A subordinate clause, also known as a dependent clause, is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. These linguistic building blocks rely on an independent clause to provide context and meaning, often beginning with subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns such as because, although, if, who, and which. By integrating these clauses into your writing, you can transform simple, choppy sentences into complex, nuanced structures that more accurately reflect the relationships between different ideas. This guide is designed for students, educators, and professional writers who wish to master the art of sentence variety and logical progression through the strategic use of subordination.
Table of Contents
- Definition and Fundamental Concept
- Structural Breakdown of Subordinate Clauses
- Types of Subordinate Clauses
- Subordinating Markers and Connectors
- Extensive Examples and Comparison Tables
- Comprehensive Usage Rules and Punctuation
- Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
- Advanced Topics: Ellipsis and Reduced Clauses
- Practice Exercises and Solutions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion and Final Learning Tips
Definition and Fundamental Concept
In the hierarchy of English grammar, the subordinate clause occupies a unique position. Unlike an independent clause, which can stand alone as a complete sentence (e.g., “The sun rose”), a subordinate clause is “subordinate” to the main idea. It acts as a supporting character, providing additional information about time, place, reason, condition, or identity. Without the main clause, the subordinate clause becomes a sentence fragment, a common error in academic and professional writing.
The primary function of a subordinate clause is to establish a relationship of dependence. For example, in the sentence “We stayed inside because it was raining,” the phrase “because it was raining” explains the reason for the action in the main clause. The word “because” serves as the subordinating conjunction, signaling that the information following it is secondary to the main event. This hierarchy allows writers to prioritize information, ensuring that the most important point remains the focus of the sentence.
Linguistically, these clauses are classified based on the grammatical role they play within the sentence. They can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. This versatility is what makes them indispensable for sophisticated communication. Whether you are describing a specific person (adjective clause), explaining why a decision was made (adverbial clause), or identifying a subject of discussion (noun clause), you are using subordination to add depth and clarity to your prose.
Structural Breakdown of Subordinate Clauses
To identify or construct a subordinate clause, one must look for three essential components: a subordinating signal, a subject, and a predicate. The subordinating signal is typically a subordinating conjunction (like since, while, unless) or a relative pronoun (like that, whose, whom). This signal is the “glue” that attaches the clause to the rest of the sentence while simultaneously stripping the clause of its ability to stand alone.
The internal structure of the clause follows standard English word order: Subordinator + Subject + Verb + (Objects/Modifiers). For instance, in the clause “after the guests arrived,” “after” is the subordinator, “the guests” is the subject, and “arrived” is the verb. Even though this unit has a subject and a verb, the presence of “after” creates an expectation for more information. The reader asks, “What happened after the guests arrived?” This unresolved tension is the hallmark of subordination.
Positioning is another critical structural element. Subordinate clauses are flexible; they can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. When a subordinate clause precedes the main clause, it is often referred to as an introductory clause and usually requires a comma. When it follows the main clause, a comma is often unnecessary, depending on the type of clause and the level of emphasis desired. Understanding these structural patterns is the first step toward achieving grammatical precision.
Types of Subordinate Clauses
Noun Clauses
A noun clause functions exactly like a single noun or a noun phrase. It can serve as the subject of a sentence, a direct object, an indirect object, an object of a preposition, or a predicate nominative. These clauses often begin with words such as how, that, what, whatever, when, where, whether, which, whichever, who, whoever, whom, whomever, and why.
For example, in the sentence “What you said was helpful,” the entire clause “What you said” acts as the subject of the verb “was.” Unlike adjective or adverb clauses, noun clauses cannot be removed without making the sentence grammatically incomplete or nonsensical. They are integral to the core meaning of the statement, often used to report speech, express thoughts, or pose indirect questions.
Adjective (Relative) Clauses
Adjective clauses, also known as relative clauses, function as adjectives by modifying nouns or pronouns. They almost always follow the noun they describe and begin with a relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, that, which) or a relative adverb (when, where, why). These clauses provide essential or extra information about a specific person, place, or thing.
Adjective clauses are divided into two categories: restrictive (essential) and non-restrictive (non-essential). A restrictive clause is necessary to identify the noun (e.g., “The book that I borrowed is lost”), while a non-restrictive clause provides extra detail and is set off by commas (e.g., “My car, which is ten years old, still runs well”). Mastery of these distinctions is crucial for proper punctuation and clarity.
Adverbial Clauses
Adverbial clauses function as adverbs, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They answer questions such as When? Where? Why? How? To what extent? or Under what condition? They always begin with a subordinating conjunction, such as after, although, because, if, since, unless, or while.
These clauses are highly mobile. You can place them at the start of a sentence to provide context or at the end to provide additional detail. For example, “If it snows, we will go skiing” vs. “We will go skiing if it snows.” The adverbial clause “If it snows” sets the condition for the main action. This flexibility allows writers to control the rhythm and emphasis of their sentences effectively.
Subordinating Markers and Connectors
The “marker” is the word that initiates the subordinate clause. Understanding which marker to use is vital for conveying the correct logical relationship. The following table categorizes the most common subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns based on their function in a sentence.
The table below provides a comprehensive list of markers used to introduce different types of subordinate clauses. These markers define the relationship between the dependent and independent ideas.
| Function | Markers (Conjunctions/Pronouns) | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Time | after, before, since, until, when, while, as soon as | After the movie ended, we went for pizza. |
| Cause/Reason | because, since, as, so that, in order that | He stayed home because he felt ill. |
| Condition | if, unless, whether, provided that, assuming that | If you study hard, you will pass the exam. |
| Contrast/Concession | although, even though, though, while, whereas | Although it was cold, she didn’t wear a coat. |
| Place | where, wherever | I will follow you wherever you go. |
| Comparison | than, as…as, rather than, as if, as though | She is taller than her brother is. |
| Relative (People) | who, whom, whose | The doctor who treated me was very kind. |
| Relative (Things) | which, that | The car that I bought is blue. |
Extensive Examples and Comparison Tables
To truly understand how subordinate clauses operate, it is helpful to see them in various contexts. The following tables provide dozens of examples categorized by their grammatical function and the type of information they provide. This section serves as a reference for constructing your own complex sentences.
The following table lists 25 examples of Adverbial Clauses, showing how they modify the main action of the sentence by providing context regarding time, reason, or condition.
| No. | Subordinate Clause (Adverbial) | Full Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Because she was tired | Because she was tired, she went to bed early. |
| 2 | Although it was raining | Although it was raining, they played soccer. |
| 3 | If you finish your homework | If you finish your homework, you can watch TV. |
| 4 | Since we have no money | Since we have no money, we cannot go out. |
| 5 | While the music played | While the music played, everyone danced. |
| 6 | Unless you hurry | Unless you hurry, you will miss the bus. |
| 7 | As soon as the sun rises | As soon as the sun rises, the birds start singing. |
| 8 | Whenever it snows | Whenever it snows, the kids build a snowman. |
| 9 | So that he could see better | He wore glasses so that he could see better. |
| 10 | Before the store closes | Go to the market before the store closes. |
| 11 | Even though he is rich | Even though he is rich, he lives simply. |
| 12 | In order that we might win | We practiced daily in order that we might win. |
| 13 | As if he knew the secret | He smiled as if he knew the secret. |
| 14 | Where the grass is greener | I want to live where the grass is greener. |
| 15 | Than I expected | The test was harder than I expected. |
| 16 | Provided that you are careful | You can use my car provided that you are careful. |
| 17 | Until the clock strikes twelve | Stay here until the clock strikes twelve. |
| 18 | As long as you stay quiet | You can stay as long as you stay quiet. |
| 19 | Lest we forget | We build monuments lest we forget. |
| 20 | Once the rain stops | Once the rain stops, we will go for a walk. |
| 21 | Whereas she loves dogs | Whereas she loves dogs, he prefers cats. |
| 22 | Supposing it happens | Supposing it happens, what will you do? |
| 23 | Wherever you may roam | I will think of you wherever you may roam. |
| 24 | Whether you like it or not | Whether you like it or not, we are leaving. |
| 25 | Now that you are here | Now that you are here, we can begin. |
The following table focuses on Adjective (Relative) Clauses. These examples demonstrate how to add descriptive detail to nouns without starting a new sentence.
| No. | Subordinate Clause (Adjective) | Full Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Who lives next door | The man who lives next door is a pilot. |
| 2 | Which was built in 1920 | The house, which was built in 1920, is haunted. |
| 3 | That I bought yesterday | The book that I bought yesterday is excellent. |
| 4 | Whose phone is ringing | The student whose phone is ringing should turn it off. |
| 5 | Whom we met at the party | The girl whom we met at the party is a lawyer. |
| 6 | Where I was born | This is the town where I was born. |
| 7 | When we first met | I remember the day when we first met. |
| 8 | Why she left so early | I don’t know the reason why she left so early. |
| 9 | That you recommended | I saw the movie that you recommended. |
| 10 | Which is located downtown | The museum, which is located downtown, is free. |
| 11 | Who won the race | The athlete who won the race was exhausted. |
| 12 | Whose car was stolen | The neighbor whose car was stolen called the police. |
| 13 | To whom I spoke | The manager to whom I spoke was very helpful. |
| 14 | That smells like roses | I like the perfume that smells like roses. |
| 15 | Which cost a fortune | She wore a necklace which cost a fortune. |
| 16 | Who works in the garden | The lady who works in the garden is my aunt. |
| 17 | Where the treasure is hidden | They found the spot where the treasure is hidden. |
| 18 | That governs our country | We respect the law that governs our country. |
| 19 | Which was very surprising | He arrived late, which was very surprising. |
| 20 | Whom I admire most | He is the teacher whom I admire most. |
| 21 | Whose leaves are turning red | Look at the tree whose leaves are turning red. |
| 22 | When the flowers bloom | Spring is the time when the flowers bloom. |
| 23 | That we visited last year | The city that we visited last year was beautiful. |
| 24 | Who is wearing the red hat | Do you know the man who is wearing the red hat? |
| 25 | Which belongs to my brother | That is the bicycle which belongs to my brother. |
The final example table explores Noun Clauses. These clauses act as the “what” or “who” of the sentence, often replacing a single noun as a subject or object.
| No. | Subordinate Clause (Noun) | Full Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | What she said | What she said surprised everyone. |
| 2 | How he fixed the car | How he fixed the car remains a mystery. |
| 3 | That the world is round | Everyone knows that the world is round. |
| 4 | Whichever path you choose | Whichever path you choose will lead to success. |
| 5 | Whoever arrives first | Whoever arrives first wins a prize. |
| 6 | Whether he will come | I am not sure whether he will come. |
| 7 | Why the sky is blue | The teacher explained why the sky is blue. |
| 8 | Where they are hiding | No one knows where they are hiding. |
| 9 | That we are late | The fact that we are late is obvious. |
| 10 | Whatever you want for dinner | Whatever you want for dinner is fine with me. |
| 11 | Whom you choose | I will support whom you choose. |
| 12 | When the meeting starts | Tell me when the meeting starts. |
| 13 | How much it costs | She asked how much it costs. |
| 14 | That he is honest | I believe that he is honest. |
| 15 | Who wrote the letter | I wonder who wrote the letter. |
| 16 | Which color you prefer | It doesn’t matter which color you prefer. |
| 17 | Whose keys these are | Do you know whose keys these are? |
| 18 | That she is talented | It is clear that she is talented. |
| 19 | Where we are going | He didn’t tell us where we are going. |
| 20 | What happened last night | What happened last night was a disaster. |
| 21 | Whether it rains or not | Whether it rains or not, the game goes on. |
| 22 | That you are here | I am glad that you are here. |
| 23 | How the story ends | Don’t tell me how the story ends. |
| 24 | Whatever happens | Whatever happens, stay calm. |
| 25 | Who the winner is | The judges announced who the winner is. |
Comprehensive Usage Rules and Punctuation
Mastering subordinate clauses requires more than just identifying them; you must also know how to punctuate them correctly. The rules for punctuation depend heavily on the type of clause and its position in the sentence. One of the most fundamental rules involves the introductory adverbial clause. If an adverbial clause starts a sentence, it must be followed by a comma to separate it from the main clause. For example: “Before you leave, please lock the door.” However, if the clause comes at the end, the comma is generally omitted: “Please lock the door before you leave.”
Adjective clauses have their own set of punctuation rules based on whether they are restrictive or non-restrictive. A restrictive clause is essential to the sentence’s meaning; removing it would change the identity of the noun it modifies. These clauses are never set off by commas. For example, in “The students who studied passed the test,” the clause “who studied” restricts the meaning to a specific group of students. A non-restrictive clause, however, adds “bonus” information. In “My father, who is 60, still runs marathons,” the age is extra information and must be enclosed in commas.
Noun clauses are almost never set off by commas because they act as essential components of the sentence, such as the subject or object. Putting a comma between a subject and its verb is a grammatical error. For instance, in “That he arrived late was no surprise,” the noun clause “That he arrived late” is the subject. Adding a comma after “late” would break the necessary link between the subject and the predicate. Consistency in these rules ensures that your writing remains professional and easy to follow.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
The most frequent error involving subordinate clauses is the sentence fragment. Because a subordinate clause cannot stand alone, writers often mistakenly treat it as a complete sentence, especially in informal writing. For example, writing “Because I was tired.” as a standalone sentence is incorrect. To fix this, you must attach it to an independent clause: “Because I was tired, I went home.” Fragments often occur when writers are trying to emphasize a point but fail to provide the necessary grammatical support.
Another common mistake is the misplacement of relative clauses. A relative clause should ideally be placed immediately after the noun it modifies. If it is placed too far away, it can create “dangling” or “misplaced” modifiers that lead to confusion. Consider the sentence: “The man was eating a sandwich who was wearing a red hat.” Here, it sounds like the sandwich was wearing the hat. The correct version is: “The man who was wearing a red hat was eating a sandwich.”
Understanding the difference between “that” and “which” is also a frequent struggle for English learners. In American English, “that” is used for restrictive clauses (no commas), while “which” is used for non-restrictive clauses (with commas). For example: “The car that I bought is fast” (tells us which specific car) vs. “My car, which is blue, is fast” (adds extra info about the color). Mixing these up can subtly change the intended meaning of your sentence.
| Incorrect Sentence | Error Type | Corrected Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Since I forgot my keys. | Sentence Fragment | Since I forgot my keys, I had to wait outside. |
| The dog bit the man that was barking. | Misplaced Modifier | The dog that was barking bit the man. |
| My house which is red needs paint. | Missing Commas (Non-restrictive) | My house, which is red, needs paint. |
| I don’t know, who he is. | Unnecessary Comma (Noun Clause) | I don’t know who he is. |
| Although it was sunny but we stayed inside. | Double Conjunction | Although it was sunny, we stayed inside. |
Advanced Topics: Ellipsis and Reduced Clauses
For advanced writers, understanding how to “reduce” subordinate clauses can lead to more concise and elegant prose. A reduced relative clause occurs when the relative pronoun and the verb “to be” are omitted. For example, “The girl who is sitting in the corner” can be reduced to “The girl sitting in the corner.” This maintains the meaning while removing unnecessary words, which is particularly useful in journalistic or creative writing.
Adverbial clauses can also be reduced when the subject of both the subordinate and main clauses is the same. Instead of saying “While he was walking to school, he saw a bird,” you can say “While walking to school, he saw a bird.” This reduction uses a participle phrase to replace the full clause. However, writers must be careful not to create “dangling participles,” where the implied subject of the reduced clause does not match the subject of the main clause (e.g., “Walking to school, the bird was seen”).
Another advanced concept is the omission of “that” in noun and relative clauses. In many cases, the word “that” can be deleted if it functions as an object. For example, “I think that he is right” becomes “I think he is right.” Similarly, “The book that I read” becomes “The book I read.” Knowing when to keep or remove “that” is a matter of style; keeping it can add formality, while removing it often makes the sentence sound more natural and conversational.
Practice Exercises and Solutions
The following exercises are designed to test your understanding of subordinate clause identification, punctuation, and construction. Complete each section and then check your answers in the provided key.
Exercise 1: Identify the Clause Type
Determine whether the italicized subordinate clause is a Noun Clause, Adjective Clause, or Adverbial Clause.
- I will go if you come with me.
- The man who stole the car was caught.
- I believe that you are telling the truth.
- Because it was late, we took a taxi.
- The reason why she cried is unknown.
- He asked where the station was.
- The cake that I baked is on the table.
- Whatever you decide is fine with me.
- I’ll call you when I arrive.
- The city where I live is very noisy.
Exercise 2: Punctuation Correction
Add commas where necessary in the following sentences. If no comma is needed, write “Correct.”
- Although it was raining they went for a walk.
- The car that I bought last week is already broken.
- My brother who lives in London is coming to visit.
- After the sun went down the air turned cold.
- I don’t know where he went.
- She said that she was tired.
- If you see him tell him to call me.
- The book which I finished yesterday was very long.
- Since we have time let’s have coffee.
- The woman who won the lottery is my neighbor.
Solutions Key
| Ex 1 Question | Answer | Ex 2 Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adverbial | 1 | Although it was raining, they… |
| 2 | Adjective | 2 | Correct |
| 3 | Noun | 3 | My brother, who lives in London, is… |
| 4 | Adverbial | 4 | After the sun went down, the… |
| 5 | Adjective | 5 | Correct |
| 6 | Noun | 6 | Correct |
| 7 | Adjective | 7 | If you see him, tell him… |
| 8 | Noun | 8 | The book, which I finished yesterday, was… |
| 9 | Adverbial | 9 | Since we have time, let’s… |
| 10 | Adjective | 10 | Correct |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can a subordinate clause ever be a complete sentence?
No, by definition, a subordinate clause is an incomplete thought. Even though it contains a subject and a verb, the subordinating word (conjunction or relative pronoun) makes it dependent on an independent clause. If written alone, it is a sentence fragment.
2. What is the difference between a phrase and a subordinate clause?
The main difference is the presence of a subject and a verb. A subordinate clause has both (e.g., “because he was tired”), while a phrase lacks either a subject, a verb, or both (e.g., “because of his tiredness”).
3. Do I always need a comma after a subordinate clause?
Only if the subordinate clause is an adverbial clause that starts the sentence. If it’s at the end of the sentence, you usually don’t need a comma. Adjective clauses follow different rules based on whether they are restrictive or non-restrictive.
4. How can I tell if a clause is restrictive or non-restrictive?
Ask yourself: “If I remove this clause, do I still know exactly which person/thing is being talked about?” If the answer is no, it is restrictive (no commas). If the answer is yes, it is non-restrictive (use commas).
5. Can I start a sentence with “Because”?
Yes, you can! This is a common myth. As long as you follow the subordinate clause with an independent clause (e.g., “Because I was hungry, I ate”), it is a perfectly grammatical and effective sentence structure.
6. What are “relative adverbs”?
Relative adverbs are words like where, when, and why that introduce adjective clauses. They function like relative pronouns but specifically provide information about place, time, or reason (e.g., “The house where I lived”).
7. Why are noun clauses important?
Noun clauses are essential for reporting what people say, think, or feel. They allow you to turn entire ideas into subjects or objects, which is vital for complex communication and academic argumentation.
8. How do I avoid “dangling modifiers” with reduced clauses?
Ensure that the subject of the main clause is the one performing the action in the reduced clause. For example, “Running to the store, I fell” is correct because “I” am the one running. “Running to the store, the rain started” is incorrect because the rain isn’t running.
Conclusion and Final Learning Tips
Mastering the subordinate clause is a significant milestone in your journey toward English proficiency. These clauses provide the structural complexity needed to express sophisticated thoughts, show logical connections, and vary your sentence rhythm. Remember that the key to using them effectively lies in understanding their function—whether they are acting as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb—and punctuating them accordingly. To improve, try reading high-quality literature or journalism and specifically look for how authors use subordinating conjunctions to link ideas. Practice rewriting simple sentences into complex ones using the tables provided in this guide. With consistent application, the use of subordinate clauses will become second nature, allowing your writing to flow with clarity, precision, and professional polish.
