Definition of a subordinate clause
A subordinate or dependent clause contains a verb and a subject but does not express a complete thought. A subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a sentence:
When Jenny was a teacher...
This is not a complete thought as we do not know what happened when Jenny was a teacher. It is a dependent clause.
A subordinate clause is connected to the main clause in a sentence by a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun.
| Subordinate conjunctions | Relative pronouns | ||
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after although as as if as long as as much as as soon as as though because before by the time even even if even though how
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if in as much as in order that just as lest now now that once only if provided that rather than since so that supposing than |
that though unless until when whenever where whereas wherever whether while why |
that what which whichever who whoever whom whose whosever whomever |
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Types of subordinate clauses
A noun clause
The subject or object of a sentence answering the question 'who?' or 'what?'
Whoever takes the minutes will sit next to the chairman.
The New Zealand fans hope that the All Blacks will win again.
An adverbial clause
Adds information to the main clause answering questions such as 'when?', 'where?', 'why?', 'with what goal?' and 'under what conditions?'
Jenny was late for the meeting because there was a traffic jam.
If you practise every day, you will have no problem with the exam.
An adjective clause
Modifies the noun by answering questions such as 'which?' or 'what kind of?'
The books that they bought were expensive.
Mr. Nissan, who is Japanese, is visiting Paris.
Note
Whilst a subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a sentence, as it is not a complete thought, it is often used as a response to a question. The complete thought is a function of the question and the answer.
Examples
- Are you coming to the meeting on Friday?
- Yes, if I have time.
- When will you print the report?
- As soon as I have finished it.
Nominal relative clauses
A nominal relative clause is similar to a defining relative clause, but the noun and relative pronoun are combined in a nominal relative pronoun - usually 'what'.
This is the button (that) you have to press. [defining relative clause]
This is what you have to press. [nominal relative clause]
