Relationships They Express
time
after, before, once, since, until, when, whenever, while
reason or cause
as, because, since
result or effect
in order that, so, so that, that
condition
if, even if, provided that, unless
contrast
although, even though, though, whereas
location
where, wherever
choice
than, whether
Revision Strategies:
If you find a stand-alone dependent clause, read the sentences immediately preceding and
following the dependent clause to see if you can attach it to one of them. This creates a
complex sentence.
We all watched the film American Beauty. After Sarah turned out the light. The class really
enjoyed it.
Identify the dependent clause, and decide which independent clause you could attach it to.
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Another way to repair a dependent clause fragment is to eliminate the subordinating
conjunction. See what happens to the following dependent clauses when the subordinating
conjunction is removed:
After
Because
Even if
Although
Sarah turned out the light . . . (dependent)
Sarah turned out the light . . . (dependent)
Sarah turned out the light . . . (dependent)
Sarah turned out the light . . . (dependent)
Sarah turned out the light.
(independent)
Punctuation:
Use a comma after an opening dependent clause. If the dependent clause follows the
independent clause in the sentence, the comma is necessary only when the information is
essential to the meaning of the sentence:
Avoid approaching mastiffs unless they are familiar with your scent. (No comma needed;
dependent clause essential to meaning of the sentence.)
The tornado seemed to last thirty minutes, even though it passed over in three. (Comma used
because dependent clause not essential to meaning of the sentence.)
Another type of dependent clause is an adjective clause. Adjective clauses (also called
relative clauses) begin with pronouns or adverbs and modify the preceding noun.
Relative Pronouns
who, which, that
Relative Adverbs
when, where
The dress that Mary bought for the prom is too frilly. [The adjective clause describes the noun
“dress.”]
The evening when Mary can wear her prom dress is getting closer. [The adjective clause
modifies the noun “evening.”]
Punctuation:
Use commas around a relative clause only if the information in the clause is not needed for the
main idea of the sentence to be understood (also called non-restrictive or non-essential
clauses). Note that the meaning of the two following sentences is slightly altered by the comma.
Our house, which is fifty years old, needs major repairs.
Our house which is fifty years old needs major repairs.
Compiled by Jane Addison, Director of the Writing Center—Spring 2008
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