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Dependent clause

Structure
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A subordinate clause that cannot stand alone and modifies or supports another clause

Detailed Definition
A dependent clause is a grammatical unit containing a subject and verb but unable to stand alone as a complete sentence, often used in poetry to create syntactic tension, delay resolution, or embed complex thought within lyrical structures; it typically begins with subordinating conjunctions like “although,” “because,” or “when,” and contributes to enjambment and pacing.
Example
Example in poetry:
Dependent clause used in poetic syntax; “Because I love, I grieve” showing subordination; Opening with subordinate clause; Complex sentence structure in verse
Additional Notes
Dependent clause: A group of words with a subject and verb that cannot stand alone as a sentence; often starts with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, if, when) or a relative pronoun (e.g., who, which, that). Usage Tip: Poets use dependent clauses to add nuance, complexity, and subordinate ideas to a main thought; skillful use can affect the rhythm and sense of completion in a line, especially with enjambment.
Also Known As
Subordinate clause dependent phrase secondary clause modifying clause Adverbial clause subordinating phrase
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