Dependent Clauses Examples: 100+ Sentences, Meanings & Exam Tips

Introduction: Why Dependent Clauses Examples Are Key

Dependent Clauses Examples: Understanding dependent clauses examples is foundational for writing complex sentences and scoring high in competitive exams. A dependent (or subordinate) clause contains a subject and verb but doesn’t express a complete thought—and always relies on an independent clause. Mastering these clauses helps students link ideas, develop writing flow, and spot grammar errors in exams. This article breaks down rules, shares 100+ examples with meanings, and expands your grammar skills for academic and competitive success.

Dependent Clauses Examples: What Are Dependent Clauses?

• A dependent clause (subordinate clause) contains a subject and a verb, but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
• It typically begins with a subordinating conjunction (because, although, if, when, etc.) or a relative pronoun (who, which, that, whose, where, when).
• Types: Adverb clauses, Adjective (relative) clauses, Noun clauses.

100+ Dependent Clauses Examples with Meanings

Below are sentences showing dependent clauses (in bold), with brief meaning/explanation.

1. Because she was late, she missed the train. (Shows reason)
2. If it rains tomorrow, the picnic will be canceled. (Condition)
3. She will succeed although the test is difficult. (Contrasting circumstance)
4. I left early so that I could get some rest. (Purpose)
5. After the meeting ended, we went for coffee. (Time)
6. He can’t dance unless he hears music. (Condition)
7. When the bell rings, students leave the class. (Time)
8. The book, which I borrowed last week, is excellent. (Describes the book)
9. Take an umbrella in case it rains. (Condition)
10. I bought the painting that was on display. (Describes the painting)
11. Since she moved to Delhi, we haven’t met. (Reason/time)
12. We stayed inside while the storm was raging. (Time)
13. Wherever you go, I will follow. (Location)
14. Because I studied hard, I passed. (Reason)
15. She cooked dinner while talking on the phone. (Simultaneity)
16. He eats breakfast before he leaves. (Time/sequence)
17. Although I like ice cream, I am trying to avoid sugar. (Contradiction)
18. The person who called you is my friend. (Identifies person)
19. I’ll finish my work as soon as I can. (Time)
20. Whenever you come to see me, call first. (Time)
21. If you need help, let me know. (Condition)
22. She passed the exam because she worked hard. (Reason)
23. I’ll join you unless I have another meeting. (Condition)
24. She made a vow that she would not eat meat. (Reported content)
25. He bought the shirt which was on sale. (Identifies shirt)
26. The dog barked because it saw a stranger. (Reason)
27. I can’t attend unless I finish my assignment. (Condition)
28. When she won the lottery, she bought a car. (Time/event)
29. The student who sits near the window is absent. (Describes student)
30. The movie, which everyone loved, is a hit. (Describes movie)
31. Until the sun sets, we will play outside. (Time)
32. She will leave as soon as her work is done. (Time)
33. If you can work on Sundays, please tell HR. (Condition)
34. The answer, which I needed, was finally given. (Describes answer)
35. I will help you provided you ask. (Condition)
36. He succeeded although he made many mistakes. (Contradiction)
37. She gave me the book that she promised. (Identifies book)
38. I won’t go unless you come. (Condition)
39. Before the food gets cold, let’s eat. (Time)
40. Mark the questions as they are read out. (Time/sequence)
41. I will be there if nothing goes wrong. (Condition)
42. Finish your task so that you can relax. (Purpose)
43. The package that arrived today is for you. (Identifies package)
44. She danced as though she were a professional. (Comparison)
45. We will go out if it stops raining. (Condition)
46. Although I had never considered it, I agreed. (Contradiction)
47. While flowers continue to bloom, bees pollinate them. (Time)
48. The smartphone whose battery lasts longest is expensive. (Describes phone)
49. The player who scored the goal is very talented. (Identifies player)
50. Since I don’t have enough money, I cannot buy the phone. (Reason)
51. The forest where we camped last year was beautiful. (Specifies place)
52. I’ll call you after I reach the station. (Time/sequence)
53. The kitten, which was rescued, found a home. (Describes kitten)
54. Read the instructions before you start the exam. (Time)
55. Let’s go out unless the weather is bad. (Condition)
56. We waited until the train arrived. (Time)
57. The teacher who teaches math is strict. (Identifies teacher)
58. I will help provided you listen. (Condition)
59. She cried because her friend left. (Reason)
60. If you are not able to do it yourself, ask for help. (Condition)
61. Have pancakes in case you are hungry. (Condition)
62. She is taller than my brother. (Comparison)
63. I am going to the reception even if you are not coming. (Condition)
64. Rahman likes songs that are melodious. (Describes songs)
65. Although I did not get much sleep last night, I don’t feel tired. (Contradiction)
66. The winner is who solved the puzzle first. (Identifies person)
67. We will have a party if everyone agrees. (Condition)
68. She smiled when she saw the surprise. (Time/trigger)
69. Because my hands were full, I dropped the bottle. (Reason)
70. The house where I grew up is being renovated. (Place description)
71. I found the keys that you lost yesterday. (Describes keys)
72. They cheered as the team won. (Time/event)
73. He called when the meeting began. (Time)
74. The moment she finished speaking, everyone clapped. (Time)
75. She will travel if her visa is approved. (Condition)
76. The person whose bag is missing should contact reception. (Possessive clause)
77. You must reach school before the bell rings. (Time)
78. He did well even though the exam was tough. (Contradiction)
79. She will apply provided the job suits her. (Condition)
80. The car which your wife sold me last week broke down. (Describes car)
81. I have never understood why she left so suddenly. (Reported content)
82. The guest who arrived late apologized. (Describes guest)
83. She called when the results were announced. (Time)
84. As the lights were dimming, the audience grew quiet. (Time)
85. They left because the store was closing. (Reason)
86. I’ll go wherever you wish. (Flexibility)
87. We sang songs as we walked home. (Simultaneity)
88. He listened while the teacher explained. (Time)
89. She ate breakfast after she woke up. (Sequence)
90. No matter how you look at it, the facts remain. (Concession/emphasis)
91. I wonder how he got elected. (Information)
92. She smiled when the leaves turned colors. (Time)
93. He fixed the car that was broken. (Describes car)
94. The dessert was delicious though it looked strange. (Contradiction)
95. I’ll meet you where the mall entrance is. (Location)
96. They will play unless it rains. (Condition)
97. I kept quiet while she spoke. (Time)
98. The bag which was stolen has been found. (Describes bag)
99. Let me know if you are coming. (Condition)
100. We can solve the problem provided everyone helps. (Condition)
101. We waited until the sun set. (Time)

(Every dependent clause is joined to an independent clause for a complete sentence. Examples include adverb clauses, adjective/relative clauses, and noun clauses, all vital for grammar and competitive exams.)

Exam Tips & Information: Dependent Clauses Examples

• Know subordinating conjunctions: Words like if, although, because, unless, when, etc. introduce dependent clauses.
• Identify relative pronouns: who, which, that, whose, where, when—often begin adjective clauses.
• Spot incomplete thoughts: Dependent clauses don’t form complete sentences; always attach to independent clauses in grammar and exams.
• Apply types: Noun clauses (what, whichever), adverb clauses (when, because), adjective clauses (who, which, that).
• Practice filling the blanks: Frequently asked in competitive grammar sections.
• Check sentence order: Comma needed if dependent clause comes before main clause!
• Use in essays: Dependent clauses boost sentence complexity and show fluency.
• Distinguish function: They add details, reasons, condition, time, purpose, etc.
• Avoid fragments: Never leave a dependent clause as a sentence alone.
• Master with exercises: Write your own examples for confidence.

Conclusion: Dependent Clauses Examples—Your Grammar Advantage!

Mastering dependent clauses examples transforms sentences, boosts exam performance, and marks you as an advanced English user. Practice with these 100+ sentences, learn to identify all types (adverb/adjective/noun clauses), and apply the expert tips for grammar exams and everyday writing success!

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