subordinate clause

Examples of subordinate clause in the following topics:

• Using Varied Sentence Lengths and Styles

  • The two main categories of clauses are independent clauses and subordinate (or dependent) clauses.
  • A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause with no subordinate clauses.
  • A compound sentence consists of multiple independent clauses with no subordinate clauses.
  • A complex sentence consists of at least one independent clause and one subordinate clause.
  • This sentence contains two independent clauses (one before and one after the comma) and each independent clause contains a subordinate clause ("what you eat" and "what you are").

• Introduction to Pronouns

  • As you can see, relative clauses can be useful in streamlining your writing and improving your flow.
  • Relative pronouns introduce what are called subordinate clauses.
  • Subordinate clauses are phrases within a sentence that modify the subject of the sentence.
  • For example, in the phrase "The girl who wore a yellow dress," the subordinate clause "who wore a yellow dress" helps to modify the subject of "the girl."
  • Similarly, in the phrase "The desk that fell apart," the subordinate clause "that fell apart" helps to identify which desk the writer is talking about.

• Structure of a Sentence

  • A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause with no subordinate clauses.
  • A compound sentence consists of multiple independent clauses with no subordinate clauses.
  • A complex sentence consists of at least one independent clause and one subordinate clause.
  • In this case, the subordinate clause, "who eat chocolate cake" is in the middle of the sentence.
  • Here, the subordinate clause is, "since he's been eating neighborhood cats."

• Components of a Sentence

  • (adjective clause)
  • The following are examples of clauses:
  • The following are independent clauses:
  • By contrast, dependent (also called subordinating) clauses cannot stand on their own.
  • The following are dependent clauses:

• Conjunctions: Coordination, Correlation, Conjunction, and Subordination

  • In English grammar, a conjunction is a part of speech that connects two words, sentences, phrases, or clauses.
  • Coordinating conjunctions are conjunctions that join, or "coordinate," two or more items (such as words, clauses, or sentences) of equal importance.
  • Subordinating conjunctions are conjunctions that join two separate clauses.
  • The most common subordinating conjunctions in the English language include after, although, as, as far as, as if, as long as, as soon as, as though, because, before, even if, even though, every time, if, in order that, since, so, so that, than, though, unless, until, when, whenever, where, whereas, wherever, and while.
  • A correlative conjunction is just one type of conjunction, which is a part of speech that connects two words, sentences, phrases, or clauses.

• Common Comma Mistakes

  • Do not use a comma before a dependent clause that comes after an independent clause.
  • Do not use a comma to set off quotations that occupy a subordinate position in a sentence, often signaled by the words "that," "which," or "because."
  • Or, you can add a word to one clause to make it dependent.
  • If you locate a run-on sentence and find where the two independent clauses "collide," you can decide how best to separate the clauses.
  • Or, you can add a word to one clause to make it dependent.

• Semicolons

  • Semicolons are used to link related clauses and to separate clauses that contain additional punctuation.
  • Semicolons, like colons and commas, indicate pauses within a sentence to show relationships between words and clauses.
  • Semicolons also link clauses of equal importance, but unlike commas, do not always require a coordinating conjunction.
  • Semicolons can join closely related independent clauses that are not linked with a coordinating conjunction:
  • Semicolons can also be used between independent clauses linked with a transitional phrase or a conjunctive adverb.

• Eliminating Comma Splices and Fused Sentences

  • Once you discover where the two independent clauses are "spliced," you can then decide how best to separate the clauses:
  • You can use a semicolon between the two clauses if they are of equal importance; this allows your reader to consider the points together.
  • Or, you can add a word to one clause to make it dependent.
  • If you locate a run-on sentence and find where the two independent clauses "collide," you can then decide how best to separate the clauses.
  • Or, you can add a word to one clause to make it dependent.

• Structural Parallelism Within a Sentence

  • The main clause—"applied himself in his new job"—is not parallel to these participle phrases.
  • This version gives all the activities equal emphasis, instead of making the last three activities subordinate to the main activity ("applied himself in his new job").

• Introduction to Commas

  • When joining two independent clauses, or clauses that could stand on their own as full sentences, place a comma before the conjunction.
  • Sometimes a dependent clause can be used to introduce a sentence.
  • In this situation, use a comma after the dependent clause.
  • Only use a comma to separate a dependent and independent clause if the dependent clause is first!
  • Occurring at the end of a sentence, cumulative clauses hook up to a main clause and add further information.