Subordinate clauses
You learn to find the subordinate clause: the part that needs a main clause to make sense.
How to do the test
- Find the conjunction, such as because, when, if or although.
- The clause it starts is the subordinate clause.
- It cannot stand alone as a sentence.
A worked example
Tap the subordinate clause. We played outside because the sun was shining.
- It starts with the conjunction because.
- Say it on its own: "because the sun was shining" does not make sense.
- It needs the main clause: we played outside.
- Because the sun was shining is the subordinate clause.
More examples
Tap the subordinate clause. If it snows, we will build a snowman.
- It starts with the conjunction if.
- Say it on its own: "If it snows" does not make sense.
- It needs the main clause: we will build a snowman.
- If it snows is the subordinate clause.
Tap the subordinate clause. You must wait here until your name is called.
- It starts with the conjunction until.
- Say it on its own: "until your name is called" does not make sense.
- It needs the main clause: you must wait here.
- Until your name is called is the subordinate clause.
Watch out
You leave out the conjunction and tap only the words after it.
The conjunction belongs to the clause. Tap from the conjunction to the end of the clause, including the comma.
Tips
- When the subordinate clause comes first, a comma follows it.
Why it works
A subordinate clause adds extra information to a main clause, and it cannot stand alone. It starts with a conjunction such as because, when, if or although.