Introduction
Subordinate clauses are essential components of complex sentences, providing additional information that helps clarify or expand on the main idea. These clauses cannot stand alone as complete sentences and rely on the main clause to give them meaning.
Structure of Subordinate Clauses
A subordinate clause is typically introduced by a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun, making it dependent on the main clause.
Examples:
- Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
- She didn’t finish her homework because she was tired.
- The book, which I borrowed from the library, is fascinating.
Function of Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate clauses can serve various functions in a sentence, including acting as adverbial, adjectival, or noun clauses.
Adverbial Clauses
Subordinate clauses that function as adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They often indicate time, reason, condition, concession, or manner.
- Time: We'll leave after the movie ends.
- Reason: She was upset because she lost her phone.
- Condition: If you finish your work, you can go out.
- Concession: Although he was tired, he stayed up late.
- Manner: Do it as I showed you.
Adjectival Clauses
Also known as relative clauses, these subordinate clauses modify nouns or pronouns, providing additional information about them.
- The car that he bought is very expensive.
- My sister, who lives in New York, is coming to visit.
- This is the house where I grew up.
Noun Clauses
Subordinate clauses that function as nouns can be subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence.
- Subject: What you said is true.
- Object: I don’t know where she went.
- Complement: The truth is that he didn’t study.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions and Relative Pronouns
Subordinate clauses are introduced by specific words that establish the relationship between the subordinate clause and the main clause.
Subordinating Conjunctions
- Time: after, before, when, while, until
- Reason: because, since, as
- Condition: if, unless
- Concession: although, though, even though
- Manner: as, like
Relative Pronouns
- who
- whom
- whose
- which
- that
Relative Adverbs
- where
- when
- why
Examples of Subordinate Clauses
Adverbial Clause Examples
- Time: She called me when she arrived home.
- Reason: He left early because he wasn’t feeling well.
- Condition: If it rains, we’ll cancel the picnic.
- Concession: Even though they were late, they managed to catch the train.
- Manner: He spoke as if he knew everything.
Adjectival Clause Examples
- The man who is standing over there is my uncle.
- She wore a dress which was covered in sequins.
- They visited the town where their grandparents lived.
- The movie that we watched last night was thrilling.
- Do you remember the day when we first met?
Noun Clause Examples
- Subject: What he did shocked everyone.
- Object: She couldn’t believe what he said.
- Complement: My belief is that honesty is the best policy.
- Subject: Whether we go depends on the weather.
- Object: Tell me why you didn’t come to the party.
Comparison with Independent Clauses
While subordinate clauses depend on the main clause for meaning, independent clauses can stand alone as complete sentences.
Example:
- Independent Clause: She enjoys reading.
- Subordinate Clause: Although she enjoys reading, (cannot stand alone)
Detailed Examples of Subordinate Clauses
Example Sentences with Subordinate Clauses
- Although he studied hard, he didn’t pass the exam.
- She likes the music that you recommended.
- I’ll call you when I arrive.
- The reason is clear: why he left early.
- If you need help, just let me know.
Breakdown of Each Example
1. Although he studied hard, he didn’t pass the exam.
- Main Clause: he didn’t pass the exam
- Subordinate Clause: Although he studied hard
- Explanation: This clause provides a contrast or unexpected outcome, emphasizing that even with hard study, he didn’t pass the exam.
2. She likes the music that you recommended.
- Main Clause: She likes the music
- Subordinate Clause: that you recommended
- Explanation: The subordinate clause specifies which music she likes, giving more detail about the noun "music."
3. I’ll call you when I arrive.
- Main Clause: I’ll call you
- Subordinate Clause: when I arrive
- Explanation: This adverbial clause tells us the time when the action of calling will happen.
4. The reason is clear: why he left early.
- Main Clause: The reason is clear
- Subordinate Clause: why he left early
- Explanation: The noun clause explains or clarifies the reason, acting as a complement to the main clause.
5. If you need help, just let me know.
- Main Clause: just let me know
- Subordinate Clause: If you need help
- Explanation: This conditional clause indicates that the action of letting me know depends on whether help is needed.
Tips for Identifying Subordinate Clauses
- Look for Subordinating Conjunctions or Relative Pronouns: These often signal the beginning of a subordinate clause.
- Check the Clause’s Dependence: If the clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence, it’s likely subordinate.
- Determine the Clause’s Function: Is it providing extra information about time, reason, condition, or describing a noun?
Visualizing the Role of Subordinate Clauses
| Sentence | Main Clause | Subordinate Clause |
|---|---|---|
| We stayed inside because it was raining. | We stayed inside | because it was raining |
| She met the author who wrote the novel. | She met the author | who wrote the novel |
| If you are ready, we can start the meeting. | we can start the meeting | If you are ready |
| He explained why he missed the meeting. | He explained | why he missed the meeting |
| They moved to the city where they grew up. | They moved to the city | where they grew up |
Practice Exercises
Identify the subordinate clause in each sentence and determine its function (adverbial, adjectival, or noun).
- She didn’t go to the party because she was feeling ill.
- The cake that she baked was delicious.
- Whenever you need assistance, feel free to contact me.
- He couldn’t understand why the meeting was canceled.
- Do you know the man who is standing by the door?
Answers to Practice Exercises
- She didn’t go to the party because she was feeling ill.
- The cake that she baked was delicious.
- Whenever you need assistance, feel free to contact me.
- He couldn’t understand why the meeting was canceled.
- Do you know the man who is standing by the door?
Common Mistakes with Subordinate Clauses
- Misplacing Commas:
- Using Incomplete Sentences:
- Confusing Subordinate Clauses with Independent Clauses:
- Overusing Subordinate Clauses:
- Misplacing the Subordinate Clause:
Conclusion
Subordinate clauses are vital for adding depth and detail to sentences, allowing writers and speakers to convey more complex ideas. By understanding how to use them correctly, you can enhance both clarity and precision in communication.