SUBORDINATE CLAUSE

A subordinate clause is a clause that cannot stand alone

as a complete sentence because it does not express a
complete thought. For example:

 The dog stopped running when Jack blew the whistle.

("When Jack blew the whistle" is an example of a

subordinate clause. It cannot stand alone as a
sentence. "The dog stopped running" is the main
clause in this sentence. It is an example of an
independent clause because it could stand alone as a
sentence.)

A subordinate clause supports the main clause of a

sentence by adding to its meaning. Like all clauses, a
subordinate clause has a subject and verb. In "when Jack
blew the whistle," the subject is "Jack" and the verb is
"blew."
EXAMPLES OF SUBORDINATE CLAUSE
Here are some examples of subordinate clauses. You will
notice that none of the shaded clauses could stand alone
as a sentence. This is how a subordinate clause (or a
dependent clause) is different from an independent
clause.
1.Because I was tired, I went to bed early.
2.If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.
3. When I finish my homework, I will watch TV
4.Although I’m busy, I will attend the meeting.
 5.Since I forgot my phone, I couldn’t call you.

TYPES OF SUBORDINATE CLAUSE

A subordinate clause supports the main clause in a
sentence by functioning as an adverb, an
adjective, or a noun.

SUBORDINATE ADVERBIAL CLAUSE

A subordinate adverbial clause is a type of dependent

clause that functions as an adverb within a sentence. It
provides additional information about the main clause,
often explaining when, where, why, how, to what extent,
or under what conditions something happens. These
clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions
such as "because," "although," "if," "when," "while,"
"since," "after," "before," and "unless.”

STRUCTURE OF SUBORDINATE ADVERBIAL

CLAUSE

1.Subordinating Conjunction: This word links

the adverbial clause to the main clause and
indicates the type of relationship (time, cause,
condition, contrast, etc.).
 2.Subject and Verb: Like all clauses, a
subordinate adverbial clause contains a subject
and a verb.

3.Complete Thought: Despite having a subject

and a verb, the clause does not express a
complete thought and cannot stand alone.

EXAMPLES AND TYPES

1.Time: Indicates when the action of the main

clause happens.
Example: "I will call you when I get home."
Subordinating Conjunctions: when, after, before,
while, as soon as

2.Cause or Reason: Explains why the action of

the main clause happens.
Example: "She was happy because she passed the
exam.
"Subordinating Conjunctions: because, since, as

3. Condition: States the condition under which the

action of the main clause will occur.
Example: "If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.
"Subordinating Conjunctions: if, unless, provided that

4. Purpose: Describes the purpose of the action in

the main clause. Example: "She practiced hard
so that she could win the competition.
 “Subordinating Conjunctions: so that, in order that

5. Contrast or Concession: Shows contrast or

exception to the main clause.
Example: "Although it was raining, they went for a
walk.
“Subordinating Conjunctions: although, though, even
though

6.Place: Indicates where the action of the main

clause happens. Example: "You can sit wherever
you like. “Subordinating Conjunctions: where,
wherever

Punctuations
Beginning of Sentence: When the subordinate
adverbial clause comes at the beginning of a
sentence, it is usually followed by a comma.
Example: "Because it was late, we decided to
go home.”
End of Sentence: When the clause comes at the
end, a comma is typically not needed.
Example: "We decided to go home because it
was late.”

Functions
 Subordinate adverbial clauses add depth and detail
to sentences by modifying the verb, adjective, or
another adverb in the main clause. They help to:
Specify the time, place, or manner of an action.
Provide reasons or conditions for actions.
Contrast with the main clause to highlight
differences or exceptions.

SUBORDINATE ADJECTIVE CLAUSE

A subordinate adjective clause, also known as a relative
clause, is a type of dependent clause that modifies a
noun or pronoun in the main clause. It provides additional
information about the noun or pronoun, making the
meaning more specific and detailed.
Components of a Subordinate Adjective Clause
 Relative Pronoun or Relative Adverb: The clause
usually begins with a relative pronoun (who, whom,
whose, which, that) or a relative adverb (where,
when, why).
 Subject and Predicate: Like all clauses, an
adjective clause has a subject and a predicate.
Function
The main function of an adjective clause is to
provide more information about a noun or pronoun in
the main clause. It acts as an adjective, describing or
qualifying the noun or pronoun.

Functions in a Sentence
Modifying a Subject:
Example: “The book that is on the table is mine.”
Explanation: “that is on the table” modifies “The
book,” specifying which book is being referred to.
Modifying an Object:
Example: “I saw the movie that you recommended.”
Explanation: “that you recommended” modifies “the
movie,” specifying which movie was seen.
Modifying an Object of a Preposition:
Example: “She is the person to whom I spoke.”
Explanation: “to whom I spoke” modifies “the
person,” specifying which person was spoken to.

Types of Adjective Clauses

 Restrictive (Defining) Clause: This type of
clause is essential to the meaning of the
sentence. It defines or restricts the noun it
modifies. Example: “The book that I borrowed
was fascinating.” (The clause “that I borrowed”
is necessary to specify which book.)
 Non-restrictive (Non-defining) Clause: This
type of clause adds extra information about the
noun but is not essential to the meaning of the
sentence. It is usually set off by commas.
Example: “The book, which I borrowed from the
library, was fascinating.” (The clause “which I
borrowed from the library” adds extra
information but isn’t necessary to identify the
book.)
 Examples
 Using Relative Pronouns:
 The teacher who taught me was very kind.
 The house that Jack built is still standing.
 She is the artist whose paintings are
famous.
 Using Relative Adverbs:
 This is the place where we met.
 I remember the day when we first met.
 Do you know the reason why she left?

SUBORDINATE NOUN CLAUSE

A subordinate noun clause is a type of dependent clause
that functions as a noun within a sentence. Because it
acts as a noun, it can perform various roles that nouns
typically do in sentences, such as subject, object, or
complement. Here’s a detailed breakdown.
STRUCTURE
A subordinate noun clause often begins with a
subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun. Common
ones include:
 That
 Whether
 If
 Who, whom, whose, which, what (and their
compounds like whoever, whomever, whichever,
whatever).
 FUNCTIONS IN A SENTENCE
 Subject :
Example: “What she said was surprising.
“Explanation: “What she said” is the subject of the verb
“was.”
 Object of a Verb:
Example: “I know that he is coming. “Explanation: “That
he is coming” is the object of the verb “know.”
 Object of a Preposition:
Example: “We talked about what she did.”
Explanation: “What she did” is the object of the
preposition “about.”
 Subject Complement:
Example: “The question is whether we can trust him.”
Explanation: “Whether we can trust him” is the subject
complement, explaining more about “The question.”
 Appositive:
Example: “The idea that we should leave early is
sensible.”
Explanation: “That we should leave early” is an
appositive, providing additional information about “The
idea.”
Identifying Subordinate Noun Clauses
 To identify a subordinate noun clause, look for clauses
that:
 Begin with the above subordinating conjunctions or
relative pronouns.
 Function as a noun within the main clause.
 Cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
Examples
Subject Example: “That she won the prize was
unexpected.”
Here, “That she won the prize” acts as the subject of
the verb “was.”
Direct Object Example: “He believed that the earth
was flat.”
“That the earth was flat” is the object of the verb
“believed.”
Indirect Object Example: “She gave whoever needed
help a hand.”
“Whoever needed help” is the indirect object of the
verb “gave.”
Prepositional Object Example: “They were concerned
about how the event would unfold.”
“How the event would unfold” is the object of the
preposition “about.”
Subject Complement Example: “The fact is that she
arrived late.”
“That she arrived late” is the complement of the
subject “The fact.”

CONDITIONAL CLAUSE
Conditional clauses are a type of sentence structure used
to express hypothetical or uncertain situations and their
consequences. They typically consist of two parts:

1. The condition (or protasis): This clause describes the

hypothetical situation or condition.
2. The consequence (or apodosis): This clause describes
the result or outcome of the condition.

There are four main types of conditional clauses:

1. *Zero Conditional*: Used for universal truths, facts, and

habits.
- If + present simple, then + present simple.
- Example: "If you heat ice, it melts."
2. *First Conditional*: Used for likely future events or
situations.
- If + present simple, then + future simple.
- Example: "If it rains, I will take an umbrella."
3. *Second Conditional*: Used for unlikely or hypothetical
situations.
- If + past simple, then + would/could/might + base
verb.
- Example: "If I won the lottery, I would buy a house."
4. *Third Conditional*: Used for past hypothetical
situations and their consequences.
- If + past perfect, then + would have + past participle.
- Example: "If I had studied harder, I would have
passed the exam."

Additionally, there are:

- *Mixed Conditional*: Combines elements of the second

and third conditionals.
- If + past simple, then + would have + past participle.
- Example: "If I had won the lottery, I would be rich
now."
- *Conditional sentences with unless*: Used to express a
condition that must be met to avoid a particular outcome.
- Unless + subject + verb, then + consequence.
- Example: "Unless you hurry, you will miss the bus."
Understanding conditional clauses helps you express
complex ideas, hypothetical situations, and uncertain
events in a clear and concise manner.

RELATIVE CLAUSE
Relative clauses are a type of dependent clause that
provides additional information about a noun or pronoun
in the main clause. They are introduced by relative
pronouns or relative adverbs and help to:

1. Identify or describe a noun or pronoun

2. Provide additional information about the noun or
pronoun
3. Clarify or specify which noun or pronoun is being
referred to

Types of Relative Clauses:

1. _Restrictive Relative Clauses_: Essential to the meaning

of the sentence, providing crucial information.
- No commas are used.
- Example: “The book that I read was interesting.”
2. _Non-Restrictive Relative Clauses_: Provide additional,
non-essential information.
 - Commas are used.
- Example: “My sister, who lives in Paris, is a doctor.”

Relative Pronouns:

1. _Who_: Refers to people.

2. _Which_: Refers to things, animals, or ideas.
3. _Whom_: Refers to people, object of the verb.
4. _Whose_: Shows possession, refers to people or
animals.
5. _That_: Refers to people, animals, or things, used in
restrictive clauses.

Relative Adverbs:

1. _When_: Refers to time.

2. _Where_: Refers to place.
3. _Why_: Refers to reason or purpose.

Examples:

- “The city where I was born is very beautiful.” (Relative

adverb “where”)
- “The reason why I’m tired is that I didn’t sleep well.”
(Relative adverb “why”)

Tips:

- Use commas to separate non-restrictive relative clauses.

- Choose the correct relative pronoun or adverb based on
the noun or pronoun being referred to.
- Ensure the relative clause is clearly connected to the
main clause.

By mastering relative clauses, you can add complexity

and nuance to your sentences, providing more detailed
and interesting information to your readers or listeners.

COMPARATIVE CLAUSE
Comparative clauses are used to compare two things,
ideas, or situations. They are introduced by comparative
words or phrases, such as:

1. _Than_: Used for comparisons.

2. _As...as_: Used for equal comparisons.
3. _Less...than_: Used for negative comparisons.
4. _More...than_: Used for positive comparisons.

Types of Comparative Clauses:

1. _Simple Comparative Clauses_: Compare two things

using "than".
- Example: "She is taller than me."
2. _Double Comparative Clauses_: Compare two things
using "the...the".
- Example: "The more I study, the better I understand."
3. _Comparative Clauses with As...As_: Compare two
things using "as...as".
- Example: "He runs as fast as me."
4. _Comparative Clauses with Less...Than_: Compare two
things using "less...than".
- Example: "I have less experience than her."
5. _Comparative Clauses with More...Than_: Compare two
things using "more...than".
- Example: "He has more friends than me."

Structure:
- Comparative word (e.g., more, less, as)
- Adjective or adverb
- Than/as
- Second element being compared

Tips:

- Use "than" for simple comparisons.

- Use "as...as" for equal comparisons.
- Use "less...than" for negative comparisons.
- Use "more...than" for positive comparisons.
- Ensure the comparative clause is clearly connected to
the main clause.

By using comparative clauses effectively, you can create

nuanced and interesting comparisons that enhance your
writing and speech.

VERBLESS CLAUSE
Verbless clauses, also known as nominal clauses, are
dependent clauses that function as nouns or pronouns in
a sentence. They do not have a finite verb and typically
consist of a noun or pronoun with modifiers.
Types of Verbless Clauses:

1. *Noun Clauses*: Function as nouns, often beginning

with "what," "who," or "which."
- Example: "What she said was true."
2. *Infinitive Phrases*: Begin with an infinitive verb form
(to + verb) and function as nouns.
- Example: "To learn a new language is challenging."
3. *Gerund Phrases*: Begin with a gerund (verb + -ing)
and function as nouns.
- Example: "Eating breakfast is essential."
4. *Participial Phrases*: Begin with a participle (verb + -
ing or -ed) and function as adjectives.
- Example: "The woman standing over there is my
mother."
5. *Absolute Phrases*: Modify an entire sentence, often
beginning with a noun or pronoun.
- Example: "The sun setting over the horizon, we began
our journey."

Characteristics:

- Lack a finite verb

- Function as nouns or pronouns
- Often begin with subordinating conjunctions or relative
pronouns
- Can be used as subjects, complements, or objects

Examples:

- "The fact that she was late bothered me." (Noun clause)
- "To travel is to learn." (Infinitive phrase)
- "Singing in the shower is my favorite hobby." (Gerund
phrase)
- "The book, written by my favorite author, is on the
bestseller list." (Participial phrase)
- "The weather being perfect, we went to the beach."
(Absolute phrase)

By using verbless clauses effectively, you can add variety

and complexity to your sentences, creating more
nuanced and interesting expressions.

COMPLEMENTARY CLAUSE
Complementary clauses, also known as complement
clauses, are dependent clauses that function as
complements to a linking verb or a main clause. They
provide additional information about the subject or object
of the sentence, often answering questions like "what?"
or "who?"

Types of Complementary Clauses:

1. _Noun Complement Clauses_: Function as nouns, often

beginning with "that" or "what."
- Example: "The fact that she was late is unfortunate."
2. _Adjective Complement Clauses_: Function as
adjectives, often beginning with "that" or "what."
- Example: "The woman that I met was friendly."
3. _Object Complement Clauses_: Function as objects,
often beginning with "that" or "what."
- Example: "I found what I was looking for."
4. _Subject Complement Clauses_: Function as subjects,
often beginning with "that" or "what."
- Example: "What she said was true."

Characteristics:

- Function as complements to a linking verb or main

clause
- Provide additional information about the subject or
object
- Often begin with subordinating conjunctions like "that"
or "what"
- Can be used as subjects, objects, or complements

Examples:

- "The idea that we discussed is innovative." (Noun

complement clause)
- "The book that I read was fascinating." (Adjective
complement clause)
- "I found what I was looking for." (Object complement
clause)
- "What she said was true." (Subject complement clause)

By using complementary clauses effectively, you can add

depth and clarity to your sentences, creating more
nuanced and interesting expressions.

Note: Complementary clauses are often confused with

relative clauses, but they serve different functions.
Relative clauses describe a noun, while complementary
clauses complete the meaning of a linking verb or main
clause.