Identify the Dependent Clause

Dependent Clause in a Sentence

A dependent clause (or subordinate clause) is one that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. It relies on an independent clause to form a complete sentence.

Explanation

The dependent clause in the sentence "The girl who won the pie eating contest is my sister" is "who won the pie eating contest". This clause alone cannot stand as a complete sentence because it depends on the independent clause "The girl is my sister" to make sense.

This sentence is a complex sentence, which consists of an independent clause ("The girl is my sister") and a dependent clause ("who won the pie eating contest"). The dependent clause provides additional information about the girl mentioned in the independent clause.

Understanding the difference between dependent and independent clauses is essential in constructing clear and coherent sentences. Dependent clauses add complexity and depth to our writing by providing elaboration and detail.