Identify the type of clause in the sentence: 'Although it was raining, we went hiking.'

In the sentence "Although it was raining, we went hiking," the phrase "Although it was raining" serves as a dependent clause. A dependent clause is one that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. It begins with a subordinating conjunction (in this case, "although"), which signals that the information that follows is not fully complete without the accompanying independent clause.

The independent clause, "we went hiking," expresses a complete thought and can stand alone. The dependent clause provides context or background to that action, indicating that despite the rain, the hiking took place. This relationship emphasizes the contrast between the two clauses.

In this sentence, the use of a dependent clause effectively adds depth to the statement, illustrating that the decision to go hiking was made despite adverse weather conditions. This layered structure is typical in complex sentences where one clause relies on another to convey a complete idea.