What Is a Subordinate Clause? Definition and Examples

What Is A Subordinate Clause? Understanding subordinate clauses, also known as dependent clauses, is essential for clear and effective communication. At WHAT.EDU.VN, we provide free answers to your questions, helping you master grammar and improve your writing skills. Explore the nuances of subordinate clauses and how they enhance sentence structure.

1. Understanding the Basics: What is a Subordinate Clause?

A subordinate clause, or dependent clause, is a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It relies on an independent clause (or main clause) to form a complete thought. These clauses add detail and complexity to sentences, providing additional information about the main idea. Understanding subordinate clauses is vital for constructing grammatically correct and sophisticated sentences.

Key Characteristics of Subordinate Clauses:

• Dependent on an Independent Clause: Cannot stand alone as a sentence.
• Adds Detail: Provides extra information about the main clause.
• Begins with Specific Words: Often starts with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun.

Example:

• “Because it was raining,” (subordinate clause) “we stayed inside.” (independent clause)

Here, “because it was raining” provides the reason why “we stayed inside.” Without the main clause, the subordinate clause leaves the reader wondering what happened because of the rain.

2. Identifying Subordinate Clauses: Subordinating Conjunctions and Relative Pronouns

Subordinate clauses typically begin with subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns. Recognizing these words can help you easily identify subordinate clauses within sentences. This knowledge is crucial for understanding sentence structure and ensuring correct grammar.

Subordinating Conjunctions:

These words connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, indicating a relationship between the two. Common subordinating conjunctions include:

• Time: after, before, when, while, since, until, as soon as, whenever
• Cause/Effect: because, since, as, so that
• Condition: if, unless, provided that, in case
• Contrast/Concession: although, though, even though, whereas
• Place: where, wherever

Examples:

• “After the movie ended,” we went for ice cream.
• “Because I studied hard,” I passed the exam.
• “If it rains,” we will stay home.
• “Although she was tired,” she finished her work.
• “Where there is a will,” there is a way.

Relative Pronouns:

These pronouns introduce relative clauses, which are a type of subordinate clause that modifies a noun or pronoun in the main clause. Common relative pronouns include:

• who
• whom
• which
• that
• whose

Examples:

• The book “that I borrowed from the library” is due next week.
• The woman “who lives next door” is a doctor.
• The car, “which is parked outside,” is mine.
• The student “whose essay won the competition” received a scholarship.

3. Types of Subordinate Clauses: Noun, Adjective, and Adverbial

Subordinate clauses can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs within a sentence. Understanding these different types is key to using them effectively and varying your sentence structure. Each type adds a unique layer of meaning to your writing.

3.1. Noun Clauses

A noun clause functions as a noun in a sentence. It can act as a subject, object, complement, or appositive. Noun clauses often begin with words like “that,” “what,” “who,” “whom,” “whoever,” “whomever,” “which,” “whichever,” “when,” “where,” “why,” or “how.”

Examples:

• Subject: “What she said” surprised everyone.
• Object: I don’t know “what he wants.”
• Complement: The problem is “that we don’t have enough time.”
• Appositive: My belief, “that honesty is the best policy,” guides my actions.

3.2. Adjective Clauses (Relative Clauses)

An adjective clause, also known as a relative clause, modifies a noun or pronoun in the main clause. These clauses typically begin with relative pronouns or relative adverbs (“when,” “where,” “why”).

Examples:

• The car “that I bought” is very reliable.
• The restaurant “where we ate” was excellent.
• The reason “why she left” is still unknown.

3.3. Adverbial Clauses

An adverbial clause functions as an adverb, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb in the main clause. These clauses provide information about time, place, manner, cause, purpose, condition, or concession.

Examples:

• Time: “When the bell rings,” the students will leave.
• Place: We can sit “wherever you like.”
• Manner: She sings “as if she were a professional.”
• Cause: “Because it was cold,” I wore a coat.
• Purpose: I exercise “so that I can stay healthy.”
• Condition: “If it rains,” we will cancel the picnic.
• Concession: “Although he was tired,” he kept working.

4. The Difference Between Dependent and Subordinate Clauses

The terms “dependent clause” and “subordinate clause” are often used interchangeably. Both refer to a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and requires an independent clause to form a complete thought. Understanding this equivalence simplifies grammar and avoids confusion.

• Dependent Clause: A general term for any clause that relies on another clause.
• Subordinate Clause: Another term for a dependent clause, emphasizing its lower rank in the sentence structure compared to the main clause.

Key Takeaway:

• Both terms describe the same type of clause. The choice of term often depends on the context or the specific grammatical concept being discussed.

5. Correct Punctuation: Commas with Subordinate Clauses

Proper punctuation is essential when using subordinate clauses. Commas are used to separate subordinate clauses from the main clause, depending on their position in the sentence. Mastering comma usage enhances clarity and readability in your writing.

Comma Rules:

• Subordinate Clause at the Beginning: Use a comma after the subordinate clause.

  • “Because it was raining,” we stayed inside.
  • “If you need help,” just ask.

• Subordinate Clause at the End: Generally, do not use a comma before the subordinate clause unless it introduces a nonessential element.

  • We stayed inside “because it was raining.”
  • She passed the exam “because she studied hard.”

• Subordinate Clause in the Middle (Nonrestrictive Clauses): Use commas before and after the clause if it provides extra, nonessential information.

  • My car, “which is old,” still runs well.
  • The book, “that I borrowed from you,” is very interesting.

6. Restrictive vs. Nonrestrictive Clauses: Essential Comma Usage

Relative clauses (adjective clauses) can be either restrictive (essential) or nonrestrictive (nonessential). This distinction affects comma usage. Understanding the difference ensures correct punctuation and maintains the intended meaning of your sentences.

6.1. Restrictive Clauses (Essential Clauses)

A restrictive clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence. It provides necessary information that identifies or limits the noun it modifies. Because it is essential, a restrictive clause is not set off with commas.

Examples:

• The book “that I borrowed from the library” is due next week. (The clause identifies which book.)
• The student “who studies hard” usually gets good grades. (The clause identifies which student.)

6.2. Nonrestrictive Clauses (Nonessential Clauses)

A nonrestrictive clause provides additional, nonessential information about the noun it modifies. This clause can be removed without changing the basic meaning of the sentence. Because it is nonessential, a nonrestrictive clause is set off with commas.

Examples:

• My car, “which is old,” still runs well. (The fact that the car is old is extra information.)
• The teacher, “who is very experienced,” is always helpful. (The fact that the teacher is experienced is extra information.)

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid with Subordinate Clauses

Several common mistakes can occur when using subordinate clauses. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you avoid errors and improve the clarity of your writing. Correcting these mistakes ensures your message is effectively communicated.

• Sentence Fragments: A subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a sentence.

  • Incorrect: Because it was raining.
  • Correct: Because it was raining, we stayed inside.

• Missing Commas: Forgetting to use commas when the subordinate clause begins the sentence.

  • Incorrect: If you need help just ask.
  • Correct: If you need help, just ask.

• Incorrect Comma Usage with Restrictive Clauses: Using commas with restrictive clauses.

  • Incorrect: The book, that I borrowed from the library, is due next week.
  • Correct: The book that I borrowed from the library is due next week.

• Misidentifying Clause Type: Confusing noun, adjective, and adverbial clauses, leading to incorrect sentence structure.

  • Incorrect: What he said it was a surprise.
  • Correct: What he said was a surprise.

8. Examples of Subordinate Clauses in Literature

Subordinate clauses are widely used in literature to add depth and complexity to writing. Examining examples from well-known works can illustrate how these clauses enhance storytelling and convey meaning.

8.1. Example 1: “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

• Subordinate Clause: “that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife” (noun clause acting as a complement)

8.2. Example 2: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

“I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.”

• Subordinate Clause: “One does not love breathing” (adverbial clause of cause)

8.3. Example 3: “1984” by George Orwell

“Who controls the past controls the future; who controls the present controls the past.”

• Subordinate Clauses: “Who controls the past” and “who controls the present” (noun clauses acting as subjects)

8.4. Example 4: “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

• Subordinate Clause: “borne back ceaselessly into the past” (adjective clause modifying “boats”)

9. Exercises: Practice Identifying and Using Subordinate Clauses

Practice is key to mastering the use of subordinate clauses. These exercises will help you identify and use subordinate clauses correctly, improving your understanding and writing skills.

Exercise 1: Identify the Subordinate Clause

Identify the subordinate clause in each sentence.

1. Because it was snowing, the school was closed.
2. The dog that barked all night belongs to my neighbor.
3. I don’t know why she left.
4. If you study hard, you will succeed.
5. She went to the store after she finished her work.

Exercise 2: Combine Sentences Using Subordinate Clauses

Combine the following pairs of sentences into one sentence using a subordinate clause.

1. It was raining. We stayed inside.
2. He is a talented musician. He plays the piano.
3. I need to study. I want to pass the exam.
4. She was tired. She finished her work.
5. The movie was exciting. We watched it last night.

Exercise 3: Correct the Punctuation

Correct the punctuation in the following sentences.

1. If you are ready we can leave.
2. The book that I read last week was very interesting.
3. My friend who is a doctor gave me some advice.
4. Because it was hot I drank some water.
5. The car which is parked outside is mine.

Answer Key:

Exercise 1:

1. Because it was snowing
2. that barked all night
3. why she left
4. If you study hard
5. after she finished her work

Exercise 2:

1. Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
2. He is a talented musician who plays the piano.
3. I need to study so that I can pass the exam.
4. Although she was tired, she finished her work.
5. The movie that we watched last night was exciting.

Exercise 3:

1. If you are ready, we can leave.
2. The book that I read last week was very interesting. (No change needed)
3. My friend, who is a doctor, gave me some advice.
4. Because it was hot, I drank some water.
5. The car, which is parked outside, is mine.

10. Advanced Usage: Varying Sentence Structure with Subordinate Clauses

Mastering subordinate clauses allows you to vary your sentence structure and create more sophisticated and engaging writing. This skill is essential for expressing complex ideas clearly and effectively.

Techniques for Varying Sentence Structure:

• Varying Clause Placement: Start sentences with subordinate clauses to create emphasis or interest.

  • “Although it was difficult,” she persevered.
  • “When the opportunity arises,” seize it.

• Using Different Types of Subordinate Clauses: Combine noun, adjective, and adverbial clauses in your writing.

  • “What she said,” which surprised everyone, changed the course of the meeting.

• Combining Multiple Subordinate Clauses: Create complex sentences with multiple layers of detail.

  • “Because he had studied hard,” and “because he was confident,” he aced the exam, “which was a great relief.”

• Using Subordinate Clauses for Transition: Use subordinate clauses to connect ideas and create smooth transitions between sentences and paragraphs.

  • “As a result of the new policy,” productivity increased. “This led to higher profits.”

11. The Importance of Mastering Subordinate Clauses

Mastering subordinate clauses is crucial for effective communication. These clauses add detail, complexity, and nuance to your writing, allowing you to express your ideas with precision and clarity.

Benefits of Mastering Subordinate Clauses:

• Improved Clarity: Adds detail and context to your writing.
• Enhanced Complexity: Allows you to express complex ideas effectively.
• Varied Sentence Structure: Makes your writing more engaging and interesting.
• Stronger Communication: Helps you convey your message with precision.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates a high level of writing skill.

12. Resources for Further Learning About Subordinate Clauses

Numerous resources are available to help you further your understanding of subordinate clauses. These resources provide additional explanations, examples, and exercises to enhance your learning.

Recommended Resources:

• Grammar Websites: Websites like Grammarly, Purdue OWL, and Khan Academy offer comprehensive grammar guides and exercises.
• English Textbooks: High school and college English textbooks provide detailed explanations and examples of subordinate clauses.
• Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer courses on grammar and writing skills.
• Writing Workshops: Local writing workshops and community centers often offer classes on grammar and sentence structure.

13. Subordinate Clauses in Different Contexts: Formal vs. Informal Writing

The use of subordinate clauses can vary depending on the context of your writing. Formal writing often requires more complex sentence structures, while informal writing may use simpler sentences. Understanding these differences is essential for adapting your writing style to different situations.

Formal Writing:

• Use complex sentences with multiple subordinate clauses to express detailed and nuanced ideas.
• Employ a wide range of subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns to create varied and sophisticated sentences.
• Pay close attention to punctuation and grammar to ensure clarity and precision.

Informal Writing:

• Use simpler sentences with fewer subordinate clauses.
• Focus on clear and direct communication.
• Avoid overly complex sentence structures that may confuse the reader.
• Use a more conversational tone.

Examples:

• Formal: “Although the data suggests a correlation between the two variables, further research is needed to establish causality.”
• Informal: “The data shows they might be related, but we need to do more research to be sure.”

14. How Subordinate Clauses Enhance Your Writing Style

Subordinate clauses are a powerful tool for enhancing your writing style. They allow you to add depth, complexity, and nuance to your sentences, making your writing more engaging and effective.

Ways Subordinate Clauses Enhance Writing Style:

• Adding Detail and Context: Subordinate clauses provide extra information that enriches the meaning of your sentences.

  • “Because it was raining heavily,” the game was postponed.

• Creating Emphasis: Placing a subordinate clause at the beginning of a sentence can draw attention to a particular idea.

  • “If you want to succeed,” you must work hard.

• Improving Flow: Subordinate clauses can help connect ideas and create a smooth flow between sentences and paragraphs.

  • “As a result of the increased funding,” the project was completed ahead of schedule.

• Adding Variety: Using a mix of simple and complex sentences with subordinate clauses can make your writing more interesting and engaging.

15. Common Subordinating Conjunctions and Their Uses

Mastering subordinating conjunctions is crucial for effectively using subordinate clauses. Understanding their specific meanings and uses will help you construct clear and precise sentences.

Common Subordinating Conjunctions:

• Time: after, before, when, while, since, until, as soon as, whenever

  • “After the movie ends,” we will go for dinner.

• Cause/Effect: because, since, as, so that

  • “Because it was cold,” I wore a coat.

• Condition: if, unless, provided that, in case

  • “If it rains,” we will stay home.

• Contrast/Concession: although, though, even though, whereas

  • “Although she was tired,” she kept working.

• Place: where, wherever

  • “Wherever you go,” I will follow you.

Using Subordinating Conjunctions Effectively:

• Choose the correct conjunction to express the intended relationship between the clauses.
• Pay attention to the order of clauses and the placement of commas.
• Avoid overusing the same conjunction in your writing.

16. Understanding Relative Pronouns in Subordinate Clauses

Relative pronouns (who, whom, which, that, whose) introduce relative clauses, which are a type of subordinate clause that modifies a noun or pronoun in the main clause. Understanding how to use relative pronouns correctly is essential for constructing clear and grammatically correct sentences.

Common Relative Pronouns:

• Who: Refers to people (subject).

  • “The woman who lives next door is a doctor.”

• Whom: Refers to people (object).

  • “The man whom I saw at the store is my neighbor.”

• Which: Refers to things.

  • “The car which is parked outside is mine.”

• That: Refers to people or things.

  • “The book that I borrowed from the library is due next week.”

• Whose: Shows possession.

  • “The student whose essay won the competition received a scholarship.”

Using Relative Pronouns Effectively:

• Choose the correct pronoun based on whether it refers to a person or thing and its function in the clause (subject or object).
• Pay attention to the punctuation of the relative clause (restrictive vs. nonrestrictive).
• Avoid using “which” to refer to people; use “who” or “whom” instead.

17. Subordinate Clauses and Complex Sentence Structures

Subordinate clauses are fundamental to creating complex sentence structures that allow for detailed and nuanced expression. By combining independent and dependent clauses, writers can convey intricate relationships and ideas with precision.

Elements of Complex Sentences:

• Independent Clause: A complete thought that can stand alone.
• Subordinate Clause: A dependent clause that relies on the independent clause for meaning.
• Subordinating Conjunction or Relative Pronoun: Connects the clauses and indicates their relationship.

Constructing Complex Sentences:

1. Start with an Idea: Determine the main point you want to convey.
2. Add Supporting Information: Use subordinate clauses to provide context, detail, or explanation.
3. Choose the Right Connector: Select the appropriate subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun to link the clauses.
4. Punctuate Correctly: Use commas to separate clauses as needed, based on their position and function.

Example:

• “Because the weather was unpredictable,” (subordinate clause) “we decided to bring both umbrellas and sunscreen,” (independent clause) “which proved to be a wise decision.” (subordinate clause)

18. Subordinate Clauses in Academic Writing

In academic writing, the effective use of subordinate clauses is essential for presenting complex arguments and detailed analyses. These clauses allow writers to provide evidence, explanations, and qualifications within a structured and coherent framework.

Using Subordinate Clauses in Academic Essays:

• Providing Evidence: “According to Smith (2020),” subordinate clauses can introduce sources and evidence that support your claims.
• Explaining Relationships: Subordinate clauses can illustrate cause-and-effect, comparison-contrast, and other logical relationships.
• Qualifying Statements: Subordinate clauses add precision to your arguments by specifying conditions, limitations, or exceptions.
• Structuring Arguments: Subordinate clauses help organize your thoughts and create a logical flow of ideas.

Example:

• “Although previous studies have suggested a correlation between social media use and depression,” (subordinate clause) “our research indicates that the relationship is more nuanced,” (independent clause) “depending on the individual’s coping mechanisms.” (subordinate clause)

19. Subordinate Clauses and Sentence Variety

Using subordinate clauses enhances sentence variety, making your writing more engaging and readable. Varying sentence length and structure prevents monotony and keeps the reader interested.

Techniques for Achieving Sentence Variety:

• Alternating Sentence Length: Mix short, simple sentences with longer, complex sentences.
• Varying Clause Placement: Start sentences with subordinate clauses to add interest.
• Using Different Types of Subordinate Clauses: Incorporate noun, adjective, and adverbial clauses.
• Combining Sentence Types: Combine simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences.

Example:

• Monotonous: “The sun was shining. We went to the park. We had a picnic.”
• Varied: “Because the sun was shining,” (subordinate clause) “we went to the park,” (independent clause) “where we enjoyed a pleasant picnic.” (subordinate clause)

20. Subordinate Clauses and Clarity in Writing

Clarity is paramount in effective writing. Subordinate clauses, when used correctly, enhance clarity by providing essential details and context that help readers understand your message.

Strategies for Enhancing Clarity:

• Choosing the Right Connectors: Select subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns that accurately reflect the relationship between clauses.
• Avoiding Ambiguity: Ensure that the connection between the subordinate and independent clauses is clear.
• Providing Necessary Details: Use subordinate clauses to add specific information that clarifies your meaning.
• Maintaining Logical Flow: Organize your sentences and paragraphs in a logical and coherent manner.

Example:

• Unclear: “The project failed, which was disappointing.”
• Clear: “The project failed because of a lack of funding,” which was disappointing to the entire team.

21. Practicing Subordinate Clauses in Daily Communication

Mastering subordinate clauses is not just for formal writing; it also enhances your daily communication. Using these clauses effectively in conversations and emails can help you express your ideas more clearly and persuasively.

Benefits in Daily Communication:

• Expressing Complex Thoughts: Subordinate clauses allow you to convey detailed and nuanced ideas.
• Adding Context to Explanations: They provide essential background information to help others understand your perspective.
• Improving Clarity in Emails: Clear and well-structured sentences prevent misunderstandings.
• Making Persuasive Arguments: They help you present logical and compelling reasons to support your viewpoint.

Examples:

• “I couldn’t make it to the meeting today because I had a doctor’s appointment.”
• “If you finish the report by Friday, we can review it together next week.”
• “Although I understand your concerns, I believe this decision is in the best interest of the company.”

22. Advanced Tips for Using Subordinate Clauses

To truly master subordinate clauses, consider these advanced tips that enhance your writing sophistication and precision.

Advanced Techniques:

• Embedding Subordinate Clauses: Place subordinate clauses within other clauses for added complexity.
• Using Elliptical Clauses: Omit words that are understood from the context for conciseness.
• Varying Connectors: Use a wide range of subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns to avoid repetition.
• Balancing Complexity and Clarity: Ensure that your sentences remain clear and easy to understand, even with multiple subordinate clauses.

Examples:

• Embedded Clause: “The book that I told you about,” which I borrowed from the library, is due next week.
• Elliptical Clause: “While studying,” I listened to music. (Omitted: “I was”)

23. Overcoming Challenges in Using Subordinate Clauses

Many writers face challenges when learning to use subordinate clauses. Recognizing these challenges and implementing strategies to overcome them is key to improving your writing skills.

Common Challenges:

• Identifying Subordinate Clauses: Difficulty distinguishing between independent and subordinate clauses.
• Punctuation Errors: Incorrect use of commas with subordinate clauses.
• Sentence Fragments: Writing subordinate clauses as standalone sentences.
• Overuse of Subordinate Clauses: Creating sentences that are too complex and difficult to understand.

Strategies for Overcoming Challenges:

• Practice Identifying Clauses: Do exercises to distinguish between independent and subordinate clauses.
• Review Punctuation Rules: Study the rules for using commas with subordinate clauses and practice applying them.
• Avoid Sentence Fragments: Always connect subordinate clauses to an independent clause.
• Balance Complexity: Aim for clarity and conciseness in your writing.

24. The Future of Grammar and Subordinate Clauses

As language evolves, grammar rules may shift over time. However, understanding the fundamental principles of grammar, including the use of subordinate clauses, will remain essential for effective communication.

Trends in Grammar:

• Increased Flexibility: Some grammar rules are becoming more flexible, particularly in informal writing.
• Emphasis on Clarity: The focus remains on clear and effective communication, regardless of the specific grammar rules used.
• Adaptation to Digital Media: Grammar is adapting to the needs of digital communication, such as social media and online content.

The Enduring Importance of Subordinate Clauses:

• Subordinate clauses will continue to be essential for expressing complex ideas and providing detail in writing.
• Understanding how to use subordinate clauses effectively will enhance your ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, regardless of evolving grammar trends.

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