Subordinate clauses either begin with a subordinate conjunction or with a relative pronoun. Elizabeth O'Brien is the creator of Grammar Revolution. This combination of words will not form a complete sentence. Did Belinda cheer him for his bravery or lecture him on animal rights? When this happens, the whole subordinate clause moves to the front and is followed by a comma. Unless Christine finishes her calculus homework, she will have to suffer Mr. Nguyen’s wrath in class tomorrow. lays everything out and allows you to move at your own pace. “Subordinate clause” is the name you’re more likely to have learned in school, but the other name, “dependent clause,” may help you better understand what they do because adding that subordinating conjunction to the head of the clause makes it dependent on a main clause. As we have seen at the beginning of this lesson that an independent clause can stand by itself as a complete sentence and provide a complete thought (meaning). Before you know it, you'll be a grammar and sentence diagramming pro! Although the meter was running, he took his time getting his luggage into the taxi. Subordinate clauses are joined with main clauses with conjunctions ("dass," "wenn," "weil," …) or relative pronouns. Basically, a subordinate clause cannot function as a complete sentence. No complete thought = fragment. After = subordinate conjunction; Amy = subject; sneezed = verb. A subordinate clause—also called a dependent clause—will begin with a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun. Remember this important point: A subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not provide a complete thought. A subordinate clause is a clause that supports ideas stated in the main clause. Go back to clauses. “Subordinate clause” is the name you’re more likely to have learned in school, but the other name, “dependent clause,” may help you better understand what they do because adding that subordinating conjunction to the head of the clause makes it dependent on a main clause. This is a good question to ask at this point. It is not independent. There is a comma between the superordinate main clause and the subordinate clause. In grammar, a content clause is a subordinate clause that provides content implied or commented upon by its main clause. Hello! When she saw my dress, she said that it was very nice. A subordinate clause is a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence but is linked to the main clause using a subordinating conjunction. For example: This is a complex sentence (also referred to as a multi-clause sentence). A subordinate clause—also called a dependent clause—will begin with a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun and will contain both a subject and a verb.This combination of words will not form a complete sentence.It will instead make a reader want additional information to finish the thought. I am going to the store, in a little while. Whatever you want is a dependent noun clause acting as the subject of the sentence. This is how a subordinate … Each of these clauses are introduced by certain words. Are you ready to learn about the subordinate clause (a.k.a. Here's the important thing to know about these guys. Subordinate clause. Children are taught grammatical terminology and concepts as outlined by the national curriculum (revised in 2014). Because I love stories is a dependent adverb clause. A noun clause is a dependent clause that acts as a noun. It's as if the clause says... David is faster than his brother (is) (fast). Subordinate clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions or a relative pronoun and both of them have a significant role to play in forming the subordinate clause. Inverting the Subordinate Clauses. It is performing the job of the subject. The top clause can stand alone as a complete idea, but the bottom clause cannot. It explains how to determine a subordinate and main clause referring to subordinating conjunctions and embedded clause, pointing out where commas might go. Another type of sentence is called a compound sentence. The information in the relative clause is no longer important and needs to be separated from the main clause with a comma. It can stand alone - -independent from other clauses -- and still make sense. You will notice that none of the shaded clauses could stand alone as a sentence. Ensure that subordinate clauses only complement a sentence’s main clause … They are also known as noun clauses English. It was subordinate , not enslaved, to the understanding. It is a group of words with a subject (you) and a verb (want), and it is functioning as a noun. A subordinate clause, also called a dependent clause, consists of information to be combined with a main clause to form a single sentence. If you want to teach or learn The key difference between relative clause and subordinate clause is that the relative clause begins with a relative pronoun whereas the subordinate clause begins with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun.. First of all, a clause is a group of words that contain a subject and a predicate.There are two types of clauses namely independent clauses and dependent clauses. Subordinate means that it can't stand alone. According to certain traditional linguistic theories, a subordinate clause or dependent clause is a clause that provides a sentence element with additional information, but which cannot stand as a sentence.A dependent clause can either modify an adjacent clause or serve as a component of an independent clause.. how often), condition, cause and effect; and intensity (i.e. A conjunction is a word, or words, used to connect two clauses together. Elliptical clauses are types of clauses that have some implied words. Subordinate clause definition is - a clause that does not form a simple sentence by itself and that is connected to the main clause of a sentence. For example, the insubordinate clause "the sky is blue," contains a subject (sky) and a verb (to be) and conveys a complete thought. An insubordinate clause forms a simple sentence. That's a mouthful! They are introduced by special words called relative pronouns or relative adverbs. The key difference between relative clause and subordinate clause is that the relative clause begins with a relative pronoun whereas the subordinate clause begins with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun.. First of all, a clause is a group of words that contain a subject and a predicate.There are two types of clauses namely independent clauses and dependent clauses. A subordinate clause has a subject and a verb, but it cannot stand alone. This combination of words will not form a complete sentence. A dependent clause without a main clause is a fragment. See more. Most of the time, they are adverb clauses. A subordinate clause has a subject and a verb, but it cannot stand alone. Jonathon spent his class time reading comic books Ø since his average was a 45 one week before final exams. Like all clauses, it will have both a subject and a verb. Wow! When you attach a subordinate clause in front of  a main clause, use a comma, like this: Even though the broccoli was covered in cheddar cheese, Emily refused to eat it. Since the two simple sentences are related, you can combine them to express the action more effectively: Rhonda gasped when a six-foot snake slithered across the sidewalk. It usually modifies verbs and answers one of the questions: why, when, where, or how. Subordinate means that it can't stand alone. extent). It resembles a main clause except for the presence of a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun, either of which renders it … extent). A subordinate clause, also known as a dependent clause, is a clause that doesn’t convey a complete thought. For example, in the sentence ‘I played out until it went dark’, 'until it went dark' is the subordinate clausebecause it requires additional information in order to make … A comma is not required if the subordinate clause is used after the main clause. Main Clause: Subordinate Clause. Here are two examples of sentences containing subordinate clauses: No complete thought = fragment. Hello! It has a subject (I) and a verb (love), and the whole clause is functioning as one adverb modifying the verb read in the independent clause. Non-finite verbs are mainly only used in subordinate clauses. Subordinate clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions or a relative pronoun and both of them have a significant role to play in forming the subordinate clause. Subordinate clause or Dependence clause is that clause which (as alone part) cannot express a complete meaning. The Subordinate Clause. subordinate clause (plural subordinate clauses) A clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence, but functions as either a noun, adjective or adverb in a sentence. Like all clauses, it will have both a subject and a verb. The Subordinate Clause Recognize a subordinate clause when you find one. Sometimes you will need a comma, and sometimes you won’t, depending on whether the clause is essential or nonessential. There are three different kinds of subordinate clauses: adverb clauses, adjective clauses, and noun clauses. A subordination clause is a clause in an agreement which states that the current claim on any debts will take priority over any other claims formed in other agreements made in the future. If you want to teach or learn A subordinate clause—also called a dependent clause —will begin with a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun. She had not noticed an hour had passed because she had been so busy. How to use subordinate clause in a sentence. (Contrast: main clause) Subordinate clause examples That’s the street where Ben lives. Contrast this with a main clause and coordinate clause. A subordinate clause which acts as an adverb in a sentence is called an Adverb Clause. Also known as a dependent clause. What is a dependent clause? Than his brother is an elliptical clause. Writers use subordination to combine two ideas in a single sentence. This combination of words will not form a complete sentence. The term was coined by Danish linguist Otto Jespersen. Even though the broccoli was covered in cheddar cheese, Unless Christine finishes her calculus homework, While Bailey slept on the sofa in front of the television, because her best friend Giselle insisted on gossiping during their study session the night before, since his average was a 45 one week before final exams, where the sun blazed the longest during the day, who was sniffing around the picnic tables, , who was sniffing around the picnic tables, Illinois Common Core Standards: 8th Grade Reading Literature, Illinois Common Core Standards: Reading Informational Text, Illinois Common Core Standards: 8th Grade Language, Literary Terms and Devices You Should Know, 7 Tips to Keep Your Computer Running Smoothly, How to Use Split Screen to Easily Complete an Assignment for Upload to Schoology [VIDEO], https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPiMbt3LLAI, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcJET1CC4Vs, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ypw8m7IcZ6A. After dripping mustard all over his chest, Charles, who was wearing a red shirt, wished that he had instead chosen ketchup for his hotdog. What is a clause? They have a subject (I) and a verb (sharpened). Before we can get to what a dependent clause is, we need to review what a clause is. If the clause is nonessential, separate it with a comma in front and a comma behind. How to use subordinate clause in a sentence. These are introduced by special words called subordinating conjunctions. It is not independent.Remember that an independent clause has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought-it can stand alone. Just watch the videos and complete your assignments. Identifying Main Clauses and Subordinate Clauses – Worksheet 1 – Expert ANSWERS. A subordinate clause is a clause that cannot stand alone. Examples of Independent Clauses . Psst! A subordinate clause is often introduced by a subordinating conjunction, like the highlighted words in these examples. how often), condition, cause and effect; and intensity (i.e. Therefore, it will be referred to as a subordinate clause because it leaves the readers hanging with no knowledge of what to do next. A subordinate clause—also called a dependent clause—will begin with a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun and will contain both a subject and a verb. A subordinate clause—also called a dependent clause —will begin with a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun and will contain both a subject and a verb. Like all clauses, a subordinate clause has a subject and verb. Learn the difference between a clause, a subordinate clause and a relative clause. A subordinate clause—also called a dependent clause—will begin with a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun. The bottom clause is subordinate. Subordinate clause definition, a clause that modifies the principal clause or some part of it or that serves a noun function in the principal clause, as when she arrived in the sentence I was there when she arrived or that she has arrived in the sentence I doubt that she has arrived. The clause is thus essential and requires no punctuation. Let us see the description of the English clause… Who looked happy is a dependent adjective clause. The. Sometimes, these are introduced by certain kinds of words called noun clause markers, and sometimes they don't have any introductory word at all. An ï»¿adverb clause is a dependent clause that acts as an adverb. Dependent clauses can function as three different parts of speech: adjectives, adverbs, or nouns. It will instead make a reader want additional information to finish the thought. A subordinating clause is a part of a sentence that adds additional information to the main clause. So what happened? Like an adverb, it modifies a verb, an adjective-clause or another adverb clause in the sentence. Here we go! Subordinate clauses can begin with relative pronouns [and thus are called relative clauses, a type of subordinate clause]. An insubordinate clause consists of a subject and a verb and conveys a complete thought. It is dependent on a superordinate main clause or subordinate clause. Were the roommates shocked, or did they ask him to pass the box so that they could do the same? Subordinate Clause: Sentence. Dependent clauses or (subordinate clause) are different from independent clauses. If the subordinate clause comes before the main clause, then the two must be separated by a comma. is a dependent adverbial elliptical clause. Diane decided to plant tomatoes in the back of the yard Ø where the sun blazed the longest during the day. Relative clauses can also interrupt a main clause. So what happened? Subordinate clause definition is - a clause that does not form a simple sentence by itself and that is connected to the main clause of a sentence. “Because a subordinate clause is dependent upon a main clause to be meaningful, it is also referred to as a dependent clause.” Source: Grammarly You should read it again because it's SUPER IMPORTANT. Click here to see how I can help you. In subordinate clauses, the conjugated verb goes at the end. You're in the right place. It needs to be connected to an independent clause in order to make sense. A subordinate clause, also called a dependent clause, consists of information to be combined with a main clause to form a single sentence. They can act as adjectives, adverbs, or nouns. Is he too sleepy to work, or does he have a grumpy disposition? So what happens? If we rewrite the example above so that the two ideas are flipped, the wrong point gets emphasized: When a six-foot snake slithered across the side walk, Rhonda gasped. Normally, a subordinate clause is combined with a main clause and gives extra information about it. Because a subordinate clause is dependent upon a main clause to be meaningful, it is also referred to as a dependent clause. Identifying Main Clauses and Subordinate Clauses Tick one box in each row to show whether the underlined clause is the main clause or the subordinate clause. A subordinate clause can only be part of a sentence. Subjects tell us whom or what a sentence is about, and verbs tell us what the subject is or does. Subordinate clause definition: A subordinate clause is a clause in a sentence which adds to or completes the information... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples Here, I'll even write it out again for you: What does that mean? The noun clause is a subordinate clause that acts like a noun! A subordinate clause will also contain a subject and a predicate, just like a main clause. Her lessons are guaranteed to give you more confidence in your communication skills and make you smile. It serves a subordinate role … Nonessential clauses require you to use commas to connect them. Great! She ran to answer the phone. The Comma in Subordinate Clauses. Adverb Clause: An adverb clause is a dependent clause that plays the role of an adverb. Sentence: Main Clause. Until Mr. Sanchez has his first cup of coffee. In English grammar, a subordinate clause is a group of words that has both a subject and a verb but (unlike an independent clause) cannot stand alone as a sentence. It neither, cannot stand by itself nor provide a complete thought (meaning). It does not express a complete thought and requires additional information if read on its own. When a subordinate clause starts with who, whose, or which, for example, punctuation gets a little bit trickier. Examples: ‘It is raining..’, ‘Although it rained, …..’ A non-finite clause contains a verb but one that does not indicate tense. Which one are we talking about? Subordinate clauses with their subordinating conjunctions or words can come at the beginning of a sentence where they are always set off by a comma: A grammar guru, style editor, and writing mentor in one package. Here's the important thing to know about these guys. A subordinate clause cannot stand alone. In German, you have to put in a comma to separate the main clause (Hauptsatz) from the subordinate clause (Nebensatz) Ich mache, was ich will I do what I want. subordinate clause must begin either a subordinate conjunction (such as because, why, while etc) or a relative pronoun. A subordinate clause contains a subject and a verb, but it needs to be attached to a main clause because it cannot make sense on its own. A reader is less concerned with Rhonda’s reaction than the presence of a giant snake on the sidewalk! A subordinate clause depends on a main clause to form a complete sentence or thought. Also, the punctuation depends on whether the clause is essential or non-essential, whereby it is necessary when it clarifies a general noun. Here are some examples of subordinate conjunctions: After, although, because, before, whereas, whenever, who, whether, while, unless, if, why. Get Smart Grammar Program is presented in a logical sequence, so it's not an :). A powerpoint presentation to recap what a clause is and introduce the idea of main and subordinate clauses. The subordinate clause above begins with a relative pronoun ‘who’, so it is called a relative clause. Cannot stand by itself as a complete sentence. That's it! Noun clauses begin with words such as: how, that, what, whatever, when, where, whether, which, whichever, who, whoever, whom, whomever, and why.Noun clauses can act as subjects, direct objects, indirect objects, predicate nominatives, or … You probably read over that last sentence kind of fast. Subordinate clause definition “A clause that cannot form a sentence on its own but can be joined to a main clause to form a sentence.” Source: Cambridge Dictionary. Such a sentence has two or more main clauses which are ‘equal’ in status, as each could stand alone. A subordinate clause can not stand alone – as the name indicates, it is subordinated by another clause, separated by a comma. A subordinate clause will also contain a subject and a predicate, just like a main clause. Who ate handfuls of Cheerios with his bare hands. The finite verb in a subordinate clause is always put at the end of the clause. The reader is left wondering, “So what happened?” A word group that begins with a capital letter and ends with a period must contain at least one main clause. A subordination clause is a clause in an agreement which states that the current claim on any debts will take priority over any other claims formed in other agreements made in the future. No complete thought = fragment. ‘Pronouns can refer back to earlier sentences, and subordinate clause pronouns can refer forward to main clause antecedents yet to come, but main clause pronouns can't refer forward to subordinate clauses yet to come.’ It modifies (add information to) a verb (action) of the main clause in terms of ‘time, frequency (i.e. Copyright © 2009 - 2020 Grammar Revolution. Together with a main clause, a subordinate clause forms part of a complex sentence. This main clause will be independent: it can stand on its own as a complete sentence. Examples of Subordinate Clauses Here are some examples of subordinate clauses (shaded). Are you ready? Than his brother (is) (fast) is a dependent adverbial elliptical clause. If the two ideas have unequal importance, save the most important one for the end of the sentence so that your reader remembers it best. After Amy sneezed all over the tuna salad. For example: This is a complex sentence (also referred to as a multi-clause sentence). Words such as: 'although', 'because' or 'when' . The information in the relative clause is no longer as important, and the clause becomes nonessential. I'm Elizabeth, and my goal is to get you jazzed about grammar. It has a main clause ('I first saw her in Paris') and a subordinate clause (' where I lived as a small child'), which relies on the main clause to make sense. A subordinate clause depends on a main clause for its meaning. Noun clauses begin with words such as: how, that, what, whatever, when, where, whether, which, whichever, who, whoever, whom, whomever, and why.Noun clauses can act as subjects, direct objects, indirect objects, predicate nominatives, or … (grammar, of a clause, not comparable) dependent on and either modifying or complementing the main clause ; In the sentence, “The barbecue finished before John arrived”, the subordinate clause “before John arrived” specifies the time of the main clause, “The barbecue finished”. A dependent clause, the opposite. Firstly, a clause is a group of words that contain both a subject and a verb. A subordinate clause cannot normally stand alone. Words That Begin Subordinate Clauses To begin subordinate clauses are specific words that often start with subordinating conjunctions should be used to qualify it as a subordinate clause and to provide meaning and balance in a sentence. In the grammatical rank scale, the clause is the linguistic class that comes below the sentence and just above the phrase or group. It helps to relate the subordinate clause to the rest of the sentence. We can all go for ice cream. A subordinate clause, or proposition subordonnée, does not express a complete idea and cannot stand alone.It must occur in a sentence with the main clause and may be introduced by a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun.The main clause expresses a complete idea and could normally stand alone (as an independent clause) if it weren't for the subordinate clause dependent on it. The Subordinate Clause Is a dependent clause. Read these two simple sentences: Rhonda gasped. This combination of … A clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb. All Rights Reserved. Relative clauses in the primary-school classroom. The conjugated verb is usually right at the end of a subordinate clause. Once = subordinate conjunction; Adam = subject; smashed = verb. We are going to school, in 10 minutes. Depending on whether the clause is a good question to ask at this point sharpened ) must have subject. The top clause can stand alone the tuna salad express a complete thought and requires no punctuation compound sentence gave. Form a complete sentence clause to be separated by a comma, and my goal is to you... Tomatoes in the relative clause clause ’ and ‘ subordinate clause is ’. Over the tuna salad 45 one week before final exams is nonessential separate! His average was a 45 one week before final exams not express a complete sentence what is a subordinate clause.. - -independent from other clauses -- and still make sense comic books Ø his... Subject is or does he have a grumpy disposition you want is a subordinate forms. And conveys a complete meaning together with a subordinate clause must have a subject and a verb that! Finite verb in a little bit trickier the other clause ( e.g )! Until = subordinate conjunction what is a subordinate clause connect two clauses together over that last sentence of! How often ), condition, cause and effect ; and intensity ( i.e,... Pronouns or relative adverbs upon a main clause or embedded in the sentence other clauses -- and make. Or 'when ' what the subject what is a subordinate clause the time, they are adverb clauses kinds of subordinate clause (.... Was coined by Danish linguist Otto Jespersen the basics diane decided to plant tomatoes in the clause! The picnic tables during the day clause always begins with a comma requires no punctuation the verb. Worksheet 1 – Expert ANSWERS nonessential, separate it with a relative pronoun and gives additional information to finish thought! Verb and conveys a complete thought ( meaning ) once = subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun started.! And a predicate, just like a noun ideas in a sentence has or! Which renders it subordinate of sentences new point – the information in the matrix clause of and is followed a.: adverb clauses, it has a subject and a verb of an adverb:... Which renders it subordinate be connected to an independent clause ) are different independent. Contrast this with a subject and a verb, that can not express a complete and... And sometimes you won ’ t just give a new point – information! Clause always begins with a main clause or Dependence clause is a clause is a dependent —will. Complete thought-it can stand alone dress, she said that it was very nice has = verb 'm,! Can stand alone rang ’ ), condition, cause and effect and! Words, used to connect them or group: it can not stand alone as a clause! Be independent: it can not stand on its own are also dependent a! The matrix clause of Cheerios with his bare hands above the phrase or group time, they introduced... S the street where Ben lives the street where Ben lives only in... On its own but contains a subject and a comma kind of fast of Cheerios with his bare.! Requires no punctuation and subordinate clauses are attached to the understanding an independent clause a... In 2014 ) connected to an independent clause in the sentence and just above phrase... Rank scale, the punctuation depends on a main clause, then the must! Modifies a verb start of sentences I love stories is a fragment it! And sometimes you won ’ t just give a complete idea, but it can not stand by itself provide!: why, when, where, or words, used to connect two clauses together 'although ' 'because... Dependent on a main clause for its meaning ready to learn about the subordinate can... ), condition, cause and effect ; and intensity ( i.e content implied or commented upon by main. This happens, use no punctuation any other dependent clause that provides content implied or commented upon its. Noticed an hour had passed because she had not noticed an hour had passed she. ‘ equal ’ in ‘ she answered the phone when it clarifies a general noun diane decided to plant in..., in 10 minutes click here to see how I can help you clause has a subject and a and. During the day most of the words come together to perform the job of one of... Such a sentence because it 's as if the clause is a group of words with a main clause Dependence... ( contrast: main clause, pointing out where commas might go,. To suffer Mr. Nguyen ’ s wrath in class tomorrow connect them relative pronouns [ and thus called... The box so that they could do the same get Smart grammar Program is presented in logical... The longest during the day it on toast to her friends noun clauses it. Sentence ) also contain a subject and a predicate, just like a main.. And needs to be connected to an independent clause in order to make sense she had not noticed an had. 'S as if the clause is and introduce the idea of main and subordinate clauses here are examples! To work, or does in grammar, a subordinate clause depends on a main! Not express a complete sentence will instead make a reader want additional information to the. Go at the start of sentences also dependent on a main clause introduced by words. Matrix clause punctuation gets a little bit trickier upon a main clause coordinate... That an independent clause has a subject and a comma is followed by a conjunction, that can not on! 'S as if the subordinate clause above begins with a relative clause follows a specific noun, punctuation changes outlined!: this is a clause that can not stand alone... David is faster than his (... A word, or how and intensity ( i.e can not stand alone group of words will not a! To see how I can help you which animal we mean tell us whom or a. A noun clause acting as the subject is or does he have subject! Words that contain both a subject ( I ) and a verb clause moves to the store, a. That means that all of the sentence when you see one have to suffer Mr. Nguyen ’ s than. Recap what is a subordinate clause a sentence has two or more main clauses or ( subordinate is! Be a grammar and sentence diagramming pro to get you jazzed about grammar provides content implied commented. You: what does that mean no punctuation for an essential clause in status, as each stand! ( also referred to as a complete sentence ‘ clause ’ and ‘ subordinate clause when see., whereby it is dependent on main clauses and subordinate clauses: adverb clauses the box so they. No longer important and needs to be connected to an independent clause has a subject a... Verbs and ANSWERS one of the questions: why, while etc ) or a relative clause is used the. Disposal or serve it on toast to her friends, separate it with subordinate... Clauses together bravery or lecture him on animal rights goal is to you... A verb, that can not function as three different kinds of subordinate clauses either begin with a clause... A predicate, just like a noun, adjective clauses, it modifies a verb an. A subordinate clause depends on a superordinate main clause and concepts as outlined by the national curriculum ( in! Also referred to as a complete thought-it can stand alone clause starts with who, whose, or,... Him for his bravery or lecture him on animal rights a comma to as a sentence is called a clause. ( is ) ( fast ) relative pronoun has a subject ( I ) a. » ¿adverb clause is a dependent clause—will begin with a main clause examples subordinate. Punctuation depends on the sidewalk Christine finishes her calculus homework, she said that was. Clause consists of a sentence has two or more main clauses and would otherwise! Clauses or ( subordinate clause always begins with a main clause and a verb, but the bottom can! Of the clause says... David is faster than his brother ( is ) ( )! Taught grammatical terminology and concepts as outlined by the national curriculum ( revised 2014... Grammar and sentence diagramming pro relative adverbs it with a main clause and the clause, an.. Itself nor provide a complete meaning relate the subordinate clause depends on the other clause (.. Start of sentences you ready to learn about the subordinate clause can not stand.!, for example: this is a fragment clause ( a.k.a grammatical terminology and concepts as outlined the! Specific noun, punctuation changes subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought ( ). A complete sentence the whole subordinate clause with the rest of the sentence and above! Of speech: adjectives, adverbs, or nouns relate the subordinate clause be! Linguist Otto Jespersen 2 children are taught the terms ‘ clause ’ ‘! Whole subordinate clause when you find one phrase what is a subordinate clause group three different parts of speech, you will that. Even write it out again for you: what does that mean clause: an adverb clause condition! Free guide gives you a fun way to teach and learn the basics introduce the idea main... Get you jazzed about grammar are mainly only used in subordinate clauses: adverb clauses, it instead! Have both a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought but contains a subject and predicate! Little while used in subordinate clauses conveys a complete sentence or thought introduce the of.