NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

What does the term "dependent clause" refer to?

1. A part of a sentence that can stand alone

2. A clause that cannot stand alone and provides additional information

3. A clause used to introduce direct speech

4. A type of word that connects sentences

The correct answer is: A clause that cannot stand alone and provides additional information

The term "dependent clause" refers to a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and instead provides additional information to an independent clause. This is significant because a dependent clause typically begins with a subordinating conjunction (such as "because," "although," "when," or "if") or a relative pronoun (like "who," "which," or "that"), which indicates that it is subordinate to the main idea of the sentence. The presence of a dependent clause enriches the sentence by offering context, conditions, or reasons that enhance the overall meaning. In contrast, a clause that can stand alone is known as an independent clause, and the other options provided don't accurately capture the definition of a dependent clause. The option about introducing direct speech refers to a different grammatical function, while the choice describing a type of word that connects sentences pertains to conjunctions rather than clauses themselves. Understanding the role of dependent clauses is crucial for constructing complex sentences that provide more nuanced communication in both academic and everyday language.