For Those Who Want To Pass the CSET Know Clauses

dependent clause alone is a sentence fragment, the last two examples above need an independent clause in order to make a complete sentence:

After the inspector uses a dye to reveal imperfections in the metal, she examines the turbine under a magnifying class and black light.

Our customer will not accept our bid unless the inspector uses a dye to reveal imperfections in the metal.

Notice that dependent clauses may come before or after an independent clause. They may also be inserted into another clause, as in this case: “The inspector, who uses a dye to reveal imperfections in the metal, presented last month’s quality assurance statistics.”

Relative Clauses

A relative clause acts as a clause that modifies a noun or pronoun. Relative clauses begin with a relative pronoun (who, whom, which, that, whose). Relative clauses can either be restrictive or nonrestrictive.

Restrictive Relative Clauses
A restrictive relative clause is essential in order to complete the meaning of the main clause.

Examples:
Where is the girl who is going?
That’s the one which I like best.
Is he the one whose house is on fire?

Nonrestrictive Relative Clauses
A nonrestrictive relative clause adds definition to the main clause, but is not necessary for meaning. Nonrestrictive relative clauses are set off by commas.

Examples:
That girl, who is going to the concert, has a green dress.
The orange car, which is my favorite, has seating for six.
The tuba player, whose house is on fire, just went to band practice.