What is a subordinate

clause?

Grammar Toolkit

Subordinate clauses

Grammar Toolkit

Subordinate clauses

Unlike a main clause, a subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a sentence. Subordinate clauses

add meaning to the main clause in a sentence. They may act as a noun, adverb or adjective.

Although she’s very busy, I know that my mum, who is really pretty, still wants to be an astronaut.

adverbial clause — this one tells why

adjectival clause, describing the noun mum

noun clause, telling what the thought is

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Subordinate clauses

What are the adjectival clauses in these sentences?

Ed’s socks, which had not been washed, lay on the bedroom floor.All the actors who signed forms should line up quietly at the door.

What are the noun clauses in these sentences? Tip: Ask the question what?

Grandma said she was proud of me.Tess didn’t guess who had taken her lunch.

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Subordinate clauses

What are the subordinate clauses doing in these sentences?

People will behave as they wish.

There was an old lady who swallowed a fly.

Since it arrived, that dog has been nothing but trouble.

I told her the job was done.

adverbial clause, telling how

adverbial clause, telling when

noun clause, telling what

adjectival clause, describing the lady

Note that that is sometimes left out.

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Subordinate clauses

• A clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb. It is the basic unit of a sentence.• A subordinate clause cannot stand alone as

a sentence. It depends on the main clause in a sentence and adds meaning to it.• A subordinate clause acts in a sentence as a

noun (noun clause), adverb (adverbial clause) or adjective (adjectival clause).

Grammar Toolkit

Subordinate clauses

The End