A subordinate, or dependent, clause is similar to a main clause, but it is not a complete thought. 

Subordinate Clause Dependent Clause Comic

How to Spot a Subordinate Clause

Subordinate clauses typically begin with subordinating conjunctions, relative pronouns, or relative adverbs.

Subordinating Conjunction Examples

after although as because
before even though if provided that
since though unless until
when while whenever whereas

 

Main and Subordinate Clause Comic - Aliens abduct cows because they admire their spots. The main clause is "Aliens abduct cows," and the subordinate clause is "because they admire their spots."

Aliens abduct cows = main clause

Aliens is the subject, and abduct is the verb.

because they admire their spots = subordinate clause

They is the subject, and admire is the verb. It is subordinate because it begins with the subordinating conjunction because.

 

Relative Pronoun Examples

that who whose which
whoever whom whomever whichever

Main and Subordinate Clause Comic - The cow who let me win the staring contest is a master hypnotist. The main clause is "The cow is a master hypnotist," and the subordinate clause is "who let me win the staring contest."

 

The cow. . . is a master hypnotist  = main clause

The cow is the subject, and is is the verb.

who let me win the staring contest  = subordinate clause

Who is the relative pronoun and subject, and let is the verb.

 

Relative Adverbs

when where why
Main and Subordinate Clause Comic - Aliens always know where the cows hide. The main clause is "Aliens always know," and the subordinate clause is "where the cows hide."

Aliens always know = main clause

Aliens is the subject, and know is the verb.

where the cows hide = subordinate clause

Cows is the subject, and hide is the verb. This clause starts with the relative adverb where, so it is subordinate.


Need more help identifying subordinate clauses? Complete the practice exercises in this video!



Sentences

Main Clauses
Subordinate Clauses - Comic with Cows
Run-on Sentences
Comma Splices

Teacher Resources


Main and Subordinate Clause Notes

Want clauses for your classroom? Get the Main and Subordinate Clause Notes at TPT.

Grammar Notes Bundle

Maximize students’ grammar with the Grammar Notes Bundle, available through TPT.

Run-on Sentences Notes and Practice

Once students have mastered main clauses, they’re read to tackle run-on sentences. Get the Run-on Sentences Notes and Practice at TPT.

Once students have mastered main clauses, they can learn the rules for using semicolons! Get the Semicolons Notes and Practice at TPT.