What does a dependent clause require to be complete?

A dependent clause requires an independent clause to form a complete thought. While a dependent clause provides essential information, it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete idea. For instance, in the clause "because I was late," the thought is incomplete and prompts the reader or listener to ask for more information. When paired with an independent clause, such as "I missed the bus," it becomes a full sentence: "I missed the bus because I was late." Thus, the dependent clause enriches the sentence but relies on the independent clause to convey a complete idea. This relationship ensures clarity and completeness in sentence structure.