Subordinate clauses are an essential part of constructing clear and dynamic sentences. They provide extra detail, context, and meaning to the main clause, allowing you to express ideas more effectively. Whether you’re writing a formal report, a creative piece, or simply improving your everyday communication, mastering the use of examples of subordinate clauses can make a noticeable difference in your writing style. These clauses add layers of information, making your sentences richer and more informative. In this blog, we’ll explore how subordinate clauses work, share helpful examples, and offer practical tips for incorporating them into your writing. Let’s get started and take your writing to the next level!
What is a Subordinate Clause?
A subordinate clause, also known as a dependent clause, cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It has both a subject and a verb, but it does not express a complete thought on its own. Instead, it relies on an independent clause to form a complete sentence.
Features of a Subordinate Clause:
-
Subject and Verb: Like independent clauses, subordinate clauses contain a subject and a verb.
-
Cannot Stand Alone: A subordinate clause does not express a complete idea and, therefore, cannot function as a complete sentence.
-
Relies on a Main Clause: It adds information to the main clause but cannot convey a full message without it.
For example:
-
“If you study hard” (subordinate clause).
-
“I will pass the test” (independent clause).
The complete sentence would be: “If you study hard, I will pass the test.”
Types of Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate clauses can function in various ways within a sentence. They can act as adverbs, adjectives, or nouns. Each type plays a unique role in enhancing the meaning of the sentence.
1. Adverbial Clause
An adverbial clause modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It provides more information about the action, including when, where, why, or under what conditions something occurs.
Example Sentences:
-
“She stayed home because she was feeling sick.”
-
(The subordinate clause answers why she stayed home.)
-
-
“I will call you when I arrive.”
-
(The subordinate clause answers when the action will happen.)
-
Adverbial clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions like because, if, when, although, or since.
2. Adjective Clause
An adjective clause modifies a noun or pronoun, giving more detail about the person or thing being discussed. These clauses often start with a relative pronoun, such as who, whom, which, that, or whose.
Example Sentences:
-
“The man who lives next door is my friend.”
-
(The subordinate clause provides more information about the man.)
-
-
“I read the book that you recommended.”
-
(The subordinate clause gives more information about the book.)
-
Adjective clauses help to specify or elaborate on a noun.
3. Noun Clause
A noun clause functions as a noun within a sentence. It can act as a subject, object, or complement. Noun clauses often begin with words like who, what, how, why, whether, or that.
Example Sentences:
-
“I don’t know what she wants.”
-
(The subordinate clause acts as the object of the verb know.)
-
-
“What he said surprised me.”
-
(The subordinate clause functions as the subject of the sentence.)
-
Noun clauses are essential in making sentences more complex and specific, providing clarity or introducing new ideas.
Examples of Subordinate Clauses in Action
To help you understand how subordinate clauses work in real-world situations, let’s examine a few sentences with different types of subordinate clauses.
Adverbial Clause Examples:
-
“I went home early because I wasn’t feeling well.”
-
(The subordinate clause explains why the speaker went home early.)
-
-
“We will go to the park if it doesn’t rain.”
-
(The subordinate clause explains under what condition the action will happen.)
-
Adjective Clause Examples:
-
“The book that I bought yesterday is amazing.”
-
(The subordinate clause describes the book.)
-
-
“The car which is parked outside belongs to my neighbor.”
-
(The subordinate clause gives additional information about the car.)
-
Noun Clause Examples:
-
“I don’t understand why she left early.”
-
(The subordinate clause acts as the object of the verb understand.)
-
-
“What you said really made a difference.”
-
(The subordinate clause acts as the subject of the sentence.)
-
These examples illustrate how subordinate clauses add depth to a sentence by providing extra information, whether it’s about time, reason, location, condition, or further description.
20 Examples of subordinate clauses:
-
When I was younger, I used to play outside every day.
-
I will call you if I need any help.
-
She stayed home because she was feeling sick.
-
Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.
-
He didn’t show up because he was busy with work.
-
When the bell rings, we can go outside.
-
If you study hard, you will pass the test.
-
She smiled because she was happy.
-
We left early since the traffic was heavy.
-
I’ll be there whenever you need me.
-
If I had known, I would have helped you.
-
He couldn’t understand why the project failed.
-
The movie was great even though it was long.
-
They went to the park after the rain stopped.
-
Wherever you go, I will follow.
-
Before she left, she gave me the keys.
-
He can join us if he finishes his work.
-
The dog barked until the car drove away.
-
Because I was tired, I decided to rest.
-
The teacher asked what we learned from the lesson.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinate clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions, which connect them to the main clause. Here are some of the most common subordinating conjunctions:
-
Adverbial Clause Subordinators:
-
after, although, as, because, before, if, once, since, until, while, unless
-
-
Adjective Clause Subordinators:
-
who, whom, whose, which, that
-
-
Noun Clause Subordinators:
-
that, whether, what, how, why, whoever, whichever
-
By using these subordinating conjunctions, you can add a variety of subordinate clauses to your sentences, making them more detailed and informative.
Punctuation Rules for Subordinate Clauses
Punctuation is important when using subordinate clauses, especially when deciding whether to place a comma. The position of the subordinate clause in the sentence can influence whether a comma is needed.
Commas with Fronted Subordinate Clauses
When a subordinate clause comes at the beginning of a sentence, it is typically followed by a comma.
Example:
-
“Because I was late, I missed the bus.”
-
(The subordinate clause is at the beginning of the sentence, so a comma is required.)
-
Commas with Ended Subordinate Clauses
When a subordinate clause follows the main clause, no comma is needed unless the clause is nonessential.
Example:
-
“I missed the bus because I was late.”
-
(No comma needed here because the clause is essential to the meaning.)
-
Nonessential Subordinate Clauses:
-
“My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us.”
-
(The clause “who lives in New York” is additional information, so commas are used.)
-
By following these simple punctuation rules, you can ensure that your sentences are clear and grammatically correct.
How Subordinate Clauses Add Meaning to Sentences
Subordinate clauses play a critical role in giving context to the action or information presented in the independent clause. They can explain why, when, where, or under what conditions something happens, giving the sentence depth and clarity.
Example Sentences:
-
Time: “We will leave after the meeting is over.”
-
(The subordinate clause tells us when the action will happen.)
-
-
Condition: “I won’t go to the party unless you come with me.”
-
(The subordinate clause expresses under what condition the action will occur.)
-
-
Reason: “I went to bed early because I was tired.”
-
(The subordinate clause gives the reason for the action.)
-
In each of these examples, the subordinate clause connects with the main clause, providing essential information that helps the reader understand the circumstances, motivations, or timing of the action.
Types of Subordinate Clauses and Their Roles
Now that we’ve discussed the function of subordinate clauses, let’s explore the different types. A subordinate clause can serve as an adverb, adjective, or noun in a sentence. Understanding the roles each type plays can help you use them effectively in your own writing.
Adverbial Clauses
Adverbial clauses function like adverbs, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They describe when, why, where, or under what conditions something happens. The subordinating conjunctions in adverbial clauses include words like because, if, since, when, and unless.
Example Sentences:
-
When: “You can go out when you finish your homework.”
-
(The subordinate clause tells us when the action can happen.)
-
-
Why: “She cried because she was sad.”
-
(The subordinate clause answers why she cried.)
-
-
Under what conditions: “I will help you if you ask nicely.”
-
(The subordinate clause sets the condition for the action to take place.)
-
Adverbial clauses make your writing more specific and allow you to explain the circumstances surrounding an action.
Adjective Clauses
Adjective clauses provide more information about a noun or pronoun. They describe or identify the noun, giving the reader a clearer picture of the subject. These clauses often begin with relative pronouns like who, whom, whose, which, and that.
Example Sentences:
-
“The man who is wearing a red jacket is my uncle.”
-
(The subordinate clause tells us which man is being referred to.)
-
-
“I like the book that you gave me.”
-
(The subordinate clause provides more detail about the book.)
-
Adjective clauses are essential for adding clarity and detail to your writing by elaborating on the nouns you introduce.
Noun Clauses
Noun clauses function as nouns in a sentence. They can act as the subject, object, or complement of the sentence. These clauses often begin with words like what, why, how, who, and whether.
Example Sentences:
-
“I don’t know what she wants.”
-
(The subordinate clause acts as the object of the verb know.)
-
-
“That he is talented is obvious.”
-
(The subordinate clause is the subject of the sentence.)
-
-
“She is unsure whether she should attend the meeting.”
-
(The subordinate clause functions as the object of the verb is unsure.)
-
Noun clauses can be used in a variety of ways, but they always serve to fill the role of a noun, adding more meaning to the sentence.
Subordinating Conjunctions and Relative Pronouns
Subordinate clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns. These words link the subordinate clause to the main clause, creating a complete thought. Here are some common subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns to look out for:
Subordinating Conjunctions:
-
Time: after, before, when, while, until
-
Cause/Reason: because, since, as, so that
-
Condition: if, unless, provided that, whether
-
Concession: although, even though, though
-
Place: where, wherever
Relative Pronouns:
-
Who, whom, whose (for people)
-
Which, that (for things)
-
Whoever, whomever, whichever (for general statements)
These conjunctions and pronouns are critical in forming subordinate clauses and ensuring your sentences flow smoothly.
When to Use a Subordinate Clause
Knowing when to use a subordinate clause is crucial in crafting clear and effective sentences. Typically, you’ll use subordinate clauses to provide additional context, clarify your ideas, or create more complex sentence structures.
Examples of Proper Usage:
-
Providing additional detail: “He left early because he had an appointment.”
-
(The subordinate clause provides why he left early.)
-
-
Clarifying conditions: “I will give you a call if I need more information.”
-
(The subordinate clause sets the condition for the action to take place.)
-
-
Expressing time or reason: “I’ll go to the store after I finish my work.”
-
(The subordinate clause explains when the action will occur.)
-
Subordinate clauses should be used when you want to enrich your sentences with more information, whether it’s about time, reason, condition, or description. They help provide context and add depth to your writing.
Punctuation with Subordinate Clauses
Punctuation is essential when using subordinate clauses to ensure clarity. In general, a subordinate clause at the beginning of a sentence is followed by a comma. However, when the subordinate clause appears at the end of the sentence, a comma is usually not required unless it adds non-essential information.
Examples:
-
Comma Needed: “If it rains, we will stay inside.”
-
(The subordinate clause starts the sentence, so a comma is used.)
-
-
No Comma Needed: “We will stay inside if it rains.”
-
(The subordinate clause ends the sentence, so no comma is used.)
-
If the subordinate clause provides extra, non-essential information, then a comma is used even if the clause is at the end.
Example:
-
“My friend, who lives in New York, is visiting next week.”
-
(The clause “who lives in New York” adds extra, non-essential information, so commas are used.
-
Conculation
Subordinate clauses are essential in making your sentences more dynamic and informative. They help you provide context, set conditions, and give more detailed information without needing to add separate sentences. By mastering the use of subordinate clauses, you can create richer, more nuanced sentences that express ideas clearly. Whether you’re explaining why something happened, when it happened, or under what conditions, subordinate clauses are there to enhance your communication. With practice, you’ll find that incorporating subordinate clauses into your writing becomes easier and more intuitive. So, start using these helpful clauses today and see how they can improve your writing!
If you’re looking for ways to improve your sentence structure, examples of subordinate clauses will guide you in applying them effectively in your writing.