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.
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.