Subordinate Clause: Definition, Types & Examples

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 the main clause to give full meaning. These clauses add extra details, time, reason, or conditions to a sentence, making writing more precise and structured.

How to Identify a Subordinate Clause

To find a subordinate clause, check for:

• A subject and a verb
• A subordinating conjunction (because, although, since, unless, etc.)
• Inability to stand alone as a full sentence

Example: After the rain stopped, we went outside.

“After the rain stopped” has a subject (rain) and a verb (stopped) but cannot stand alone.

Types of Subordinate Clauses

Subordinate clauses serve different functions in a sentence. The three main types are:

1. Adverbial Clause

An adverbial clause modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb by answering questions like when, why, or how.

Example: Hamza stayed at home because he was sick.

The clause because he was sick explains the reason for staying at home.

2. Adjective Clause (Relative Clause)

An adjective clause describes a noun or pronoun and usually starts with words like who, which, or that.

Example: The book that you gave me is very interesting.

Here, that you gave me describes the book.

3. Noun Clause

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

Example: What you said made everyone laugh.

In this sentence, what you said acts as the subject.

Dependent clause vs. subordinate clause

Feature	Dependent Clause	Subordinate Clause
Definition	A group of words with a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.	A type of dependent clause that begins with a subordinating conjunction and adds more details.
Can it stand alone?	❌ No	❌ No
Needs a main clause?	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Starts with	Words like who, which, that, because, if, although	Subordinating conjunctions like because, since, while, if
Is it a type of dependent clause?	✅ Yes	✅ Yes, but only one type of dependent clause
Example	The book that you gave me is interesting.	I stayed home because it was raining.

Common Subordinating Conjunctions

Function	Examples
Time	After, before, when, while
Cause & Effect	Because, since, as
Condition	If, unless, provided that
Contrast	Although, though, whereas

Subordinating Conjunctions and Relative Pronouns Used with Subordinate Clauses

Subordinate clauses begin with either subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns, which connect them to the main clause.

Subordinating Conjunctions

These words introduce adverbial subordinate clauses, showing relationships like time, cause, condition, or contrast.

Examples:

• Because – She stayed home because she was sick.
• Although – Although it was raining, they went outside.
• If – If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
• Since – He has been happy since he got the job.
• While – She listened to music while studying.

Relative Pronouns

These words introduce adjective subordinate clauses, giving more information about a noun.

Examples:

• Who – The boy who won the race is my cousin.
• Which – She bought a dress which she liked.
• That – This is the book that I was reading.
• Whose – The man whose car was stolen is reporting it.
• Whom – The teacher whom we respect is retiring.

Common Mistakes with subordinate clause

1. Using a Subordinate Clause as a Complete Sentence (Sentence Fragment)

A subordinate clause cannot stand alone; it needs an independent clause.

❌ Because Aisha was tired.
✅ Because Aisha was tired, she went to bed early.

2. Incorrect Punctuation with Subordinate Clauses

If the subordinate clause comes first, use a comma.

If it comes after the main clause, no comma is needed.

✅ Although it was raining, we went outside.
✅ We went outside although it was raining. (No comma)

3. Confusing Subordinate and Coordinating Conjunctions

Subordinate conjunctions (e.g., because, although) make a clause dependent.

Coordinating conjunctions (e.g., and, but) connect two independent clauses.

❌ She was late, because the traffic was bad. (Comma not needed)
✅ She was late because the traffic was bad.

4. Using the Wrong Subordinating Conjunction

Some conjunctions have specific uses and cannot be interchanged.

❌ She stayed home unless she was sick. (Wrong conjunction)
✅ She stayed home because she was sick.

Examples of Subordinate Clauses

1. We left early because the weather was bad.
2. I will help you if you need assistance.
3. The boy who won the race is my cousin.
4. She was happy that she passed the exam.
5. They moved to Dubai since they found better jobs.
6. She stayed home although she was feeling better.
7. We couldn’t play outside because it was raining heavily.
8. I’ll call you when I arrive at the airport.
9. He works hard so that he can support his family.
10. You can go out after you finish your homework.

FAQs

Conclusion

Understanding subordinate clauses helps in writing complex, meaningful sentences. These clauses make writing more detailed and structured. By using them correctly, you can improve sentence variety and clarity in English writing.