Able Quote by William Safire
“A dependent clause is like a dependent child: incapable of standing on its own but able to cause a lot of trouble.”
About This Quote
A dependent clause cannot stand alone, similar to a child needing support, yet it can cause complexity.
In simple terms: Dependent clauses need a main clause to make sense.
Key Takeaway
Use complete sentences for clarity.
Themes
grammar
syntax
language
Mood
educational
clarifying
Type
grammar
instruction
When to use this quote
- writing
- editing
- teaching grammar
Key Concepts
dependent clause
sentence structure
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you simplify sentences without losing nuance?
- When is a dependent clause most effective?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on complex clauses can obscure meaning.
