Main And Subordinate Clauses Examples

Understanding Main and Subordinate Clauses: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples

Understanding the difference between main and subordinate clauses is fundamental to mastering English grammar. This comprehensive guide will explore the intricacies of these clauses, providing numerous examples to solidify your understanding. We will delve into their functions, identifying key characteristics and exploring how they work together to create complex and nuanced sentences. By the end, you'll be able to confidently identify and utilize main and subordinate clauses in your own writing and speaking.

What is a Clause?

Before diving into main and subordinate clauses, let's define a clause itself. A clause is a group of words containing a subject and a verb. It's a fundamental building block of a sentence. The key is that a clause expresses a complete or incomplete thought. This distinction leads us to the two types we'll focus on: main and subordinate clauses.

Main Clauses (Independent Clauses)

A main clause, also known as an independent clause, is a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence. It contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete idea. You can identify a main clause because it can exist independently, making sense on its own.

Examples of Main Clauses:

• The cat sat on the mat. (Subject: cat; Verb: sat)
• The sun is shining brightly. (Subject: sun; Verb: is shining)
• Maria finished her homework early. (Subject: Maria; Verb: finished)
• We went to the park yesterday. (Subject: We; Verb: went)
• He will travel to Europe next year. (Subject: He; Verb: will travel)

These are all complete sentences; each expresses a single, self-contained idea. They don't rely on any other clause for their meaning to be clear.

Subordinate Clauses (Dependent Clauses)

A subordinate clause, also known as a dependent clause, is a clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence. While it contains a subject and a verb, it does not express a complete thought. It relies on a main clause to complete its meaning. Subordinate clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, although, since, if, while, when, after, before) or relative pronouns (e.g., who, whom, whose, which, that).

Examples of Subordinate Clauses:

• because it was raining. (Subordinating conjunction; Incomplete thought)
• although she was tired. (Subordinating conjunction; Incomplete thought)
• since he left. (Subordinating conjunction; Incomplete thought)
• if you are hungry. (Subordinating conjunction; Incomplete thought)
• while they were sleeping. (Subordinating conjunction; Incomplete thought)
• when the bell rang. (Subordinating conjunction; Incomplete thought)
• after the movie ended. (Subordinating conjunction; Incomplete thought)
• before the sun rose. (Subordinating conjunction; Incomplete thought)
• that I saw yesterday. (Relative pronoun; Incomplete thought)
• who lives next door. (Relative pronoun; Incomplete thought)
• which is very old. (Relative pronoun; Incomplete thought)

Notice how each of these examples needs a main clause to create a complete sentence. They cannot stand alone and make sense.

Combining Main and Subordinate Clauses: Complex Sentences

The power of understanding main and subordinate clauses lies in their ability to be combined to create complex sentences. This allows for more nuanced and detailed expression. The subordinate clause adds extra information to the main clause.

Examples of Complex Sentences:

• The cat sat on the mat because it was comfortable. (Main clause: The cat sat on the mat; Subordinate clause: because it was comfortable)
• The sun is shining brightly although it's a cloudy day. (Main clause: The sun is shining brightly; Subordinate clause: although it's a cloudy day)
• Maria finished her homework early so that she could watch her favorite show. (Main clause: Maria finished her homework early; Subordinate clause: so that she could watch her favorite show)
• We went to the park yesterday even though it was cold. (Main clause: We went to the park yesterday; Subordinate clause: even though it was cold)
• He will travel to Europe next year if he saves enough money. (Main clause: He will travel to Europe next year; Subordinate clause: if he saves enough money)
• I ate the cake that you baked. (Main clause: I ate the cake; Subordinate clause: that you baked)
• The book, which I borrowed from the library, was fascinating. (Main clause: The book was fascinating; Subordinate clause: which I borrowed from the library)

In these examples, the subordinate clause provides additional information, context, or explanation to the main clause, creating a richer and more complete sentence.

Types of Subordinate Clauses

Subordinate clauses can be categorized into different types based on their function within the sentence. These include:

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

  • Example: He went to the store after he finished work. (modifies the verb "went")
  • Example: She studied hard so that she could pass the exam. (modifies the verb "studied")

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

  • Example: The book that I borrowed from the library was fascinating. (modifies the noun "book")
  • Example: The woman who lives next door is a doctor. (modifies the noun "woman")

• Noun Clauses: These clauses function as nouns in a sentence. They can act as subjects, objects, or complements. They are often introduced by words like that, whether, if, who, what, whom.

  • Example: That he won the race surprised everyone. (noun clause as subject)
  • Example: I believe that he is honest. (noun clause as object)
  • Example: The question is whether he will come. (noun clause as subject complement)

Understanding these different types of subordinate clauses helps you analyze and construct complex sentences with greater precision.

Punctuation with Main and Subordinate Clauses

The punctuation used when combining main and subordinate clauses depends on the order of the clauses and their relationship.

• Subordinate clause followed by main clause: Use a comma to separate the subordinate clause from the main clause. Example: Because it was raining, the game was cancelled.

• Main clause followed by subordinate clause: No comma is typically needed unless the subordinate clause is lengthy or nonrestrictive. Example: The game was cancelled because it was raining.

• Subordinate Clause as an Interjection: A subordinate clause can also be used as an interjection, setting off the rest of the sentence with a comma. Example: However tired you are, you must finish your work.

Identifying Main and Subordinate Clauses: Practice Exercises

Let's test your understanding with a few practice exercises:

Exercise 1: Identify the main and subordinate clauses in the following sentences:

1. Although it was cold, we went for a walk.
2. The dog barked loudly because it heard a noise.
3. I ate the pizza that you made.
4. She is the woman who won the lottery.
5. Because he was late, he missed the bus.

Exercise 2: Combine the following main and subordinate clauses to create complex sentences:

1. Main Clause: The sun was setting. Subordinate Clause: The birds were singing.
2. Main Clause: She completed her project. Subordinate Clause: She worked very hard.
3. Main Clause: He felt happy. Subordinate Clause: He received good news.

Answer Key:

Exercise 1:

1. Main Clause: we went for a walk; Subordinate Clause: Although it was cold
2. Main Clause: The dog barked loudly; Subordinate Clause: because it heard a noise
3. Main Clause: I ate the pizza; Subordinate Clause: that you made
4. Main Clause: She is the woman; Subordinate Clause: who won the lottery
5. Main Clause: he missed the bus; Subordinate Clause: Because he was late

Exercise 2: (Multiple correct answers are possible depending on the chosen conjunction)

1. The sun was setting while the birds were singing. / The birds were singing as the sun was setting.
2. She completed her project because she worked very hard. / She worked very hard so that she completed her project. / Having worked very hard, she completed her project.
3. He felt happy because he received good news. / He received good news, which made him happy.

Conclusion

Mastering the distinction between main and subordinate clauses is crucial for constructing clear, complex, and grammatically correct sentences. By understanding their functions and how to combine them effectively, you can significantly enhance your writing skills and communicate your ideas with greater precision and nuance. Practice identifying and using these clauses regularly to build fluency and confidence in your grammatical abilities. Remember to pay close attention to punctuation to ensure your sentences are both clear and correct. Continuous practice and careful observation will strengthen your understanding and allow you to express yourself with greater clarity and sophistication.