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

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

  1. Are you coming to the meeting on Friday?
  2. Yes, if I have time.
  1. When will you print the report?
  2. As soon as I have finished it.


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]