What Is Subordinate Clause Example

Understanding Subordinate Clauses: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples

Subordinate clauses, also known as dependent clauses, are essential components of complex sentences. They add depth and detail to your writing, allowing you to express nuanced ideas and relationships between different parts of a sentence. Understanding what they are, how they function, and how to identify them is crucial for improving your grammatical accuracy and writing proficiency. This comprehensive guide will explore the world of subordinate clauses, providing clear explanations, various examples, and addressing frequently asked questions.

What is a Subordinate Clause?

A subordinate clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought on its own. It is dependent on a main clause (or independent clause) to complete its meaning. Think of it as a supporting player in a sentence, adding context, detail, or further information to the main idea. Unlike a main clause, a subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a grammatically correct sentence.

Key Characteristics of a Subordinate Clause:

• Contains a subject and a verb: Just like a main clause, it has a subject performing an action (or being in a state of being).
• Does not express a complete thought: It leaves the reader wanting more information.
• Dependent on a main clause: Its meaning is incomplete without the support of an independent clause.
• Introduced by a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun: These words signal the clause's dependent nature.

Types of Subordinate Clauses

Subordinate clauses are categorized based on their function within the sentence. The three main types are:

1. Adjective Clauses (Relative Clauses):

These clauses function as adjectives, modifying a noun or pronoun in the main clause. They answer the questions which, what kind, or whose. They are often introduced by relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) or relative adverbs (where, when, why).

Examples:

• The book that I borrowed from the library is overdue. (Here, "that I borrowed from the library" modifies "book.")
• The artist, whose paintings are world-renowned, lives in Paris. ( "whose paintings are world-renowned" modifies "artist.")
• This is the house where I grew up. ("where I grew up" modifies "house.")
• The reason why I'm late is because of the traffic. ("why I'm late" modifies "reason")

2. Adverb Clauses:

These clauses function as adverbs, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb in the main clause. They provide information about time, place, reason, manner, purpose, condition, contrast, or concession. They are introduced by subordinating conjunctions.

Examples:

• Time: After the rain stopped, we went for a walk.
• Place: We went to the park where the children could play safely.
• Reason: I stayed home because I was feeling unwell.
• Manner: She sings as if she were a professional.
• Purpose: He studied hard so that he could pass the exam.
• Condition: If it rains tomorrow, we will stay inside.
• Contrast/Concession: Although it was raining, we still went for a walk.

Common Subordinating Conjunctions used in Adverb Clauses:

• Time: after, before, since, until, when, while, as soon as, once
• Place: where, wherever
• Reason: because, since, as
• Manner: as if, as though
• Purpose: so that, in order that
• Condition: if, unless, provided that
• Contrast/Concession: although, though, even though, while, whereas

3. Noun Clauses:

These clauses function as nouns, acting as the subject, object, or complement of a verb. They often answer the questions what or who. They can be introduced by subordinating conjunctions (that, whether, if) or interrogative pronouns (who, whom, whose, what, which).

Examples:

• Subject: That he passed the exam surprised everyone.
• Object: I believe that he is innocent.
• Complement: The problem is that we don't have enough time.
• Object of a preposition: She talked about what happened at the meeting.

Identifying Subordinate Clauses in Complex Sentences

Recognizing subordinate clauses is a key skill in sentence analysis. Look for the following:

1. The presence of a subject and a verb: Ensure the clause has both.
2. A subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun: This word signals dependency.
3. Incomplete meaning: The clause should not stand alone as a complete sentence.

Example:

"The dog, which was barking loudly, ran down the street."

In this sentence:

• Main Clause: "The dog ran down the street." (This is a complete thought)
• Subordinate Clause: "which was barking loudly" (This modifies "dog" and is an adjective clause)

Advanced Uses and Complex Structures

Subordinate clauses can be embedded within other clauses, creating complex and nuanced sentence structures. This can enhance the sophistication and clarity of your writing.

Example of Nested Clauses:

"The woman, **who lived in the house that was painted blue, baked a cake that was delicious."

Here, we have multiple subordinate clauses nested within the main clause, adding layers of detail to the description.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Comma splices: Don't join two independent clauses with only a comma. Use a semicolon, coordinating conjunction, or separate them into two sentences.
• Run-on sentences: Avoid stringing together too many subordinate clauses without proper punctuation. Break down overly long sentences for better clarity.
• Misplaced modifiers: Ensure that your subordinate clauses clearly modify the intended words. Improper placement can lead to ambiguity and confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

A: A phrase is a group of related words without a subject and a verb, while a clause contains both. A subordinate clause is a type of clause.

Q: Can a subordinate clause stand alone as a sentence?

A: No. It needs a main clause to complete its meaning.

Q: How many subordinate clauses can a sentence have?

A: A sentence can have multiple subordinate clauses, creating complex sentence structures. However, overly complex sentences can be difficult to read, so strive for clarity and conciseness.

Q: What is the purpose of using subordinate clauses?

A: Subordinate clauses add detail, context, and nuance to your writing. They allow you to express complex ideas and relationships between different parts of a sentence.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of using subordinate clauses will significantly improve your writing skills. By understanding their different types, functions, and how to construct them correctly, you can write more sophisticated, expressive, and impactful sentences. Remember to practice identifying and using them in your own writing, paying close attention to punctuation and sentence structure to avoid common errors. With consistent practice, you will become more confident and proficient in crafting compelling and grammatically correct sentences. The ability to skillfully incorporate subordinate clauses demonstrates a strong command of the English language and elevates your writing to a higher level of precision and expressiveness. So, keep practicing, and soon you'll be effortlessly weaving these powerful grammatical tools into your writing!