Main and Subordinate Clauses

Learning Goal:

To be able to recognise and use complex sentences.

• I have read my learning goal.

• I have read and understood my learning goal.

Success Criteria:

I can recognise that a complex sentence contains a main (independent) clause and at least one dependent clause.

I can recognise two types of dependent clauses: subordinate clauses and relative clauses.

• I have read my success criteria.

• I have read and understood my success criteria.

The main clause is also known as a dependent clause.

• True

• False

A subordinate clause is a group of words that is dependent on the main clause because it doesn't make sense on its own.

• True

• False

Select the correct answers.

Subordinate clauses, including relatives clauses can be used to _____________, _____________, and _______________ ideas in sentences.

• clarify

• disconnect

• expand

• question

• link

Subordinate clauses start with a ____________________________.

• conjunction

• subordinating connective

• subordinating conjunction

• sentence opener

Identify the subordinate clause in this sentence.

As the nights are getting colder, we will have to put the plants in the greenhouse.

• As the nights are getting colder

• we will have to put the plants in the greenhouse.

Identify the subordinate clause in this sentence.

After many years, they discovered the tomb where the Pharaoh was buried.

• After many years, they discovered the tomb.

• where the Pharaoh was buried.

Identify the subordinate clause in this sentence.

At the end of the talk, we went outside so that we could sketch the building.

• At the end of the talk, we went outside.

• so that we could sketch the building.

Identify the subordinate clause in this sentence.

Nyla, who had trained for many months, was pleased with her time in the marathon.

• Nyla was pleased with her time in the marathon.

• who had trained for many months