Which of the following best defines a dependent clause?

A dependent clause is accurately defined by the choice that states it contains a subject and predicate but cannot stand alone. This is a fundamental characteristic of a dependent clause, distinguishing it from an independent clause, which is capable of functioning as a complete sentence by itself.

Dependent clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions (such as "because," "although," or "when") or relative pronouns (such as "that," "which," or "who"), which contribute to their inability to stand alone. For instance, in the clause "because I was tired," there is a subject ("I") and a predicate ("was tired"), but it does not convey a complete thought and therefore cannot stand alone as a sentence.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for mastering sentence structure in English, as it helps in recognizing how clauses can work together in more complex sentences.