Sophisticated sentences need subordinate clauses. We can sort these clauses based on their role (noun, adjective, or adverb clauses) and the meanings they express.

Knowing these differences is key to getting your point across effectively.

What is a Subordinate Clause?

Let’s review! A clause is a group of words in a sentence that has both a subject and a verb but can’t stand on its own as a complete sentence like a helper to the main part of the sentence. Subordinate clauses, also called a dependent clause, need a main clause to make sense.

When a clause works as a part of speech—like a noun, adjective, or adverb—it’s called a subordinate clause because it depends on the main part of the sentence to make sense.

♦ Example: When the rain stopped, we went outside.

When the rain stopped is a subordinate clause. It has a subject (the rain) and a verb (stopped), but it makes little sense by itself. You need the rest of the sentence (we went outside) to make it a complete idea.

Related Reading: Using Subordinate Clauses Like a Pro

The Meanings of Subordinate Clauses

Subordinate clauses can express a wide range of meanings, however, most fall into the following categories:

Place or Time

Subordinate clauses that indicate place or time answer questions like “Where?” or “When?” By providing context, they assist readers in picturing the setting or the order of events.

♦ Example: We will meet where the river bends.
♦ Example: She called when the storm started.

Words such as where, when, whenever, until, and as soon as typically indicate the meaning of these clauses.

Cause

Cause clauses explain the main clause. They’re crucial for making sense of why things happened and making your point more interesting. Common introductory words for cause clauses include because, since, and as.

♦ Example: He left because he was tired.
♦ Example: Since you’ve apologized, I’ll forgive you.

Concession

Concession clauses point out a difference or something surprising from the main clause. They jazz up your writing. Although, even though, and though often introduce these clauses.

♦ Example: Although it was raining, we went hiking.
♦ Example: Even though she was nervous, she gave a brilliant speech.

Purpose

Purpose clauses explain the intention or goal behind an action in the main clause. They are crucial when you want to clarify the “why” behind an action. Typical purpose words include so that, in order that, and to.

♦ Example: He studied hard so that he could pass the exam.
♦ Example: I left early to catch the first bus.

Result

Result clauses show the outcome of the action in the main clause. They often emphasize the consequence of an event. Words like so… that and such… that signal these clauses.

♦ Example: The soup was so hot that I burned my tongue.
♦ Example: He was so tired that he fell asleep immediately.

Condition

Condition clauses set terms for the main clause to occur. We commonly use them in discussing possibilities, hypothetical scenarios, or actions dependent on certain conditions. These clauses often begin with if, unless, provided that, or in case.

♦ Example: If it rains, we’ll stay inside.
♦ Example: Unless you hurry, you’ll miss the train.

Comparison

Comparison clauses draw parallels or contrasts between two ideas or actions. They enrich your descriptions by comparing the main idea to something else. Commonly used introductory words include as… as, than, and like.

♦ Example: She sings better than he does.
♦ Example: He runs as fast as his brother.

Indirect Discourse

Indirect discourse clauses report what someone has said or thought without quoting them directly. These are vital for relaying speech or thoughts in a narrative. The conjunction that is often used to introduce these clauses.

Examples:

♦ The traveler inquired where he could find the inn.
♦ How he managed to escape remains a mystery.
♦ I don’t know how she solved the problem.
♦ Why he left the party early surprised everyone.
♦ He asked why the train was delayed.
♦ When the meeting will start has not been decided.
♦ I don’t remember when we last saw each other.

In each of these examples, the noun clause acts as part of the sentence, just like a regular noun would.

Related Reading: Exploring Adverbs: Types, Examples, and Uses 

Practice Exercises

Determine the subordinate clause and meaning of each sentence.

1. We stayed inside because it was pouring.
2. Although he was late, he still managed to catch the meeting.
3. She practiced every day so that she could win the tournament.
4. The picnic was canceled since the weather forecast predicted thunderstorms.
5. When the sun sets, the streetlights turn on automatically.
6. She gave me her phone number in case I needed to reach her.
7. He completed the project as fast as he could.
8. Wherever you go, I’ll follow.
9. He asked me if I could help him with his homework.
10. Even though it was cold, she didn’t wear a jacket.
11. If you study hard, you will do well on the exam.
12. I couldn’t understand what she was trying to say.
13. We visited the museum where the famous paintings are displayed.
14. So that we wouldn’t miss the train, we left the house early.
15. She wasn’t as prepared as she wanted to be.
16. As soon as the bell rang, the students ran out of the classroom.
17. He whispered so softly that no one could hear him.
18. They traveled to the town where their grandparents were born.
19. She told me that she would be moving to another city.
20. Unless you start now, you won’t finish on time.

Key Takeaways

1. Clarify Relationships: Use subordinate clauses to make clear the relationship between two ideas.
2. Add Context: Time and place clauses help set the scene and provide readers with a sense of when and where actions are happening.
3. Show Cause and Effect: Cause clauses explain reasons behind actions. They are effective for connecting motivations to outcomes and adding depth to your writing.
4. Express Purpose Clearly: Purpose clauses communicate the intention behind an action. Use these to show your characters’ goals or explain why events unfold a certain way.
5. Create Tension with Concession: Concession clauses introduce an element of contrast or unexpected outcomes. They are great for building tension or surprise in your writing.

6. Establish Conditions: Use condition clauses to outline terms or circumstances that affect the main event. This is useful in creating suspense or outlining hypothetical scenarios.
7. Emphasize Results: Result clauses highlight the impact of an action. These can make your writing more vivid by emphasizing consequences.
8. Make Comparisons: Comparison clauses allow readers to visualize or understand actions relative to something else. They work well when you want to add descriptive comparisons.
9. Use Indirect Questions for Depth: Indirect question clauses can add subtlety to your writing, especially in dialogue or when revealing a character’s uncertainty or curiosity.
10. Enhance Emotional Impact: Clauses like “even though she was scared” can be powerful for showing a character’s emotions or internal conflicts. Use them to add layers to your characters’ experiences.

Last Words on the Meaning of Subordinate Clauses

Whether you are explaining causes, contrasting ideas, or stating conditions, subordinate clauses are powerful tools that give your writing greater depth and clarity.

Happy writing!

Linda

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