Main clauses and subordinate clauses

Front

What is a main clause?

Back

A main clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence. It contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Front

What is a subordinate clause?

Back

A subordinate clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought.

Front

Identify the main clause in the sentence: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.'

Back

The main clause is 'we went for a walk.'

Front

Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: 'Because she was tired, she went to bed early.'

Back

The subordinate clause is 'Because she was tired.'

Front

What is the function of a subordinate clause in a sentence?

Back

A subordinate clause adds additional information to the main clause but cannot stand alone.

Front

Give an example of a sentence with both a main clause and a subordinate clause.

Back

'When the bell rings, the students will leave the classroom.' (Main clause: 'the students will leave the classroom'; Subordinate clause: 'When the bell rings').

Front

What punctuation is often used to separate a subordinate clause from a main clause?

Back

A comma is often used to separate a subordinate clause from a main clause when the subordinate clause comes first.

Front

Can a main clause exist without a subordinate clause?

Back

Yes, a main clause can exist on its own without a subordinate clause.

Front

What is an example of a sentence with only a main clause?

Back

'The dog barked.' (This is a complete thought and can stand alone.)

Front

What is an example of a sentence with only a subordinate clause?

Back

'Although she was happy.' (This is not a complete thought and cannot stand alone.)