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

What is a dependent (or subordinate) clause?

1. A clause that can stand alone

2. A clause that provides additional information

3. A clause that cannot stand alone as its own sentence

4. A clause that acts as a conjunction

The correct answer is: A clause that cannot stand alone as its own sentence

A dependent, or subordinate, clause is characterized as a clause that cannot stand alone as its own sentence. It typically contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. This means it relies on an independent clause to provide context and clarity. For example, in the sentence "Although it was raining, we went for a walk," the clause "Although it was raining" is a dependent clause because it does not convey a complete idea without the independent clause that follows. The other options describe different aspects of clauses. A clause that can stand alone refers to an independent clause, which is capable of functioning as a complete sentence. A clause that provides additional information can refer to both independent and dependent clauses, as both types can add detail to a sentence. Meanwhile, a clause that acts as a conjunction doesn't accurately describe any type of clause; conjunctions are separate parts of speech that connect clauses or words, rather than being a type of clause themselves. This clarity about dependent clauses highlights their role in sentence structure and their relationship with independent clauses.