The Dependent Clause A dependent clause contains a complete subject and a complete verb as does a main clause.

. A dependent clause always begins with a subordinate connective. It presents secondary less important information. It modifies the key idea in the main clause. It controls reader focus.

 Subordinate Connectives Here is a partial list of subordinate connectives. They will help you to identify dependent clauses. after before since until whether although how so that what which as if than when while as if in order that that where who because like unless whereas why