Here's why:
* Clause: A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb.
* Dependent Clause: A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it relies on an independent clause to provide complete meaning.
* Independent Clause: An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Example:
* Dependent Clause: "Because the sun was shining." (This doesn't make sense on its own)
* Independent Clause: "We went to the park." (This is a complete sentence)
Complete Sentence: "Because the sun was shining, we went to the park."
The dependent clause "because the sun was shining" provides additional information about the independent clause "we went to the park."