A subordinate clause, also known as a dependent clause, is a clause that just makes a sentence more detailed by providing more information.
Like any other clause, it also has a subject and verb. But as it doesn’t express a complete thought, it cannot be a standalone sentence. Hence, it is always combined with an independent clause to form a complete sentence.
After Franco died, Juan Carlos became the King of Spain.
My sister, who lives in Boston, gave me her laptop.
You can date whoever you want.
Parts of a Subordinate Clause
- It is either a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun that introduces a subordinate clause.
Subordinate Conjunction
- A subordinate conjunction signals cause-and-effect or a change in time and place between the two clauses of a sentence.
Below is a list of some of the most common subordinate conjunctions.
After, As, As long as, Although, Because, Before, Even if, Even though, If, Now, Now that, Once, Since, Than, Though, Unless, Until, When, Whenever, Whereas, Wherever, Whether, While, Whoever
As long as you follow the recipe, you won’t go wrong with this dish.
Although she likes smoking, she has to quit soon.
You cannot just leave whenever you please.
Relative Pronoun
A relative pronoun introduces a dependent clause that is related to the topic of the sentence.
Below is a list of some of the most common relative pronouns.
which, whichever, whatever, that, who, whoever, whose
Types of Subordinate Clause
- A subordinate clause can function as an adverb, adjective, or noun.
Adverbial Clause
- This clause answers the questions: where, when, how, and why. It starts with a subordinate conjunction.
We danced until the wee hours of the morning.
After the delegates arrived, the summit commenced.
Robin wasn’t promoted because he couldn’t meet the sales target.
Adjective Clause
- This clause typically answers the questions: what kind or which one. It can be one of these two patterns: pronoun/adverb + subject + verb or subject (pronoun/adverb) + verb.
pronoun/adverb + subject + verb
Whichever color of paper you have is fine.
subject (pronoun/adverb) + verb
This company that closed the deal is a multinational.
Noun Clause
- This clause follows this pattern: relative pronoun + subject + verb.
Whoever the new boss dislikes is in serious trouble.
She can choose the dress that she wants.
What the singer did shocked her fans.