Dependent Clause Examples With Because, If, Although and Who

A dependent clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb that begins with a word such as because, who, or that and depends on a main clause to form a sentence. These 301 dependent clause examples are written for time, reason, condition, contrast, purpose, sentence position, and everyday contexts from home to sports. You get model sentences for essays, emails, and exam practice, together with related practice on independent clauses, adverb clauses, and noun clauses.

Quick Answer: Dependent Clause Examples

• Time: The children cheered when the team arrived.
• Reason: Maya took a taxi because the bus was late.
• Condition: If the shop opens early, we will buy bread.
• Contrast: Although the tea was hot, Ali drank it quickly.
• Purpose: Dina set an alarm so that she would wake early.
• Place: Park the car where the road widens.
• Noun clause: Nobody knows where the cat went.
• Adjective clause: The girl who owns the red bike is my neighbour.

Dependent Clause Examples for Everyday Use

Dependent clauses begin with a word such as because, who, that, if, when, or whether and attach to a main clause, as in “because it rained”, “that the window was open”, and “unless the weather improves”.

1. Because it rained, the match was postponed until Sunday.
2. The girl who won the prize is my cousin from Lagos.
3. I knew that she was tired after the long drive.
4. We waited until the bus arrived.
5. If you heat ice, it melts at once.
6. The shop where I bought these shoes has closed.
7. When the lecture ended, the students hurried to the cafeteria.
8. Nobody noticed that the window was open.
9. Priya laughed as she opened the gift.
10. Although the soup was spicy, Kofi finished the whole bowl.
11. The film that we watched last night won three awards.
12. Mei asked whether the museum opens on Monday.
13. While Dmitri cooked, his sister set the table.
14. I stayed home since I had a fever.
15. The artist whose paintings hang in the lobby lives next door.
16. Unless the weather improves, the ferry will not sail.
17. Luis wonders why the shop closed early.
18. After the guests left, Camila washed the dishes.
19. The teacher praised the pupil who answered first.
20. Hana smiled because the letter had finally arrived.
21. Whoever finds the key should call the office.
22. We will leave as soon as the rain stops.

Subordinator Sentences with Dependent Clauses

Because, although, if, whereas, until, and as long as begin the clause in “because the sky looked grey”, “since the shop was closed”, and “once the paint dries”.

1. Rahul packed an umbrella because the sky looked grey.
2. Although the road was long, the cyclists arrived early.
3. Though Nia felt nervous, she walked onto the stage.
4. Hamid kept smiling even though his feet ached.
5. We will cancel the picnic if it rains.
6. Unless you leave now, you will miss the last train.
7. Since the shop was closed, Zainab went home.
8. As the sun set, the fishermen returned to the harbour.
9. Ingrid reads while her tea cools.
10. My brother loves jazz whereas I prefer classical music.
11. Whenever Kofi hears that song, he thinks of his school days.
12. Pack your bag before the taxi arrives.
13. We stayed at the beach until the sky grew dark.
14. Once the paint dries, we will hang the pictures.
15. Aiko left a note so that her mother would not worry.
16. You may borrow the car provided that you return it by noon.
17. Olu will help as long as the schedule allows it.
18. Take a coat in case the evening turns cold.
19. Wherever Sven travels, he sends a postcard.
20. Now that the exams are over, the pupils are relaxing.

Noun Clause Sentences with Dependent Clauses

A dependent clause stands where a noun would stand in “what she said”, “why the engine stopped”, and “who should drive”.

1. What she said surprised everyone in the room.
2. I know that the museum is closed on Mondays.
3. Whether we win depends on the weather.
4. My belief is that honesty builds trust.
5. Nobody understands why the engine stopped.
6. She asked if the seats were free.
7. The problem is how we pay for the repairs.
8. That the team lost disappointed the coach.
9. Tomas told me what he had seen.
10. We argued about who should drive.
11. The question is whether the bridge is safe.
12. How the thief escaped remains a mystery.
13. Fatima is curious about where the river begins.
14. Dmitri explained that the schedule had changed.

Adjective Clause Sentences with Dependent Clauses

After a noun, a dependent clause describes it, as in “who lives next door”, “whose car broke down”, and “whom the passengers thanked”.

1. The woman who lives next door sells honey at the market.
2. The novel that I borrowed was longer than I expected.
3. Our cousin, who studies in Bergen, visits every Easter.
4. The village where my grandmother was born has a small chapel.
5. The man whose car broke down waited by the roadside.
6. This is the day when the festival begins.
7. The coat, which Camila bought in Milan, is too large for her.
8. Students who finish early may read quietly.
9. The reason why he resigned was never explained.
10. The pilot whom the passengers thanked smiled shyly.
11. The bakery that opened last week sells out by noon.
12. The mountain which towers over the town is called Kilima.
13. Nia lost the ring that her aunt had given her.
14. The children who live nearby walk to school.

Adverb Clause Sentences with Dependent Clauses

To state a time, a reason, a condition, a contrast, a purpose, a place, or a manner, a dependent clause is used, as in “wherever the path divided”, “whereas his brother is anxious”, and “because her team had won”.

Dependent Clause Examples of Time

When the main action happens is named in “when the alarm rang”, “after the film ended”, and “as soon as Kofi arrived”.

1. When the alarm rang, everyone left the building.
2. Priya hummed while she painted the wall.
3. After the film ended, we walked along the river.
4. Wash your hands before you eat.
5. As soon as Kofi arrived, the meeting began.
6. Mira waved as the train left.
7. When the rain began, the farmers covered the hay.

Dependent Clause Examples of Reason

Stating why the main action happened, the clause explains the cause, as in “because the wind was cold”, “as he had no change”, and “because his daughter had passed”.

1. Nia stayed indoors because the wind was cold.
2. Since the road was flooded, the bus took another route.
3. As he had no change, Luis paid by card.
4. Mei smiled because her team had won.
5. Hamid was proud because his daughter had passed.
6. Since the shop was empty, the clerk read a book.
7. Ali stayed calm because he had prepared.

Dependent Clause Examples of Condition

The dependent clause names a situation that decides the main action, as in “if the bridge is closed”, “if Hana calls”, and “if the light turns red”.

1. If the bridge is closed, we will take the ferry.
2. The plants will die unless you water them.
3. If I had known the answer, I would have told you.
4. You will pass as long as you keep practising.
5. If Hana calls, tell her I am at the library.
6. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water.
7. If the light turns red, stop the car.
8. We will start the game if it stops raining.

Dependent Clause Examples of Contrast

Although, though, whereas, while, and even though begin the clause in “although it was freezing”, “though the plan looked risky”, and “even though his knee hurt”.

1. Although it was freezing, Aiko swam in the lake.
2. Dmitri is calm whereas his brother is anxious.
3. Though the plan looked risky, the council approved it.
4. While some pupils prefer maths, others enjoy art.
5. Rahul kept running even though his knee hurt.
6. Although the pie was small, everyone had a slice.
7. Lena kept singing though her throat hurt.

Dependent Clause Examples of Purpose and Manner

So that, where, wherever, as if, and as though state a purpose, a place, or a manner in “wherever the path divided” and “where the floor is dry”.

1. Sven left early so that he could catch the first train.
2. Plant the seeds where the soil gets morning sun.
3. Kofi spoke as if he had seen a ghost.
4. Wherever the path divided, they chose the left fork.
5. Ana studies so that she can enter medical school.
6. She ran as though the building were on fire.
7. Leave the boots where the floor is dry.
8. He answered as if he knew the secret.

Position Sentences with Dependent Clauses

The dependent clause stands at the start, at the end, or in the middle of the main clause, as in “who teaches physics”, “whenever the market opens”, and “once the doors opened”.

Dependent Clause Examples at the Start of a Sentence

Opening the sentence, the dependent clause is followed by a comma, as in “when the bell rang”, “after Tomas locked the door”, and “whenever it snows”.

1. When the bell rang, the pupils lined up quietly.
2. Although she was tired, Zainab finished the report.
3. If you need help, ask the librarian.
4. Because the roads were icy, the concert began late.
5. After Tomas locked the door, he checked the windows.
6. Before the sun rose, the farmers were already in the fields.
7. Unless the rain stops, the match will be cancelled.
8. While the soup simmered, Mei chopped the herbs.
9. Since Ana moved to Madrid, she has made many friends.
10. Whenever it snows, the children build a snowman.
11. As the curtain rose, the audience fell silent.
12. Even though the exam was hard, most students passed.
13. Once the doors opened, the crowd poured inside.
14. Although he trained for months, Hamid finished last.

Dependent Clause Examples at the End of a Sentence

Closing the sentence, the dependent clause follows the main clause, as in “when the bell rang”, “before the town woke”, and “whenever the market opens”.

1. The pupils ran into the yard when the bell rang.
2. Kofi cycled home, although the hill was steep.
3. Call me if the printer stops again.
4. The ferry left late because the fog was thick.
5. Omar fed the cat after he returned from the market.
6. The bakers lit the ovens before the town woke.
7. The picnic will go ahead unless the wind picks up.
8. Lina sketched the harbour while the ferry waited.
9. Ravi has grown taller since he joined the swimming club.
10. The street smells of pine whenever the market opens.
11. The crowd cheered as the runners crossed the bridge.
12. The team trained daily, even though the pitch was flooded.
13. Hamid missed the final, although he had trained for months.
14. The guests relaxed once the speeches ended.

Dependent Clause Examples in the Middle of a Sentence

After the subject, the clause is inserted and set off with commas, as in “who lives in Oslo”, “who had never flown before”, and “if it is accurate”.

1. My brother, who lives in Oslo, visits every June.
2. The museum, which opened last year, attracts thousands of visitors.
3. Our teacher, whom everyone respects, retires in July.
4. The bridge, although it looks fragile, carries heavy trucks.
5. Priya, who had never flown before, enjoyed every minute.
6. The festival, which begins on Friday, will last four days.
7. My laptop, which I bought in 2019, still runs well.
8. Luis, when he is nervous, talks too fast.
9. The report, if it is accurate, will change the policy.
10. Camila’s cousin, who teaches physics, wrote a textbook.
11. My sister, who plays the flute, practises at night.
12. The tower, which was built in 1890, is closed today.

Complex Sentences with Dependent Clauses

One main clause and one dependent clause or more are paired in “because the soup was ready”, “if the signal fails”, and “because Nia practised daily”.

1. Tomas smiled because the soup was ready.
2. Although the lake froze, the skaters waited for the ice to thicken.
3. The pupils who finished early read while the others wrote.
4. I believe that practice builds confidence.
5. If the signal fails, the driver must stop until the line is clear.
6. The doctor who treated Ana said that she needed rest.
7. Rahul planted the tree where his grandfather had sat.
8. When the music stopped, the dancers bowed.
9. We bought bread that the baker had just made.
10. Because Nia practised daily, her French improved quickly.
11. Hana wondered whether the parcel had arrived.
12. The students who revised carefully passed because the questions were fair.

Compound-Complex Sentences with Dependent Clauses

Two independent clauses and a dependent clause are joined in “until it closed”, “because the loaves sell out”, and “although the pitch was soaked”.

1. Maya stayed in the library until it closed, and her friend waited outside.
2. Because the road flooded, buses stopped, and commuters walked home.
3. The bakery opens at five, and customers queue early because the loaves sell out.
4. When the guests left, Omar washed the plates, and Lina dried them.
5. Tomas painted the shed while the weather held, but the roof still leaks.
6. Although the pitch was soaked, the referee started the match, and both teams played well.
7. We lit the stove as soon as we arrived, and the cabin grew warm.
8. Nadia moved to Kyoto after she graduated, and her sister followed her a year later.

Question Sentences with Dependent Clauses

Ending with a question mark, each sentence contains a dependent clause, as in “where the nearest bank is”, “that she would come”, and “when she saw the cake”.

1. Do you know where the nearest bank is?
2. Why did you leave before the speech ended?
3. Can you tell me what time the film starts?
4. Did Nia say that she would come?
5. Who is the man who is talking to Olu?
6. Will the match go ahead if it rains?
7. Have you decided which course you will take?
8. Did Hana smile when she saw the cake?
9. Is this the shop where you bought your shoes?
10. Do you remember how we found the cabin?
11. Did you see the man who left the parcel?

Negative Sentences with Dependent Clauses

The main clause or the dependent clause contains not, never, or nobody.

1. I stayed home because I did not feel well.
2. He said that nobody had called.
3. Zainab stayed in because she had not finished the essay.
4. We will not leave until the rain stops.
5. If you do not hurry, you will miss the train.
6. The teacher said that the test would not start late.
7. Olu admitted that he had never seen the sea.
8. Although the shop did not open, we waited outside.
9. Nobody knew why the lights had not come on.
10. I do not think that the plan will work.
11. She did not answer because she was busy.

Reported and Passive Sentences with Dependent Clauses

Reported speech and passive verbs appear together with a dependent clause in “that the ferry was late”, “whether the train had left”, and “when they should arrive”.

1. Karim told us that the ferry was late.
2. The coach reported that two players were injured.
3. Mei explained that the museum closes at five.
4. Ingrid asked whether the train had left.
5. It was announced that the school would close early.
6. The letter, which was written in 1950, was found in an attic.
7. The prize was given to the pupil who had worked hardest.
8. Because the bridge had been damaged, the road was closed.
9. The winners were told when they should arrive.
10. Everyone was surprised that the match had been cancelled.
11. Mum said that the soup was ready.

Context Sentences with Dependent Clauses

Settings range from homes and classrooms to offices, journeys, newsrooms, stories, stadiums, and clinics.

Dependent Clause Examples for Home Life

At home, the clauses describe toast, laundry, pets, and cleaning, as in “whenever he checks his phone”, “before the guests arrive”, and “while we were eating dinner”.

1. Dad burns the toast whenever he checks his phone.
2. Because the washing machine broke, we used the laundromat.
3. The cat sleeps on the radiator where the air is warm.
4. Lina sweeps the floor before the guests arrive.
5. The pot that Mum bought in Cairo hangs above the stove.
6. If the milk smells sour, throw it away.
7. Our neighbour knocked while we were eating dinner.
8. I tidied the kitchen so that nobody would trip.
9. Mum waters the plants after she wakes up.

Dependent Clause Examples for School Life

In the classroom, the clauses describe lessons, essays, exams, and labs, as in “when the lesson ends”, “after the experiment ended”, and “if you finish early”.

1. When the lesson ends, pupils collect their coats from the corridor.
2. The teacher praised the essay that Kofi wrote.
3. Nia revised because the exam was near.
4. After the experiment ended, the class cleaned the lab.
5. The boy who sits at the back asked a clever question.
6. We will start as soon as everyone is seated.
7. If you finish early, read your library book.
8. Mei asked why the answer was wrong.
9. The class cheered when the teacher cancelled the test.

Dependent Clause Examples for Work

At the office, the clauses describe deadlines, budgets, clients, and contracts, as in “although the deadline was tight”, “who designed the bridge”, and “because the salary was fair”.

1. Although the deadline was tight, the team delivered on time.
2. The manager said that the budget had been approved.
3. Camila calls clients before she leaves the office.
4. The engineer who designed the bridge gave a talk.
5. If the printer jams, call the help desk.
6. We celebrated after the contract was signed.
7. Hamid took the job because the salary was fair.
8. Whenever a customer complains, Ingrid listens first.
9. The clerk filed the papers before the manager arrived.

Dependent Clause Examples for Travel

On the road, the clauses describe planes, hotels, trains, and guides, as in “when the plane landed”, “while the bus waited”, and “who led our tour”.

1. When the plane landed, passengers clapped.
2. The hotel where we stayed overlooked the harbour.
3. Because the train was delayed, we missed our connection.
4. Aiko checked the map while the bus waited.
5. Rahul wondered whether the museum would be open.
6. If you arrive early, you will find a seat.
7. The guide who led our tour spoke four languages.
8. We packed lightly so that we could move quickly.
9. We boarded the ferry after the crew checked our tickets.

Dependent Clause Examples for News Reports

In news reports, the clauses describe mayors, storms, police, and strikes, as in “although the storm weakened”, “after the vote was counted”, and “that the glacier had shrunk”.

1. The mayor said that the bridge would reopen in May.
2. Although the storm weakened, flights were cancelled.
3. Police are searching for the driver who left the scene.
4. After the vote was counted, the council announced the result.
5. Residents whose homes were flooded received emergency aid.
6. Prices fell sharply because demand dropped.
7. Scientists reported that the glacier had shrunk.
8. While the talks continued, workers stayed on strike.
9. Rescuers worked through the night until the flood eased.

Dependent Clause Examples for Stories

Sailors, knights, castles, and dragons appear in the clauses of stories, as in “as the storm gathered”, “although the castle looked deserted”, and “when the fog lifted”.

1. As the storm gathered, the old sailor lit his pipe.
2. The knight, who had ridden all night, fell asleep at the gate.
3. She wondered whether the stranger would return.
4. Although the castle looked deserted, a candle burned in the tower.
5. The letter that the widow hid was never found.
6. The villagers feared what the dragon might do.
7. When the fog lifted, the moor lay empty.
8. He walked on until the light faded.
9. The hermit lit a lamp when the wolves howled.

Dependent Clause Examples for Sports

On the pitch, the clauses describe strikers, coaches, referees, and races, as in “when the whistle blew”, “that the players needed rest”, and “who scored the winner”.

1. When the whistle blew, the crowd rose to its feet.
2. The striker who scored the winner was carried off the pitch.
3. Luis trains so that he can qualify for the games.
4. Although our team trailed at half time, we won in the end.
5. The coach said that the players needed rest.
6. Nia keeps running even though her legs ache.
7. If the referee allows the goal, the score is level.
8. The race began after the starter raised his arm.
9. The fans stood up when the captain lifted the cup.

Dependent Clause Examples for Health

Clauses about health describe nurses, doctors, medicine, and vaccines, as in “who checked my blood pressure”, “before you exercise”, and “that the pharmacist recommended”.

1. The nurse who checked my blood pressure was kind.
2. If you feel dizzy, sit down at once.
3. The doctor said that Hana needed more sleep.
4. Drink some water before you exercise.
5. Because the infection spread quickly, the clinic acted fast.
6. Grandfather walks daily so that his heart stays strong.
7. The medicine that the pharmacist recommended worked within hours.
8. Although the vaccine hurt a little, the children stayed calm.
9. The patient rested after the doctor changed the dressing.

Kids and Student Sentences with Dependent Clauses

Levels range from short sentences for beginners to formal sentences for exam answers.

Dependent Clause Examples for Kids

For kids, short clauses contain everyday actions, as in “when the sun shines”, “if it snows”, and “because the vacuum is loud”.

1. We play outside when the sun shines.
2. The dog barks because it sees the postman.
3. I smile when my grandma visits.
4. If it snows, we will build a snowman.
5. My sister, who is six, loves painting.
6. Mum reads a story before we sleep.
7. After we eat lunch, we play tag.
8. The cat hides because the vacuum is loud.
9. I put on my coat because it is cold.
10. The boy who has the red kite is my friend.
11. I hug my dog when I get home.

Short Dependent Clause Examples for Beginners

Beginners start with three or four words in the clause, as in “when it snows”, “after I eat”, and “when we win”.

1. I smile when it snows.
2. Birds fly away if we clap.
3. I nap after I eat.
4. Dogs bark when strangers knock.
5. If it rains, we stay in.
6. When we win, we cheer.
7. Cats purr when we stroke them.
8. I wait until Dad comes.

Dependent Clause Examples for Exams

Exam answers use formal wording about economics, science, history, and policy, as in “although industrial output rose”, “because the sample was contaminated”, and “which the opposition welcomed”.

1. Although industrial output rose, wages in the region stayed flat.
2. Economists argue that inflation reduces real savings.
3. The novelist, who wrote under a pseudonym, criticised the monarchy.
4. The experiment failed because the sample was contaminated.
5. If governments invest in rail, road congestion will decline.
6. Historians still debate why the empire collapsed so suddenly.
7. The policy, which the opposition welcomed, passed without a vote.
8. Unless emissions fall sharply, coastal flooding will increase.
9. The study shows that sleep improves memory.
10. The author succeeds where earlier biographers failed.

FAQs

Related:

• Adjective Clause Examples
• Relative Clause Example Sentences
• Time Clause Examples
• Clauses Of Contrast Examples
• Clauses Of Purpose Examples
• Complex Sentence Examples