Writing clearly and effectively requires more than just stringing words together. One of the most powerful tools in English grammar is the subordinate clause. Understanding and using subordinate clauses correctly can instantly elevate your writing, making it more sophisticated, nuanced, and engaging.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into what subordinate clauses are, their types, how to use them, common mistakes to avoid, and practical exercises to help you master them. By the end, you’ll see how these small but mighty structures transform your sentences from simple to compelling.
Why Subordinate Clauses Matter
Have you ever read a sentence and felt it was incomplete or choppy? Chances are, it lacked a subordinate clause.
A subordinate clause is a part of a sentence that cannot stand alone as a complete thought. It depends on the main clause to give it meaning. These clauses add detail, explanation, and context, helping you express complex ideas smoothly.
For example:
- Without a subordinate clause: “I stayed home.”
- With a subordinate clause: “I stayed home because it was raining.”
See the difference? The second sentence provides reason and depth, making your writing more engaging and informative
Definition and Key Features of Subordinate Clauses
A subordinate clause is sometimes called a dependent clause. It always contains a subject and a verb but cannot express a complete thought on its own.
Key features:
- Has both a subject and a predicate.
- Begins with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun.
- Cannot stand alone as a sentence.
Compare:
| Clause Type | Example | Can it stand alone? |
| Independent Clause | “She loves reading.” | Yes |
| Subordinate Clause | “Because she loves reading” | No |
Notice how the subordinate clause leaves the reader waiting for the rest of the sentence. It’s dependent on the main clause to complete the thought.
Types of Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate clauses fall into three main categories: adverbial, adjective (relative), and noun clauses. Each serves a distinct purpose in your sentences.
Adverbial Clauses
Adverbial clauses act like adverbs—they answer how, when, where, why, or under what conditions something happens.
Examples:
- “I stayed inside because it was raining.” (Why?)
- “She called me after she arrived.” (When?)
- “You’ll succeed if you work hard.” (Condition)
Tips:
- Common conjunctions: because, although, if, when, since, unless.
- They can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
Adjective (Relative) Clauses
Adjective clauses describe or modify a noun, often introduced by relative pronouns such as who, whom, whose, that, or which.
Examples:
- “The book that I borrowed was thrilling.”
- “The teacher who helped me was very kind.”
Tips:
- Adjective clauses often answer which one or what kind questions about a noun.
- Remove the clause, and the sentence still makes sense, though less detailed: “The book was thrilling.”
Noun Clauses
Noun clauses function as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence. They often start with that, what, who, or whether.
Examples:
- Subject: “What she decided surprised everyone.”
- Object: “I didn’t know that you were coming.”
- Complement: “The truth is that he lied.”
Table: Subordinate Clause Types Overview
| Type | Function | Common Words/Conjunctions | Example |
| Adverbial | Explains time, reason, condition | because, if, when, although | “I left because it was late.” |
| Adjective | Modifies noun | who, which, that | “The movie that we watched was fun.” |
| Noun | Acts as subject/object/complement | what, that, whether, whoever | “I know what she wants.” |
Read More:Intelligent vs. Intellectual: Understanding the Key Differences and How They Shape Your Thinking
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are the words that introduce subordinate clauses, linking them to independent clauses. Choosing the right conjunction depends on the meaning you want to convey.
Common subordinating conjunctions:
- Cause/Reason: because, since, as
- Contrast: although, though, even though
- Time: when, while, after, before, until
- Condition: if, unless, provided that
Example Table: Conjunctions in Action
| Conjunction | Function | Example Sentence |
| because | Reason | “I stayed home because it rained.” |
| although | Contrast | “Although he was tired, he kept working.” |
| when | Time | “Call me when you arrive.” |
| if | Condition | “You’ll pass if you study.” |
Punctuation and Placement Rules
Correct punctuation is key to using subordinate clauses effectively. Here’s what you need to know:
- Starting the sentence: Place a comma after the subordinate clause.
- Example: “Because it was raining, we stayed inside.”
- At the end of the sentence: Usually no comma is needed.
- Example: “We stayed inside because it was raining.”
- In the middle of a sentence: Use commas if the clause is non-essential.
- Essential: “The book that I borrowed is excellent.” (no commas)
- Non-essential: “My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.” (commas used)
Quick Tip: Read your sentence aloud. If it pauses naturally at the start of the clause, add a comma.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even seasoned writers slip up with subordinate clauses. Knowing the pitfalls helps prevent mistakes.
- Sentence fragments
- Mistake: “Because I was tired.”
- Fix: “I went to bed early because I was tired.”
- Misplaced modifiers
- Mistake: “She almost drove her kids to school every day.”
- Fix: “She drove her kids to school almost every day.”
- Overusing subordinating conjunctions
- Too many can make sentences confusing.
- Fix: Vary sentence types: mix short independent clauses with one or two subordinate clauses.
- Dangling clauses
- Mistake: “While walking in the park.” (Who was walking?)
- Fix: “While walking in the park, I saw a beautiful bird.”
Strategies to Effectively Use Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate clauses can make your writing richer if used thoughtfully.
- Combine ideas naturally: Use subordinate clauses to link related ideas.
- Vary sentence length: Mix long sentences with subordinate clauses and short sentences to maintain rhythm.
- Emphasize key points: Place important information in the main clause; less crucial details can go in subordinate clauses.
Example:
- “Although it was raining, we decided to go hiking. The forest looked magical, and the fresh air energized us.”
Notice how the subordinate clause adds context without overpowering the main message.
- Case Study in Literature:
- Jane Austen often used subordinate clauses to add subtle commentary or irony.
- Example: “He was not a man to be trifled with, though he smiled politely.”
Practice Exercises
Let’s put theory into practice!
Exercise 1: Identify the subordinate clause
- “I went home because I was feeling sick.”
- “The movie, which won several awards, was incredible.”
- “What you did surprised everyone.”
Exercise 2: Rewrite using a subordinate clause
- Simple sentence: “She missed the bus. She woke up late.”
- Rewrite: “She missed the bus because she woke up late.”
Exercise 3: Fill in the blanks
- “I will call you ___ you arrive home.” (Hint: conjunction)
- “The cake ___ she baked was delicious.” (Hint: relative pronoun)
Answer Key:
- when
- that
Conclusion
Mastering subordinate clauses is not just a grammar exercise—it’s a writing superpower. These clauses let you:
Pro tip: Always read your sentences aloud. If it sounds incomplete or choppy, a subordinate clause might solve the problem. Start small, practice regularly, and gradually you’ll write sentences that flow naturally, just like a skilled author.
Remember, the more you practice, the easier it becomes to spot opportunities to use subordinate clauses in everyday writing. They’re small structures with big impact.
