What Is a Subordinate Clause? When I first started writing, I saw that every sentence is a story and each word plays a part, helping lead or support the main clause. Subordinate clauses are unsung heroes in the category of sentences, adding depth, detail, and rich, layered information. They stand by the main clause, fleshing out the narrative, like a friend, giving writing a compelling, non-robotic, powerful tool for language, communication, and storytelling.
A subordinate clause is dependent and cannot stand alone, yet it provides extra detail, a reason, or an idea to complete the main clause. For example, “I will eat pizza because I am hungry” shows a subordinate clause that starts with words like because, if, or although. Adding them gives sentences depth, makes sense, and using them effectively is crucial, unlocking magic in simple words, writing, and storytelling.
What Is a Subordinate Clause?
A subordinate clause, also called a dependent clause, is a group of words with a subject and a verb that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Unlike an independent clause, it relies on a main clause to make sense.
For example:
- Independent clause: I enjoy reading books.
- Subordinate clause: Because I enjoy reading books.
The subordinate clause “Because I enjoy reading books” leaves the reader hanging unless paired with a main clause:
- Complete sentence: I stay up late because I enjoy reading books.
Think of a subordinate clause as a helper. It adds extra information, explanation, or detail to the main idea. Without it, sentences often feel flat or incomplete.
The Function of Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate clauses serve several important functions in sentences:
- Add context: Explain why, when, or under what conditions something happens.
- Express contrast or condition: Show relationships between ideas.
- Enhance meaning: Provide extra detail without starting a new sentence.
Example:
- Main clause: She left the party.
- Subordinate clause: Although she felt tired.
- Complete sentence: She left the party although she felt tired.
Here, the subordinate clause adds nuance, showing that her departure wasn’t just ordinary—it was influenced by her feelings.
Using subordinate clauses strategically allows writers to vary sentence structure and avoid repetitive, choppy sentences.
Also Read This: Mine as Well vs Might as Well – A Complete Guide to Correct Usage
How Subordinate Clauses Complement Main Ideas
Subordinate clauses are not standalone; they work hand-in-hand with main ideas to create meaning. They help you:
- Explain reasons or causes.
- Add time-related information.
- Provide conditional or contrasting context.
For example:
- Main idea: I will attend the meeting.
- Subordinate clause: If my flight arrives on time.
- Complete sentence: I will attend the meeting if my flight arrives on time.
Notice how the subordinate clause makes the sentence more informative without cluttering it. The main idea is clear, while the clause adds specificity.
Types of Subordinate Clauses
There are three main types of subordinate clauses, each serving different purposes:
Adverbial Clauses
These clauses act like adverbs, providing information about time, reason, condition, contrast, or manner.
Common subordinating conjunctions: because, although, if, when, since, unless, while
Examples:
- She went home because it was raining.
- If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
Table: Common Adverbial Clauses
| Function | Subordinating Conjunction | Example Sentence |
| Reason | because, since | I stayed home because I was sick. |
| Time | when, while, after | Call me after you arrive at work. |
| Condition | if, unless | We can leave if it stops raining. |
| Contrast | although, though | Although it was cold, we went swimming. |
Adjective (Relative) Clauses
Adjective clauses describe a noun in the main clause and often begin with relative pronouns: who, whom, whose, which, that.
Examples:
- The book that I borrowed from the library is fascinating.
- The person who called you yesterday is my friend.
They answer questions like “which one?” or “what kind?” and provide extra detail without starting a new sentence.
Noun Clauses
Noun clauses function as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence. They often begin with that, whether, if, how, or what.
Examples:
- Subject: What she said surprised everyone.
- Object: I didn’t know that the meeting was canceled.
- Complement: My hope is that you will succeed.
Noun clauses allow writers to embed complete ideas inside a larger sentence, keeping the writing smooth and coherent.
Identifying Subordinate Clauses in Your Writing
Spotting subordinate clauses isn’t difficult once you know what to look for:
- Look for a subject and a verb—every clause must have both.
- Check if it can stand alone—if it can’t, it’s subordinate.
- Identify the introductory word—subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun.
Practice example:
- Sentence: I missed the bus because I woke up late.
- Subordinate clause: because I woke up late
- Main clause: I missed the bus
Regularly identifying clauses in your writing helps you enhance sentence variety and avoid fragments.
Subordinating Conjunctions and Relative Pronouns
Subordinating Conjunctions
These words connect a subordinate clause to the main clause, showing relationships like cause, time, condition, or contrast.
Common subordinating conjunctions:
- because, although, if, when, while, since, unless
Examples:
- I stayed inside because it was raining.
- Although she was tired, she finished her homework.
Relative Pronouns
Relative pronouns introduce adjective clauses that describe a noun.
Common relative pronouns: who, whom, whose, which, that
Examples:
- The movie which we watched last night was thrilling.
- The teacher who explained the lesson clearly helped me a lot.
Knowing these words is key to recognizing subordinate clauses and constructing sentences smoothly.
Punctuation Tips for Subordinate Clauses
Proper punctuation ensures your sentences are clear and professional. Here are some key rules:
- Comma after a leading subordinate clause:
- Example: Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
- No comma when the clause follows the main clause:
- Example: We stayed inside because it was raining.
- Commas for nonessential clauses (extra information):
- Example: The book, which I bought yesterday, is fascinating.
Table: Quick Punctuation Guide
| Position of Clause | Comma Needed? | Example |
| Beginning of sentence | Yes | If you are ready, we can leave now. |
| End of sentence | No | We can leave now if you are ready. |
| Nonessential info | Yes | My friend, who is a chef, made dinner. |
Following these rules keeps your writing polished and professional.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced writers trip over subordinate clauses. Here are the most common pitfalls:
- Fragments: A subordinate clause without a main clause.
- Incorrect: Because I was tired.
- Correct: Because I was tired, I went to bed early.
- Overuse: Too many subordinate clauses can confuse readers.
- Tip: Limit to one or two per sentence for clarity.
- Misplaced modifiers: Placing the clause too far from the word it describes.
- Incorrect: I saw a dog on the way to school that was barking loudly.
- Correct: On the way to school, I saw a dog that was barking loudly.
Pro Tip: Read sentences aloud to catch awkward or unclear clauses.
Practical Examples: Subordinate Clauses in Action
Using subordinate clauses can make your writing more engaging and informative. Here are real-life examples:
- Storytelling:
- Main clause: She entered the room.
- Subordinate clause: Although everyone was staring at her.
- Complete: She entered the room although everyone was staring at her.
- Essay writing:
- Main clause: The experiment failed.
- Subordinate clause: Because the temperature was too high.
- Complete: The experiment failed because the temperature was too high.
- Journalism:
- Main clause: The mayor announced new policies.
- Subordinate clause: Which aim to reduce traffic congestion.
- Complete: The mayor announced new policies, which aim to reduce traffic congestion.
Practicing with varied sentence structures ensures your subordinate clauses enhance rather than hinder your writing.
FAQs
Q1: What is a subordinate clause?
A subordinate clause is a dependent part of a sentence that cannot stand alone. It provides extra detail, a reason, or an idea to support the main clause.
Q2: How do subordinate clauses start?
They often start with words like because, if, or although, helping to add depth and detail to sentences.
Q3: Why are subordinate clauses important?
Subordinate clauses are the unsung heroes of writing. They flesh out the narrative, making sentences rich, layered, and compelling, instead of robotic or lackluster.
Q4: Can a subordinate clause stand alone?
No, a subordinate clause is dependent and cannot stand alone. It needs a main clause to complete the idea.
Q5: Can using subordinate clauses improve storytelling?
Yes, using them effectively transforms sentences, unlocking a powerful tool in language, communication, and storytelling.
Conclusion
Subordinate clauses play a crucial role in writing by adding extra detail and depth to sentences. They support the main clause, provide information, and make stories rich, layered, and compelling. Understanding their role and using them effectively is a powerful tool for any writer looking to transform writing into engaging storytelling.
