A dependent or subordinate clause is a unit of language which has a core structure and which functions adjectivally, adverbially, or as a noun in a higher clause (frequently the main clause). A dependent clause on its own does not form a complete sentence. Dependent clauses are of two structural types: finite clauses, which have a clause marker and an indicative or subjunctive verb, and non-finite clauses, which have no clause marker and an infinitive or participle as verb.
5.1 FINITE DEPENDENT CLAUSES
In Latin, as in English, a finite dependent clause is subordinated to (made dependent on) another clause with a subordinating word, such as a subordinating conjunction, a relative pronoun or an interrogative pronoun (in indirect questions only). For a comprehensive list of subordinating conjunctions, see the list of adverbial clause markers in Syntax Quick Reference section. Dependent clauses with subordinators have finite (indicative or subjunctive) verbs and nominative subjects.
Examples:
Olim in Asia erat urbs antiqua, quae Troia appellata est. Once in Asia there was an ancient city, which was called Troy. (adjectival, relative clause)
Aeneas, cum profugos ex omnibus partibus coegisset, in Italiam migrare constituit. Aeneas, when he had gathered refugees from all parts, decided to migrate to Italy. (adverbial, circumstantial clause)
Latinus rogavit cur Troiani in Italiam venissent. Latinus asked why the Trojans had come to Italy. (noun-DO, indirect question)
5.23 NON-FINITE DEPENDENT CLAUSES
Subordination of a clause may also be done with a non-finite verb form, such as a participle or infinitive. Non-finite dependent clauses do not have subordinating conjunctions; the non-finite verb form makes these clauses unable to stand alone. Clauses with participles as verb may have a subject in any case; clauses with infinitive verbs have accusative subjects.
Examples:
Invadunt urbem somno vinoque sepultam. They invade the city buried in sleep and wine. (adjectival, participial clause)
Cremata patria Troiani novae urbi locum quaerebant. With their homeland burned, the Trojans were seeking a spot for a new city. (adverbial, ablative absolute)
Illi responderunt se esse Troianos. They responded that they were Trojans. (noun DO, indirect statement)
Caesar iussit milites pontem facere. Caesar ordered the soldiers to build a bridge. (noun DO, objective inf/nf ind command)