Understanding subordinate clauses is crucial for mastering complex sentence structures and enhancing your writing and comprehension skills in English. Subordinate clauses, also known as dependent clauses, add depth and detail to sentences, allowing you to express nuanced relationships between ideas.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of subordinate clauses, covering their definition, types, functions, and usage rules, complete with examples and practice exercises to help you confidently incorporate them into your communication.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Subordinate Clauses
- Structural Breakdown
- Types of Subordinate Clauses
- Examples of Subordinate Clauses
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Subordinate Clauses
A subordinate clause, also known as a dependent clause, is a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It depends on an independent clause (also called a main clause) to form a complete thought.
Subordinate clauses provide additional information that modifies or complements the main clause. They function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs within the larger sentence.
Key characteristics of subordinate clauses:
- They contain a subject and a verb.
- They begin with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, if, when) or a relative pronoun (e.g., who, which, that).
- They cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be attached to an independent clause.
Structural Breakdown
Understanding the structure of a subordinate clause is essential for identifying and using it correctly. Here’s a breakdown of its components:
- Subordinating Conjunction or Relative Pronoun: This word introduces the subordinate clause and connects it to the independent clause. Examples include because, if, when, that, who, which.
- Subject: The noun or pronoun that performs the action or is described in the clause.
- Verb: The action word or state of being in the clause.
Basic Structure: Subordinating Conjunction/Relative Pronoun + Subject + Verb (+ optional additional elements)
For example, in the sentence “Because it was raining, we stayed inside,” the subordinate clause is “Because it was raining.” Here, “because” is the subordinating conjunction, “it” is the subject, and “was raining” is the verb.
Types of Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate clauses are classified into three main types based on their function within the sentence:
Noun Clauses
A noun clause functions as a noun within the sentence. It can act as a subject, object, complement, or appositive. Noun clauses often begin with words like that, what, which, who, whom, whoever, whatever, whether, if, why, how, where, when.
Examples of noun clauses in different roles:
- Subject: What she said surprised everyone.
- Object: I don’t know what he wants.
- Complement: The problem is that we are late.
- Appositive: My belief, that he is innocent, remains unchanged.
Adjective Clauses (Relative Clauses)
An adjective clause, also known as a relative clause, modifies a noun or pronoun in the main clause. It provides additional information about the noun it modifies. Adjective clauses are introduced by relative pronouns (who, whom, which, that, whose) or relative adverbs (where, when, why).
Examples of adjective clauses:
- The book that I borrowed from the library is very interesting.
- The man who helped me was very kind.
- This is the house where I grew up.
Adverb Clauses
An adverb clause modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb in the main clause. It provides information about time, place, reason, manner, condition, purpose, result, or concession. Adverb clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as because, although, if, when, where, while, since, as, before, after, until, unless, so that, in order that.
Examples of adverb clauses:
- Because it was raining, we stayed inside. (reason)
- We will go to the park if the weather is nice. (condition)
- When the bell rings, the class will end. (time)
Examples of Subordinate Clauses
To further illustrate the different types of subordinate clauses, here are more examples organized by category. These examples will help you understand how subordinate clauses function within a sentence and how to identify them.
Noun Clause Examples
Noun clauses can function as subjects, objects, complements, or appositives. The following table provides examples of noun clauses in each of these roles.
| Function | Example Sentence | Noun Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | What he said surprised everyone. | What he said |
| Subject | How she did it remains a mystery. | How she did it |
| Subject | Whatever you decide is fine with me. | Whatever you decide |
| Subject | Why he left is still unknown. | Why he left |
| Subject | Whether he comes is uncertain. | Whether he comes |
| Object | I don’t know what he wants. | what he wants |
| Object | Tell me where you found it. | where you found it |
| Object | She explained how the machine works. | how the machine works |
| Object | He asked if I was coming. | if I was coming |
| Object | They discussed who would be in charge. | who would be in charge |
| Complement | The problem is that we are late. | that we are late |
| Complement | My point is that we need to focus. | that we need to focus |
| Complement | The truth is that I forgot. | that I forgot |
| Complement | His excuse was that he missed the bus. | that he missed the bus |
| Complement | Her fear is that she will fail. | that she will fail |
| Appositive | My belief, that he is innocent, remains unchanged. | that he is innocent |
| Appositive | The rumor, that she is leaving, is unfounded. | that she is leaving |
| Appositive | His idea, that we should start early, is excellent. | that we should start early |
| Appositive | The assumption, that he knew the answer, was incorrect. | that he knew the answer |
| Appositive | The fact, that it rained all day, ruined our picnic. | that it rained all day |
Adjective Clause Examples
Adjective clauses modify nouns or pronouns, providing additional information. They are introduced by relative pronouns or relative adverbs.
The following table demonstrates various adjective clauses modifying different nouns.
| Modified Noun | Example Sentence | Adjective Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Book | The book that I borrowed from the library is very interesting. | that I borrowed from the library |
| Man | The man who helped me was very kind. | who helped me |
| House | This is the house where I grew up. | where I grew up |
| Woman | The woman whom I met yesterday is a doctor. | whom I met yesterday |
| Car | The car which he bought is very expensive. | which he bought |
| Student | The student who studies hard will succeed. | who studies hard |
| City | Paris is the city where I want to live. | where I want to live |
| Reason | The reason why he left is still unclear. | why he left |
| Movie | The movie that we watched last night was thrilling. | that we watched last night |
| Person | The person whose car was stolen is very upset. | whose car was stolen |
| Teacher | The teacher who taught us English is retiring. | who taught us English |
| Cake | The cake that she baked tasted delicious. | that she baked |
| Song | The song which they played was my favorite. | which they played |
| Friend | The friend who always supports me is invaluable. | who always supports me |
| Country | Italy is the country where I want to travel. | where I want to travel |
| Project | The project that we completed was a success. | that we completed |
| Gift | The gift which he gave me was very thoughtful. | which he gave me |
| Place | That is the place where we first met. | where we first met |
| Time | The time when we arrived was perfect. | when we arrived |
| Team | The team that won the championship is celebrating. | that won the championship |
Adverb Clause Examples
Adverb clauses modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing information about time, place, reason, manner, condition, purpose, result, or concession. Below are examples illustrating different types of adverb clauses.
| Type | Example Sentence | Adverb Clause | Subordinating Conjunction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | When the bell rings, the class will end. | When the bell rings | When |
| Time | I will call you after I finish work. | after I finish work | After |
| Time | Before you leave, please lock the door. | Before you leave | Before |
| Time | We lived there until I was ten years old. | until I was ten years old | Until |
| Time | Since he arrived, things have been better. | Since he arrived | Since |
| Place | You can sit wherever you like. | wherever you like | Wherever |
| Place | I will follow you where you go. | where you go | Where |
| Place | They built the house where the old barn used to be. | where the old barn used to be | Where |
| Place | He left the keys where I could find them. | where I could find them | Where |
| Place | We met where the river flows. | where the river flows | Where |
| Reason | Because it was raining, we stayed inside. | Because it was raining | Because |
| Reason | Since you are busy, I will do it myself. | Since you are busy | Since |
| Reason | She was happy as she got the job. | as she got the job | As |
| Reason | As it was late, we decided to go home. | As it was late | As |
| Reason | He smiled because he was content. | because he was content | Because |
| Condition | We will go to the park if the weather is nice. | if the weather is nice | If |
| Condition | Unless it rains, we will have a picnic. | Unless it rains | Unless |
| Condition | I will help you provided you ask nicely. | provided you ask nicely | Provided |
| Condition | In case of emergency, break the glass. | In case of emergency | In case of |
| Condition | You can borrow my car as long as you are careful. | as long as you are careful | As long as |
| Manner | He did it as I had instructed. | as I had instructed | As |
| Manner | She sings as if she were an angel. | as if she were an angel | As if |
| Manner | They lived as their parents had done. | as their parents had done | As |
| Manner | He explained it as clearly as possible. | as clearly as possible | As |
| Manner | The child behaved as he was told. | as he was told | As |
| Purpose | We exercise so that we stay healthy. | so that we stay healthy | So that |
| Purpose | He studied hard in order that he might pass the exam. | in order that he might pass the exam | In order that |
| Purpose | She saved money so that she could buy a car. | so that she could buy a car | So that |
| Purpose | They practice every day so that they can win the game. | so that they can win the game | So that |
| Purpose | He whispered so that no one would hear. | so that no one would hear | So that |
| Concession | Although it was raining, we went for a walk. | Although it was raining | Although |
| Concession | Even though he was tired, he kept working. | Even though he was tired | Even though |
| Concession | Though she was nervous, she gave a great speech. | Though she was nervous | Though |
| Concession | While I understand your point, I disagree. | While I understand your point | While |
| Concession | Despite the difficulties, they succeeded. | Despite the difficulties | Despite |
| Result | It was so cold that the lake froze. | that the lake froze | That |
| Result | He ran so fast that he won the race. | that he won the race | That |
| Result | She was so happy that she cried. | that she cried | That |
| Result | The food was so delicious that everyone ate it quickly. | that everyone ate it quickly | That |
| Result | The movie was so boring that I fell asleep. | that I fell asleep | That |
Usage Rules
Using subordinate clauses correctly involves following specific rules related to punctuation, word order, and verb tense. Here are some key rules to remember:
- Punctuation: When a subordinate clause comes before the independent clause, it is usually followed by a comma. If the subordinate clause comes after the independent clause, a comma is generally not needed unless it adds extra non-essential information.
- Word Order: The subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun always begins the subordinate clause. The subject and verb within the subordinate clause follow the conjunction or pronoun.
- Verb Tense: The verb tense in the subordinate clause should be consistent with the verb tense in the independent clause. Sequence of tenses rules apply, particularly in complex sentences.
Examples illustrating punctuation rules:
- Correct: Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
- Correct: We stayed inside because it was raining.
- Incorrect: We stayed inside, because it was raining. (comma usually not needed when the adverb clause follows the main clause and is essential to the meaning)
Common Mistakes
Learners often make common mistakes when using subordinate clauses. Recognizing these errors can help you avoid them.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Because I was tired, I went to bed early. Because. | Because I was tired, I went to bed early. | Subordinate clauses cannot stand alone as sentences. |
| The man who he helped me was kind. | The man who helped me was kind. | Avoid using both a relative pronoun and a personal pronoun referring to the same noun. |
| Although it rained, but we still went out. | Although it rained, we still went out. OR It rained, but we still went out. | Do not use “but” after “although” or “though.” |
| I don’t know that what he wants. | I don’t know what he wants. | Avoid unnecessary use of “that” with “what.” |
| If I would have known, I would have told you. | If I had known, I would have told you. | Use “had” in the “if” clause for past unreal conditions. |
| Because of I was late, I missed the bus. | Because I was late, I missed the bus. | “Because of” is followed by a noun phrase, not a clause. Use “because” followed by a clause. |
| The reason why because he left is unclear. | The reason he left is unclear. OR The reason why he left is unclear. | Avoid redundancy by using either “the reason” or “why,” but not both together with “because”. |
| He asked me that if I was coming. | He asked me if I was coming. OR He asked me whether I was coming. | Avoid using both “that” and “if/whether” in indirect questions. |
| Although, he was tired, he kept working. | Although he was tired, he kept working. | Do not put a comma after the subordinating conjunction “although”. The comma goes at the end of the entire subordinate clause. |
| She runs fast as she can. | She runs as fast as she can. | Use “as…as” for comparisons of equality. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of subordinate clauses with these practice exercises. Identify the type of subordinate clause and its function in each sentence.
Exercise 1: Identify the subordinate clause and its type (noun, adjective, or adverb).
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I don’t know what he is doing. | Subordinate clause: what he is doing; Type: Noun |
| 2. The book that I read was fascinating. | Subordinate clause: that I read; Type: Adjective |
| 3. Because it was cold, I wore a jacket. | Subordinate clause: Because it was cold; Type: Adverb |
| 4. What she said surprised everyone. | Subordinate clause: What she said; Type: Noun |
| 5. The house where I live is very old. | Subordinate clause: where I live; Type: Adjective |
| 6. If it rains, we will stay home. | Subordinate clause: If it rains; Type: Adverb |
| 7. I heard that he is leaving. | Subordinate clause: that he is leaving; Type: Noun |
| 8. The man who helped us was very kind. | Subordinate clause: who helped us; Type: Adjective |
| 9. After the movie ended, we went home. | Subordinate clause: After the movie ended; Type: Adverb |
| 10. She knows what she wants. | Subordinate clause: what she wants; Type: Noun |
Exercise 2: Combine the following sentences using a subordinate clause.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. It was raining. We stayed inside. | Because it was raining, we stayed inside. |
| 2. He is my friend. He helped me. | He is my friend who helped me. |
| 3. I don’t know. He is coming. | I don’t know if he is coming. |
| 4. She finished her work. She went home. | After she finished her work, she went home. |
| 5. The book was interesting. I read it. | The book that I read was interesting. |
| 6. He was tired. He went to bed early. | Because he was tired, he went to bed early. |
| 7. The city is beautiful. I live there. | The city where I live is beautiful. |
| 8. She is happy. She won the prize. | She is happy because she won the prize. |
| 9. I will call you. I arrive. | I will call you when I arrive. |
| 10. He is the man. He helped me yesterday. | He is the man who helped me yesterday. |
Exercise 3: Fill in the blanks with an appropriate subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I will go _____ you go. | wherever |
| 2. _____ it rains, we will stay home. | If |
| 3. The book _____ I borrowed is very interesting. | that |
| 4. I don’t know _____ he wants. | what |
| 5. _____ she finished her work, she went home. | After |
| 6. He is the man _____ helped me. | who |
| 7. I will call you _____ I arrive. | when |
| 8. She is happy _____ she won the prize. | because |
| 9. _____ I was tired, I went to bed early. | Because |
| 10. The city _____ I live is beautiful. | where |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding reduced relative clauses and the nuances of ellipsis in adverb clauses can further refine their grasp of subordinate clauses.
- Reduced Relative Clauses: These are adjective clauses where the relative pronoun and auxiliary verb are omitted. For example, “The book written by him is interesting” instead of “The book that was written by him is interesting.”
- Ellipsis in Adverb Clauses: Ellipsis involves omitting words that are understood from the context, often in adverb clauses of time and condition. For example, “When possible, call me” instead of “When it is possible, call me.”
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about subordinate clauses:
- What is the difference between an independent clause and a subordinate clause?
An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence because it expresses a complete thought. A subordinate clause, on the other hand, cannot stand alone and relies on the independent clause to complete its meaning.
- How do I identify a subordinate clause in a sentence?
Look for a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but begins with a subordinating conjunction (because, if, when) or a relative pronoun (who, which, that). This group of words will be the subordinate clause.
- Can a sentence have more than one subordinate clause?
Yes, a sentence can have multiple subordinate clauses. These clauses can be of different types (noun, adjective, adverb) and can modify different parts of the main clause or even other subordinate clauses.
- Do I always need a comma when using a subordinate clause?
Generally, use a comma when the subordinate clause comes before the independent clause. When it follows the independent clause, a comma is usually not required unless the clause adds non-essential information or for clarity.
- What are some common subordinating conjunctions?
Common subordinating conjunctions include because, if, when, although, since, while, unless, before, after, until, as, so that, in order that.
- What are the functions of noun clauses?
Noun clauses function as nouns within a sentence. They can serve as subjects, objects, complements, or appositives.
- How do adjective clauses modify nouns?
Adjective clauses provide additional information about the noun or pronoun they modify. They are introduced by relative pronouns (who, whom, which, that, whose) or relative adverbs (where, when, why).
- What types of information do adverb clauses provide?
Adverb clauses modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs by providing information about time, place, reason, manner, condition, purpose, result, or concession.
Conclusion
Mastering subordinate clauses is vital for constructing complex and nuanced sentences in English. By understanding their definition, types, and usage rules, you can significantly enhance your writing and comprehension skills.
Whether you’re crafting essays, reports, or simply communicating more effectively, the ability to use subordinate clauses correctly will make your language more precise and impactful. Keep practicing and reviewing the examples provided to reinforce your learning.