A dependent clause contains both a subject and a verb, but it cannot stand alone as a sentence; it depends on an independent clause to complete its meaning. A dependent clause usually begins with a subordinating conjunction, such as after, because, before, if, since, though, unless, until, when, where, which, while, who, or that. You can usually combine dependent-clause fragments with a nearby independent clause.

If you cannot smoothly attach a clause to a nearby independent clause, try deleting the opening subordinating word and turning the dependent clause into a sentence.