The second kind of clause is a dependent clause. A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. Let’s take our independent clause and add something to it. If I add the word “when”—”When Jim studied in his room for his chemistry exam”—we sort of sense that it’s leading to something. It’s not something that stands alone; it’s something that contributes to another thought. That is an example of a dependent clause.