Ever been confused by sentences that just seem to hang—they don’t quite complete the thought? Or wondered how to connect ideas smoothly in your writing? Don’t worry—you're not alone. Mastering subordinate clauses is a game-changer for clear, engaging sentences.
So how do subordinate clauses work? Simply put, they are clauses that can't stand alone—they depend on a main clause for meaning. These clauses add detail, context, or information but rely on the main sentence to form a complete thought. Understanding their types and uses can elevate your writing to the next level.
Stay with me, and you'll discover detailed examples, tips for success, common mistakes to avoid, and even practice exercises to help you become a subordinate clause pro. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of subordinate clauses!
What Are Subordinate Clauses?
A subordinate clause (also known as a dependent clause) is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but can’t stand alone as a complete sentence. It needs a main clause to give it meaning. Subordinate clauses often start with subordinating conjunctions such as because, although, if, when, or since.
Definition list:
- Main clause: An independent clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence (e.g., She went to the store.)
- Subordinate clause: A dependent clause that relies on a main clause to be meaningful (e.g., because she needed milk.)
Why Are Subordinate Clauses Important?
They allow us to combine ideas, show relationships, and add nuances to sentences. Without them, writing might be choppy or flat. Proper use of subordinate clauses makes your sentences more complex, engaging, and precise.
Types of Subordinate Clauses with Examples
Subordinate clauses come in various types, each serving a different purpose. Let’s look at the most common ones:
1. Adverbial Clauses
These answer questions like when, where, why, or how.
| Purpose | Subordinating Conjunctions | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Time | when, after, before, as soon as, while | I called her after she arrived. |
| Place | where, wherever | You can sit wherever you like. |
| Reason | because, since, as | She stayed home because she was sick. |
| Manner | as, like | He runs as if he is chased. |
2. Relative Clauses
Modified nouns or pronouns, providing extra information about them.
| Purpose | Relative Pronouns | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Describe | who, whom, whose, that, which | The book that I borrowed is interesting. |
| Specify | who, whom, that, which | The man who called you is waiting outside. |
3. Noun Clauses
Serve as a noun within the sentence—acting as a subject, object, or complement.
| Purpose | Common Words | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | what, whoever, whichever | What she said surprised everyone. |
| Object | if, whether, how | I wonder if he will come. |
| Complement | that | The truth is that he was right. |
How To Properly Use Subordinate Clauses
Using subordinate clauses correctly involves understanding their position and order within sentences. Here are helpful tips:
Correct Positioning
- Subordinate clauses generally come before or after the main clause.
- When placed at the beginning, they are usually followed by a comma.
- When they follow the main clause, no comma is typically needed.
Example:
Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
We stayed inside because it was raining.
Proper Ordering with Multiple Clauses
When combining multiple subordinate clauses, ensure logical order. Use parentheses or commas for clarity.
Formation and Usage:
- Begin with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., although, if, since) or a relative pronoun (e.g., who, which).
- Follow with the subject and verb within the clause.
- Match the clause to its purpose—time, reason, condition, etc.
Why Rich Vocabulary and Precise Usage Matter
Using a rich vocabulary and precise structures makes your writing more compelling and professional. It reduces ambiguity and helps convey complex ideas smoothly.
Tips for Mastering Subordinate Clauses
- Practice combining sentences: Start by writing simple sentences and then link them with subordinate clauses.
- Focus on conjunctions: Memorize common subordinating conjunctions for different functions.
- Read actively: Notice how authors use subordinate clauses to enhance their writing.
- Use varied sentence structures: Mix simple, compound, and complex sentences to keep your writing lively.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Explanation | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Overusing subordination | Making sentences overly complex and hard to read | Use subordinate clauses sparingly for clarity |
| Incorrect placement | Putting clauses in confusing positions | Follow the positioning rules (>before or after main clause) |
| Ignoring punctuation | Forgetting commas when starting with subordinate clauses | Use commas after introductory subordinate clauses |
Variations and Advanced Uses
-
Reduced subordinate clauses: Eliminate the relative pronoun and auxiliary verb for a more concise form.
Original: The car that is parked outside is mine.
Reduced: The car parked outside is mine. -
Nested clauses: Use multiple subordinate clauses within one sentence for detail.
Example: Despite the fact that she was tired, she finished her homework because she wanted to go out. -
Order in multiple clauses: Maintain logical flow—time, place, reason, condition.
Why a Rich Vocabulary Matters in Using Subordinate Clauses
Incorporating varied vocabulary and sophisticated structures allows your writing to communicate subtleties and nuances. It showcases mastery over language, making your content more engaging and authoritative.
Covering Key Categories of Descriptors in Sentences
To add richness, consider the following categories:
1. Personality Traits
- Loving, caring, nurturing, patient, diligent, ambitious
2. Physical Descriptions
- Tall, petite, attractive, muscular, elegant
3. Role-Based Descriptors
- Supportive, involved, single, responsible, leader
Using subordinate clauses, you can expand all these categories to create vivid, detailed sentences, e.g., The supportive teacher, who always listens patiently, motivates her students daily.
Practice Exercises
1. Fill-in-the-blank:
Complete with an appropriate subordinate conjunction or relative pronoun.
She went to bed early ____ she was exhausted.
Answer: because
2. Error Correction:
Identify and fix the mistake:
The book which I loved is on the table.
Corrected: The book that I loved is on the table.
3. Sentence Construction:
Transform this into a complex sentence:
It was raining. We stayed inside.
Answer: Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
Conclusion
Understanding and correctly using subordinate clauses is essential to elevate your writing from simple to sophisticated. These clauses help you connect ideas logically and add detail, making your sentences more engaging and precise. Whether you're a student, professional, or casual writer, mastery over subordinate clauses can significantly enhance your communication.
Ready to practice even more? Start experimenting with combining simple sentences into complex ones, and watch your writing flourish!
Remember, the key to success with subordinate clauses lies in regular practice, attention to detail, and expanding your vocabulary. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll master this essential aspect of English grammar in no time!
