Subordinate Clauses

Definition

A subordinate clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Instead, it adds additional information to the main clause, often beginning with a subordinating conjunction like 'although,' 'because,' or 'when.' These clauses help create complex sentences that enhance the writing style and provide depth to the ideas being expressed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Subordinate clauses cannot function as standalone sentences; they need an independent clause to make sense.
2. They often provide essential information, such as reasons, conditions, or time frames, enriching the main idea of the sentence.
3. Common subordinating conjunctions include 'after,' 'although,' 'as soon as,' 'because,' 'if,' and 'while.'
4. When a subordinate clause precedes an independent clause, it is typically followed by a comma to separate the two.
5. Using subordinate clauses can enhance writing style by adding variety and complexity to sentence structures.

Review Questions

• How do subordinate clauses enhance sentence variety and complexity in writing?
  • Subordinate clauses enhance sentence variety and complexity by allowing writers to combine simple ideas into more sophisticated ones. By embedding these clauses within independent clauses, writers can convey nuanced meanings, establish relationships between different ideas, and provide additional context without creating multiple sentences. This technique encourages richer storytelling and more engaging prose.
• What role do subordinating conjunctions play in the formation of subordinate clauses?
  • Subordinating conjunctions are crucial for the formation of subordinate clauses as they introduce these clauses and establish their relationship with the main clause. These conjunctions signal that the clause they introduce is dependent on another clause for its meaning, allowing for the creation of complex sentences. Without subordinating conjunctions, the meaning of the subordinate clause may remain unclear or incomplete.
• Evaluate the impact of using subordinate clauses on effective communication in writing.
  • Using subordinate clauses significantly enhances effective communication in writing by allowing for more detailed and precise expression of ideas. They help articulate complex thoughts, clarify relationships between concepts, and provide context without overwhelming readers with excessive simplicity. By skillfully integrating subordinate clauses, writers can guide readers through their arguments or narratives, improving overall comprehension and engagement with the text.

Related terms

Independent Clause: An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence, containing a subject and a predicate.

Subordinating Conjunction: A subordinating conjunction is a word that introduces a subordinate clause, linking it to an independent clause.

Complex Sentence: A complex sentence is a type of sentence that contains at least one independent clause and one or more subordinate clauses.