Subordinate Clauses

Definition

A subordinate clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought, meaning it cannot stand alone as a sentence. In Middle English, as in modern English, subordinate clauses often provide additional information to the main clause, enhancing the sentence's meaning and complexity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Middle English, subordinate clauses were often introduced by subordinating conjunctions like 'if', 'because', and 'when', similar to how they function today.
2. Subordinate clauses can serve various functions, including providing reasons, conditions, or times related to the action in the main clause.
3. Understanding how subordinate clauses interact with independent clauses helps grasp sentence structure and punctuation in both Middle and Modern English.
4. The use of subordinate clauses can add richness and detail to narratives, a feature prominent in Chaucer's writing style.
5. Identifying subordinate clauses enhances comprehension of complex sentences, which are common in literary texts from the Middle English period.

Review Questions

• How do subordinate clauses enhance the complexity of sentences in Middle English?
  • Subordinate clauses enhance sentence complexity by adding extra information that relates to the main clause. This allows for more detailed expressions of ideas, such as conditions or reasons. In Middle English texts, especially in works like those by Chaucer, these clauses contribute to the richness of the narrative, enabling writers to convey nuanced meanings and intricate relationships between actions.
• Discuss the function of relative pronouns in forming subordinate clauses and their role in Middle English grammar.
  • Relative pronouns are crucial for introducing subordinate clauses as they connect these clauses to specific nouns or pronouns within the main clause. In Middle English grammar, relative pronouns like 'who', 'which', and 'that' helped clarify relationships between characters and actions. This connection not only provides additional context but also aids in maintaining the flow of narrative within complex sentences typical of Middle English literature.
• Evaluate the importance of understanding subordinate clauses when analyzing Chaucer's works and their influence on Modern English.
  • Understanding subordinate clauses is vital when analyzing Chaucer's works because they showcase how complex ideas are articulated through intricate sentence structures. Chaucer's use of subordinate clauses not only reflects the linguistic features of Middle English but also serves to enhance character development and plot progression. By studying these structures, one can trace how Chaucer's innovative approaches contributed to the evolution of Modern English syntax, illustrating shifts in language over time.

Related terms

Independent Clause: An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought, allowing it to stand alone as a sentence.

Relative Pronoun: A relative pronoun introduces subordinate clauses and relates them to the noun or pronoun in the main clause, such as 'who', 'which', or 'that'.

Conjunction: A conjunction is a word that connects clauses or sentences, such as 'and', 'but', or 'although'. Subordinating conjunctions specifically introduce subordinate clauses.