Subordinate Clauses Definitions, Types, and Examples

In this lesson, you will learn about subordinate clauses—an essential part of English grammar that helps add more detail and complexity to sentences. A subordinate clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It depends on a main clause to make sense. We’ll explore the definition, various types of subordinate clauses, and provide examples to help you understand how they function in sentences. This guide will enhance your grammar knowledge and improve your sentence-building skills.

What is a Subordinate Clause?

A subordinate clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It depends on a main clause to give it full meaning. Subordinate clauses are also called dependent clauses because they depend on the main clause.

Example:

• I will call you when I reach home. (“when I reach home” is a subordinate clause. It cannot stand alone.)

Subordinate clauses help add more information to a sentence. They can act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.

Types of Subordinate Clauses

There are several types of subordinate clauses:

1. Noun Clauses

A noun clause acts as a noun in a sentence. It can be a subject, object, or complement.

Common words that introduce noun clauses:

• that, what, who, where, why, how, whether, if, which, whose, whoever, whomever, whatever

Examples:

• What she said is true. (Subject)
• I don’t know where he lives. (Object)
• The problem is that he forgot the meeting. (Complement)

2. Adjective Clauses (Relative Clauses)

An adjective clause acts like an adjective and describes a noun. It usually begins with who, whom, whose, which, that, when, where.

Examples:

• The book that I borrowed was very interesting.
• She is the girl who won the competition.
• This is the house where I was born.

3. Adverb Clauses

An adverb clause acts like an adverb and describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It tells when, where, why, how, to what extent, or under what condition something happens.

Common words that introduce adverb clauses:

• because, since, if, when, while, although, before, after, unless, until, as, so that, even though, though, whereas, whenever, wherever, provided that, in case, in order that, as soon as, as long as, as though, rather than, just as

Examples:

• I stayed home because it was raining. (Reason)
• We will go out if it stops snowing. (Condition)
• She left before I arrived. (Time)

4. Conditional Clauses

Conditional clauses express a condition that must be met for something to happen. They often start with if, unless, provided that, in case.

Common words that introduce conditional clauses:

• if, unless, provided that, in case, on condition that, as long as

Examples:

• If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
• I won’t go unless you come with me.
• She will be happy provided that everything goes well.

5. Comparative Clauses

Comparative clauses are used to compare two things. They usually start with than, as…as, the more, the less.

Examples:

• She is taller than her brother.
• This book is as interesting as the other one.
• The more you practice, the better you become.

6. Verbless Clauses

Verbless clauses are subordinate clauses that do not contain a verb but still provide additional information.

Common words that introduce verbless clauses:

• though, if possible, when necessary, while young

Examples:

• Though tired, he continued working.
• If possible, let’s meet tomorrow.

8. Complementary Clauses

Complementary clauses complete the meaning of a verb, adjective, or noun in the main clause.

Common words that introduce complementary clauses:

• that, whether, if

Examples:

• She is happy that she got the job.
• I am sure that he will come.

Formation and Rules of Subordinate Clauses

1. A subordinate clause must always be connected to a main clause.
2. It cannot stand alone as a sentence.
3. It usually begins with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun.
4. A comma is needed if the subordinate clause comes before the main clause.

Example: Because it was late, I went to bed.

Example Sentences for Subordinate Clauses

• She was happy because she won the prize.
• I will go out after I finish my homework.
• He left before the movie ended.
• I don’t know why she is upset.
• They will come if you invite them.
• She sings when she is happy.
• The man who lives next door is a doctor.
• This is the book that I was talking about.
• I remember the day when we first met.
• He didn’t know where he should go.
• Although it was raining, we went outside.
• The teacher said that we should study harder.
• I will wait here until you return.
• She smiled when she saw her friend.
• The boy whose father is a pilot wants to fly planes.
• We will visit the museum if we have time.
• She acted as if nothing had happened.
• This is the place where I grew up.
• I was late because my car broke down.
• You can stay here as long as you want.
• He behaves as though he knows everything.
• She is more talented than her sister.
• The girl who won the race is my cousin.
• You will succeed provided that you work hard.
• I wonder why she left so early.
• She speaks English better than I do.
• I left my keys where I always keep them.
• I will help you if you need assistance.
• I am not sure whether he will come.
• He works as if he were the boss.
• She is as intelligent as her mother.
• Though exhausted, he continued to run.
• Whenever I see her, she is smiling.
• The cake that you baked was delicious.
• Since she was unwell, she stayed at home.
• This is the reason why I called you.
• You should apologize before she gets angrier.
• If possible, let’s meet tomorrow.
• The more you learn, the better your skills become.
• We should leave early in case there is traffic.
• The man whom I met at the park was very friendly.
• It seems as if she knew the answer already.
• She enjoys music because it makes her feel happy.
• I will give you a call whenever I reach home.
• The cat that is sitting on the sofa is mine.
• I don’t know how he managed to do that.
• I am happier than I used to be.
• Unless you hurry, we will miss the train.
• Even though she was tired, she continued working.
• The more you exercise, the healthier you become.

Read More

• Examples of Conjunctions
• Direct Objects in English
• Third Conditional Use in English

FAQs about Subordinate Clauses and their Types

1. What is a subordinate clause?
A subordinate clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It depends on a main clause to make sense. For example: “Because it was raining, we stayed inside.”

2. What are the types of subordinate clauses?
There are three main types of subordinate clauses: adjective clauses, adverb clauses, and noun clauses. Each type has a different role in a sentence.

3. What is an adjective clause?
An adjective clause acts like an adjective and describes a noun or pronoun in the main clause. For example: “The book that I borrowed was interesting.”

4. What is an adverb clause?
An adverb clause provides information about time, place, reason, or condition, and modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb. For example: “I left because it was late.”

5. What is a noun clause?
A noun clause functions as a noun in a sentence. It can be a subject, object, or complement. For example: “What she said surprised everyone.”

6. Can a subordinate clause start a sentence?
Yes, a subordinate clause can start a sentence but must be followed by a main clause to complete the meaning. For example: “If you study hard, you will pass the exam.”