Subordinate Clauses

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What is a subordinate clause?

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A subordinate clause is a group of words that has both a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It depends on a main clause to provide meaning.

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Identify the function of a subordinate clause in a sentence.

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A subordinate clause adds additional information to the main clause, often indicating time, reason, condition, or contrast.

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What is the difference between a subordinate clause and a main clause?

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A main clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while a subordinate clause cannot.

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Example of a subordinate clause: 'Although it was raining.'

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This clause cannot stand alone and needs a main clause to complete the thought, e.g., 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.'

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause is another term for a subordinate clause; it cannot stand alone and depends on a main clause.

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Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: 'If you study hard, you will pass the exam.'

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The subordinate clause is 'If you study hard'.

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What is an independent clause?

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An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

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

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The subordinate clause is 'Because I was tired'.

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What punctuation is often used before a subordinate clause?

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A comma is often used before a subordinate clause when it begins a sentence.

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Example of a sentence with a subordinate clause: 'When the sun sets, the sky turns orange.'

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The subordinate clause is 'When the sun sets'.