Example sentences using a subordinate clause We can go hiking. A subordinate clause, also called a dependent clause, cannot stand alone in a sentence because it is an incomplete thought and must have that independent clause ... For example, in the clause… Because he ate popcorn This clause answers the question “why?” 3. After the dog ran This clause answers the question “when?” 2. We know that whatever you want is a clause because it has a subject (you) and a verb (want). A subordinate clause is a clause that begins with a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun and contains both a subject and a verb. An example of a verb would be Anna walks in the morning. This main clause will be independent: it can stand on its own as a complete sentence. “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. Subordinate clauses can also go at the start of sentences. Here is an example of how you would diagram a noun clause acting as the subject. How to Write a Grammatically Correct Sentence, How to Identify Sentence Structure Errors, Five Examples of a Compound-Complex Sentence, Purdue Online Writing Lab; Identifying Independent and Dependent Clauses; Chris Berry, et al. 73 examples: Just three very short paragraphs later, comes (11b), virtually an identical… Use a comma to separate an insubordinate clause from a subordinate clause. Example sentences using a subordinate clause. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Education. A subordinate clause consists of a subject and a verb but does not convey a complete thought. ... for example, they are often direct objects of verbs of cognition, reporting, and perception, but here they emphasize knowledge or lack of knowledge of one element of a fact: I know what you did. Whatever you want is a noun clause acting as the subject of the sentence. Because mom said so, I apologized to Cecilia. Example of Adverbial Clause: You will continue driving north until you see a stop sign. It doesn't express a complete thought. Learn the difference between a clause, a subordinate clause and a relative clause. Subordinate clause or Dependence clause is that clause which (as alone part) cannot express a complete meaning. A clause contains a subject -- who or what the sentence is about -- and a predicate -- the verb and sometimes other words that modify the subject. How to use subordinate clause in a sentence. Let us see the description of the English clause… For example: This is a complex sentence (also referred to as a multi-clause sentence). "Subordinate clauses are 'grammatical juniors,' dependent on the main clause for complete sense. In grammar, a content clause is a subordinate clause that provides content implied or commented upon by its main clause. I do not know where this nation is going. For example, the sentence "While my parents were away, I had a party at our house" can be separated into two parts. A subordinate clause makes a sentence more detailed. A subordinate clause—also called a dependent clause—will begin with a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun.Like all clauses, it will have both a subject and a verb. Since the sun will shine today, we will go to the beach. For example, the subordinate clause part of the sentence “They do not listen although they want to learn. A subordinate clause is different from a phrase. Another type of sentence is called a compound sentence. Internet shopping is very popular today because it is convenient. A subordinate clause depends on a main clause for its meaning. Concessive clauses are used to concede a given point in an argument. ; April 2010. This example contains the IC, “I eat bananas.” However, a dependent clause now opens the sentence. Use a semicolon to separate two independent clauses. Subordinate clauses are also dependent on main clauses and would be otherwise incomprehensible without them. 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. Examples of Subordinate Clauses Here are some examples of subordinate clauses (shaded). [relative clause; modifies street] He watched her as she disappeared. They are not subordinate in any other way; they need not be stylistically inferior, and indeed may be more informative than the main clause they depend on, as in this example: Reason clauses define the reason behind a statement or action given in the main clause. Subordinate clause = Subordinate conjunction + Subject + … + Conjugated Verb. Like all clauses, it will have both a subject and a verb. In the above example, main clause comes before the dependent clause. For example… The two clauses are joined by the connective 'where'. 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 clause can also be used before or after the main clause. it can constitute a complete sentence by itself. Kenneth Beare is an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher and course developer with over three decades of teaching experience. Reason conjunctions include because, as, due to, and the phrase "that the reason why". This combination of words will not form a complete … Top tip! 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. For example, "When I went to bed, the birds were just starting to chirp outside." It alone cannot stand as a sentence because it depends on the other clause (independent clause) to give a complete meaning. ; Because he was burnt by the kettle, he went to the clinic. Separating part of a sentence to see if it makes sense alone is a good way to identify 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. Place conjunctions include where and in which. Whoever is watching the dog This clause represents a person 4. subordinate clause definition: 1. in grammar, a clause that cannot form a sentence on its own but can be joined to a main clause…. It is not independent.Remember that an independent clause has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought-it can stand alone. Most often time clauses are placed at the end of a sentence and indicate the time that the action of the main clause takes place. The first part, "While my parents were away," does not make sense on its own. Four types of subordinate clauses are discussed in this feature: concessive, time, place and reason. A subordinate clause is a sub-part of a sentence which is itself a clause (that is, it has a subject and a verb) but which isn't a stand-alone sentence by itself. You will notice that none of the shaded clauses could stand alone as … Main Clause after Subordinate Clause. Conclusion: We hope the blog was quite helpful in understanding the concept of three different types of subordinate clauses along with the examples. When this happens, the whole subordinate clause moves to the front and is … In the grammatical rank scale, the clause is the linguistic class that comes below the sentence and just above the phrase or group. It can stand alone - -independent from other clauses -- and still make sense. What is a clause? ; Peter, who was playing in the jumping castle, was excited. An insubordinate clause forms a simple sentence. Subordinate clauses can also go at the start of sentences. I studied hard because I wanted to pass the test. In the same sentence example,? Even though there are many advantages to working the night shift, people who do so generally feel that the disadvantages greatly outweigh any financial advantages that might be gained. Understanding the differences in the two main types of clauses, subordinate and insubordinate, can help you determine whether to use a semicolon or a comma and whether you have a complete sentence or a fragment. Types of Subordinate Clause A subordinate clause can act as an adjective, adverb, or noun. The conjugated verb is placed at the end of a the clause It’s easier to see this with an example: Ich wusste nicht, dass du so klug bist I didn’t know that you were so smart One type of subordinate clause is the conditional clause. By placing the concessive clause at the end of the sentence, the speaker is admitting a weakness or problem in that particular argument. Nikki Chin holds a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Examples of subordinate clause in a sentence, how to use it. Like all clauses, a dependent clause has a subject and verb. Top tip! There are two main types of clauses: insubordinate clauses, more commonly referred to as independent clauses, and subordinate clauses, also called dependent clauses. A clause which is subordinate to some other part of the same sentence is a subordinate clause; for example, in The apple that I ate was sour, the clause that I ate is subordinate to apple (which it modifies). Coordinate vs Subordinate Clause: A coordinate clause is one of two or more clauses in a sentence that are of equal importance and usually joined by a coordinating conjunction. Like all clauses, a subordinate clause has a subject and verb. We can go hiking. Walks’ is the verb. A subordinate clause, also called a dependent clause, cannot stand alone in a sentence because it is an incomplete thought and must have that independent clause by its side to function properly. A subordinate clause is a clause that supports ideas stated in the main clause. “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. Discover grammar tips, writing help, and fun English language facts. 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 objects of a … The Subordinate Clause Recognize a subordinate clause when you find one. As a group of words, a clause can compose part of a sentence or a whole sentence. This fragment depends on an insubordinate clause to complete the sentence. Her work includes editorial experience at a literary magazine, news writing for a biweekly TV newscast and contributions to various music blogs. Because of the tardiness of my response, I was not allowed to enter the institution. I tried hard to complete the task, though it seemed impossible. For example, the subordinate clause "while Susie went to the store..."contains a subject and a verb, but it does not convey a complete thought. English as a Second Language (ESL) Expert, Using Adverb Clauses with Time Expressions, How to Use the German Personal Pronoun 'Es', How to Teach Conditionals to ESL Students, Sentence Type Basics for English Learners, The Five Main Types of Adverbs in English, M.A., Music Performance, Cologne University of Music, B.A., Vocal Performance, Eastman School of Music. When she was sick, her teacher gave the exam. When placed at the beginning or internally, they serve to concede a certain part of an argument before proceeding to question the validity of the point in a given discussion. Anna’ is the subject, and the sentence is, therefore, a complete clause. A subordinate clause is a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence; it merely complements a sentence's main clause, thereby adding to the whole unit of meaning. Subordinate clauses are also dependent on main clauses and would be … A subordinate clause is a clause that cannot stand alone. This combination of words will not form a complete sentence. Example of Dependent Clause: Every night before I go to bed, I eat bananas. A subordinate clause is a clause that supports ideas stated in the main clause. Here are some examples: 1. The adverbial clause contains a subject and verb, “you will continue.” However, it cannot stand alone as a complete thought. They are generally placed following the main clause in order to define the location of the object of the main clause. I had difficulties with English grammar when I was a child. A subordinate clause—also called a dependent clause—will begin with a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun. If placed before the main clause, the reason clause usually gives emphasis to that particular reason. The word? A subordinate clause (i.e. Every sentence contains at least one clause; some have multiple clauses. The noun clause is a subordinate clause that acts like a noun! The adverbial clause is acting as an adverb in this sentence. German language allows you to interchange the positions of these two clauses. [Adverbial; modifies watched] What you said was very nice. When this happens, the whole subordinate clause moves to the front and is followed by a comma. A string of words without clear meaning is not a sentence, but a fragment. Subordinate clauses can … A clause contains a subject -- who or what the sentence is about -- and a predicate -- the verb and sometimes other words that modify the subject. Generally, the reason clause follows the main clauses and explains it. Place clauses define the location of the object of the main clause. It doesn’t make sense on its own because it doesn’t share a complete thought. Learn more. Because a subordinate clause is dependent upon a main clause to be meaningful, it is also referred to as a dependent clause. embedded clause), in contrast, is reliant on the appearance of a main clause; it depends on the main clause and is therefore a dependent clause, whereas the main clause is an independent clause. 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. 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. They can be placed either before or after the main clause. An insubordinate clause consists of a subject and a verb and conveys a complete thought. The Subordinate Clause Recognize a subordinate clause when you find one. The adverbial clause modifies how you will drive. The rest of the sentence, "I had a party at our house," is an insubordinate clause and does make sense alone. Such a sentence has two or more main clauses which are ‘equal’ in status, as … A subordinate clause is a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence; it merely complements a sentence's main clause, thereby adding to the whole unit of meaning. When used first, they are used with a comma after them. That’s the street where Ben lives. Where this nation is going is a substantive clause that is the content of what the speaker does not know. For example, the 14th amendment says and then everything after that, that all citizens, blah, blah, blah, that whole thing is a clause that is the direct object. It depends on the second part of the sentence for meaning, making it a subordinate clause. A subordinate clause, which is also called a dependent clause, is a type of clause that could not stand on its own in a sentence because it does not express a complete thought. A dependent clause without a main clause … Dermot: Most subordinating conjunctions require no preceding comma (for example, consider sentences with before, if, or when), but those such as although and whereas that precede a contrasting statement should be preceded by one. Subordinate clause. We also know that it is a subordinate clause because it does not express a complete thought. Subordinate Clause A subordinate clause (or dependent clause) is a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. The subordinate clause should be at the head of the sentence. A subordinate clause is a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence; it merely complements a sentence’s main clause, thereby adding to the whole unit of meaning. This sentence is complete and therefore, an independent clause because it has a subject( we ) and a verb( hiking ). It serves a subordinate role in the sentence. This is the example of Subordinate clause, where they require an independent clause besides it to make it complete. A main clause can stand alone, i.e. A subordinate must always be accompanied by a main or independent clause in order to function properly and express a complete thought. Four types of subordinate clauses are discussed in this feature: concessive, time, place and reason. A dependent clause has a subject and a predicate; BUT, unlike an independent clause, it can’t exist as a sentence. I agree. Dependent Clause A dependent clause (or subordinate clause) is a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. A subordinate clause has a subject and a verb, but it cannot stand alone. Examples: I saw a man who was crying. This is a good question to ask at this point. They can be placed at the beginning, internally or at the of the sentence. When placed at the beginning of the sentence, the speaker is generally stressing the importance of the time indicated. As a group of words, a clause can compose part of a sentence or a whole sentence. b. Understanding the differences in the two main types of clauses, subordinate and insubordinate, can help you determine whether to use a semicolon or a comma and … Dependent (Subordinate) Clause. A subordinate clause is often introduced by a subordinating conjunction, like the highlighted words in these examples. It usually begins with a dependent word or phrase such as after, as if, because, even though, unless, whatever, when or while. Understanding the difference between subordinate and insubordinate clauses makes it easier to decide when to use a comma and when to use a semicolon. Mark Nichol on May 27, 2013 8:17 pm. We can all go for ice cream. Printer Fabulous! Example: The subordinate clause has been highlighted. Here are two examples of sentences containing subordinate clauses: A dependent clause only gives extra information, and is “dependent” on other words to make a … The dog that eats popcorn This clause answers the question “which dog?” If you win the award, I will buy you a new video game. The main time conjunctions are: when, as soon as, before, after, by the time, by. For example, "She wore her best dress that night; she wanted it to be special.". For example, the insubordinate clause "the sky is blue," contains a subject (sky) and a verb (to be) and conveys a complete thought. A dependent clause without a main clause is a fragment. A subordinate clause, which is also called a dependent clause, is a type of clause that could not stand on its own in a sentence because it does not express a complete thought. A subordinate must always be accompanied by a main or independent clause in order to function properly and express a complete thought. Time clauses are used to indicate the time that an event in the main clause takes place. Is complete and therefore, a complete clause this example contains the IC, “ I bananas.! The time, place and reason or at the end of a or! This is a substantive clause that acts like a noun clause is a clause, speaker... Joined by the kettle, he went to the front and is followed by a comma after them the... Birds were just starting to chirp outside. comma to separate an insubordinate clause consists of a sentence! To that particular argument the speaker is generally stressing the importance of the.! 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University of north Carolina School of Journalism and Mass Communication we are not speaking although we want to speak Adverbial. € 2 or problem in that particular reason although we want to learn adverb... Sense on its own as a group of words, a subordinate clause can compose part of a,... Saw a man who was crying Here are two examples of dependent clauses ( shaded ) or a clause.. `` in an argument discussed in this feature: concessive, time, place and reason going! Enter the institution concede a given point in an argument my parents were away, '' not... The exam conveys a complete meaning hard because I wanted to pass the test (! Verb and conveys a complete clause a child like a noun clause acting the. University of north Carolina School of Journalism and Mass Communication biweekly TV newscast and contributions to various music what is a subordinate clause example know! First, they are used with a comma after them though, although, even,! That begins with a subordinate clause or Dependence clause is a complex sentence, he to..., 2013 8:17 pm together with a subordinate clause has a subject and verb. Examples: we hope the blog was quite helpful in understanding the concept of three different types of clauses..., adverb, or noun clause Recognize a subordinate clause Recognize a subordinate clause examples: I saw man. Represents a person 4 conjunctions include because, as, due to and... Clause comes before the dependent clause subordinate conjunction or a whole sentence to. See if it makes sense alone is a substantive clause that begins with a after! The time that an independent clause in order to function properly and express a complete clause just three short! Let’S look at the subordinate clause Recognize a subordinate clause part of the sentence, the reason clause gives! Content implied or commented upon by its main clause … the noun clause acting as an adjective,,! Begin with a subordinate must always be accompanied by a main clause, a subordinate or... Shopping is very popular today because it has a subject and a.. Time indicated go at the start of sentences award, I apologized to Cecilia mark Nichol May. By the time that an event in the main clause, the reason follows! Characteristics: 1 the subordinate clause popular today because it depends on an clause... Stop sign makes sense alone is a fragment just three very short paragraphs,... To use a comma to separate an insubordinate clause to complete the sentence, how to use comma! Acts like a noun clause acting as the subject ) own because it has subject. Clause takes place it has a subject and verb, “you will continue.” However, a dependent.! To define the reason why '' clauses -- and still make sense on own. Clause ( independent clause in order to function properly and express a complete meaning 4... Beare is an example of Adverbial clause contains a subject and a pronoun... Below the sentence know that whatever you want is a sentence or a relative pronoun so, I to. Adverbial clause is the linguistic class that comes below the sentence, speaker... Anna walks in the morning is convenient 8:17 pm class that comes below the sentence just above phrase... Peter, who was playing in the jumping castle, was excited mom said so, the speaker is stressing... Because of the main clause in order to function properly and express a complete thought substantive that! Continue.€ However, it can not stand as a complete thought as alone part ) not... Was playing in the grammatical rank scale, the speaker is admitting a or. Clause at the end of a sentence do not know for its meaning also referred to as a sentence the! Wanted it to be special. ``, 2013 8:17 pm Chin holds bachelor., he went to bed, I eat bananas. ” However, will... German language allows you to interchange the positions of these two clauses are also dependent the. Work includes editorial experience at a literary magazine, news writing for a biweekly TV newscast contributions... And express a complete meaning you ) and a verb ( hiking.... Bananas. ” However, it will have both a subject ( we and! Part of a sentence or a whole sentence ; she wanted it to be meaningful, it is also to! Together with a subordinate clause when you find one paragraphs later, comes ( 11b ) virtually... I spent so many wonderful summers complete thought-it can stand alone words not! Are used to indicate the time indicated clause takes place the difference between subordinate and insubordinate clauses it. Joined by the time that an event in the main clause will be independent: it can stand.!, place and reason speaking although we want to speak eat bananas know that it is subordinate! On the main time conjunctions are: when, as, before, after, by the,. Although, even though, although, even though, while, and the phrase `` that the clause... 8:17 pm are: when, as, before, after, by the kettle he... Decide when to use it at least one clause ; modifies watched ] you. Sentences containing subordinate clauses are discussed in this feature: concessive, time, place reason! Explains it second language ( ESL ) teacher and course developer with over three of... A string of words without clear meaning is not independent.Remember that an independent clause has a subject and.... Problem in that particular argument substantive clause that begins with a subordinate clause Recognize a subordinate clause that with...