What Is Subordinate Clause Examples

Understanding Subordinate Clauses: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples

Subordinate clauses, also known as dependent clauses, are a fundamental part of English grammar. Understanding them is crucial for writing clear, complex, and grammatically correct sentences. This comprehensive guide will explore what subordinate clauses are, their different types, how to identify them, and provide numerous examples to solidify your understanding. Mastering subordinate clauses will significantly enhance your writing skills and comprehension of complex texts.

What is a Subordinate Clause?

A subordinate clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb, but unlike an independent clause (which can stand alone as a complete sentence), it cannot stand alone. It depends on an independent clause to complete its meaning. Think of it as a supporting character in a sentence; it adds detail, context, or information but needs the main character (the independent clause) to make sense. The key to identifying a subordinate clause is the presence of a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun.

Types of Subordinate Clauses

Subordinate clauses are categorized into several types based on their function within a sentence. These categories aren't mutually exclusive; a single clause might perform multiple functions.

1. Adverbial Clauses: These clauses modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They answer questions like when, where, why, how, to what extent, or under what condition. They are introduced by subordinating conjunctions.

• Examples:

  • Time: After the rain stopped, we went for a walk. (modifies "went")
  • Place: We went wherever the wind took us. (modifies "went")
  • Reason: Because it was raining, we stayed inside. (modifies "stayed")
  • Manner: She sang as if she were a professional. (modifies "sang")
  • Condition: If it snows, we'll build a snowman. (modifies "build")
  • Purpose: He studied hard so that he could pass the exam. (modifies "studied")
  • Contrast/Concession: Although it was cold, we went swimming. (modifies "went")

2. Adjective Clauses (Relative Clauses): These clauses modify nouns or pronouns. They provide additional information about the noun or pronoun they describe. They are introduced by relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) or relative adverbs (where, when, why).

• Examples:

  • Defining (Restrictive): The book that I borrowed from the library is overdue. (essential information; removing it changes the meaning)
  • Non-Defining (Non-Restrictive): My dog, who is very playful, loves to fetch. (adds extra information; removing it doesn't significantly alter the meaning; often set off by commas)
  • Relative Adverb Examples: The house where I grew up is still standing. This is the moment when I knew I'd made the right decision.

3. Noun Clauses: These clauses function as nouns in a sentence. They can act as subjects, objects, complements, or appositives. They are often introduced by subordinating conjunctions like that, whether, if, or interrogative pronouns/adverbs (who, whom, whose, which, what, where, when, why, how).

• Examples:

  • Subject: That the Earth is round is a well-established fact. (entire clause acts as the subject)
  • Object: I believe that he is telling the truth. (clause is the object of the verb "believe")
  • Complement: The problem is that we don't have enough time. (clause complements the verb "is")
  • Appositive: The fact that she won the award surprised everyone. (clause renames the noun "fact")

Identifying Subordinate Clauses

To identify a subordinate clause, look for these key features:

• A subject and a verb: Just like independent clauses, subordinate clauses have a subject performing an action (or being in a state of being).
• A subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun: This is the key indicator. These words signal the clause's dependence on an independent clause. Common subordinating conjunctions include after, although, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, while. Common relative pronouns include who, whom, whose, which, that.
• Incomplete meaning: The clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It requires an independent clause to provide complete meaning.

Examples of Sentences with Subordinate Clauses

Let's examine several sentences, highlighting the subordinate clauses and their types:

1. Sentence: Because it was raining, we decided to stay home and watch a movie.

   • Independent Clause: we decided to stay home and watch a movie.
   • Subordinate Clause: Because it was raining (adverbial clause of reason)

2. Sentence: The restaurant, which is known for its delicious pasta, is always crowded.

   • Independent Clause: The restaurant is always crowded.
   • Subordinate Clause: which is known for its delicious pasta (adjective clause, non-defining)

3. Sentence: I wonder if she will call me tonight.

   • Independent Clause: I wonder.
   • Subordinate Clause: if she will call me tonight (noun clause, object of the verb "wonder")

4. Sentence: Although he was tired, he finished the marathon.

   • Independent Clause: he finished the marathon.
   • Subordinate Clause: Although he was tired (adverbial clause of concession)

5. Sentence: The woman whose car was stolen reported it to the police.

   • Independent Clause: The woman reported it to the police.
   • Subordinate Clause: whose car was stolen (adjective clause, defining)

6. Sentence: Wherever you go, I will follow.

   • Independent Clause: I will follow.
   • Subordinate Clause: Wherever you go (adverbial clause of place)

7. Sentence: He ate everything that was on his plate.

   • Independent Clause: He ate everything.
   • Subordinate Clause: that was on his plate (adjective clause, defining)

8. Sentence: Before the sun rose, the birds began to sing.

   • Independent Clause: the birds began to sing.
   • Subordinate Clause: Before the sun rose (adverbial clause of time)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What's the difference between a subordinate clause and a phrase?

A: A phrase lacks a subject and a verb. A subordinate clause has both a subject and a verb, but it's dependent on another clause for complete meaning. For example, "walking in the park" is a phrase, while "after walking in the park" is a subordinate clause.

Q: Can a sentence have multiple subordinate clauses?

A: Yes, sentences can contain multiple subordinate clauses, either modifying the same element or different elements of the independent clause.

Q: How do I punctuate sentences with subordinate clauses?

A: The punctuation depends on the type and placement of the subordinate clause. Non-defining adjective clauses are usually set off by commas. Adverbial clauses at the beginning of a sentence are usually followed by a comma. Noun clauses don't usually require commas unless they're nonrestrictive appositives.

Conclusion

Understanding subordinate clauses is essential for constructing sophisticated and nuanced sentences. By learning to identify the different types of subordinate clauses and their functions within a sentence, you will significantly improve your writing and comprehension skills. Remember to focus on the key indicators: the presence of a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun, a subject and verb, and the incomplete meaning of the clause on its own. With consistent practice and attention to detail, mastering subordinate clauses will become second nature. This will enable you to communicate your ideas with greater precision and clarity, effectively conveying complex information in a grammatically sound and engaging manner. Through careful observation and practice, you'll become adept at using subordinate clauses to enrich your writing and enhance your understanding of English grammar.