key term - Subordinate clause

Definition

A subordinate clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It adds additional information to the main clause and often begins with a subordinating conjunction, making it dependent on the main clause for its meaning. Understanding subordinate clauses is essential for grasping complex sentence structures and the relationship between ideas within sentences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Subordinate clauses can function in various ways within a sentence, such as providing additional information about time, reason, condition, or place.
2. Common subordinating conjunctions include 'although', 'because', 'since', 'unless', and 'while', which signal the start of a subordinate clause.
3. When written, subordinate clauses are often set off by commas if they appear at the beginning of a sentence, but they may not need commas if they come after the main clause.
4. Subordinate clauses can be classified into different types: adverbial clauses (providing context), adjective clauses (modifying nouns), and noun clauses (acting as subjects or objects).
5. The presence of subordinate clauses in sentences contributes to their complexity and richness, allowing for more nuanced expression of ideas.

Review Questions

• How do subordinate clauses enhance the complexity of sentences compared to simple sentences?
  • Subordinate clauses add depth to sentences by allowing writers to include additional information that clarifies or expands on the main idea. Unlike simple sentences, which contain only one main clause, sentences with subordinate clauses can convey more intricate relationships between ideas. This results in richer, more informative statements that can express time, reason, or condition.
• In what ways do subordinating conjunctions influence the structure of sentences containing subordinate clauses?
  • Subordinating conjunctions play a crucial role in shaping the structure of sentences with subordinate clauses by indicating the relationship between the main and subordinate clauses. They signal that the clause following them is dependent and cannot stand alone. The choice of subordinating conjunction affects the meaning and flow of the sentence, creating connections such as cause and effect or contrasting ideas.
• Evaluate how understanding subordinate clauses can impact effective communication in writing.
  • Understanding subordinate clauses is vital for effective communication because they enable writers to create complex sentences that convey precise meanings and relationships between ideas. By skillfully using subordinate clauses, writers can provide context and depth to their arguments or narratives, making their writing more engaging and informative. This mastery also allows for varied sentence structures that enhance readability and maintain the reader's interest.

Related terms

main clause:

A main clause is an independent clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence, expressing a complete thought.

subordinating conjunction:

A subordinating conjunction is a word that introduces a subordinate clause, linking it to a main clause and indicating the relationship between the two.

compound sentence:

A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by coordinating conjunctions, differing from sentences that include subordinate clauses.