Subordinate Clauses: Definition, Types & Examples
A subordinate clause (also called a dependent clause) contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a sentence. It depends on a main clause to complete its meaning. Subordinate clauses are one of the most powerful tools writers have for adding depth, rhythm, and nuance to their sentences — turning flat statements into layered prose.
Independent Clause
She finished the novel.
Complete thought — can stand alone as a sentence
Subordinate Clause
Before the deadline arrived...
Incomplete thought — needs a main clause to make sense
The Three Types of Subordinate Clauses
1. Adverbial Clauses
An adverbial clause modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb — answering questions like when, why, how, where, or under what conditions. It begins with a subordinating conjunction (because, although, when, if, etc.) and is the most common type of subordinate clause in everyday writing.
2. Relative (Adjectival) Clauses
A relative clause modifies a noun or pronoun. It begins with a relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, which, that) or a relative adverb (where, when, why). Relative clauses can be essential (restrictive — no commas) or nonessential (nonrestrictive — set off by commas).
3. Noun Clauses
A noun clause functions as a noun — it can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence. It often begins with that, what, whatever, who, whoever, whether, how, or why. Noun clauses are common in dialogue and interior monologue, where characters express beliefs, doubts, and questions.
Subordinate Clause Examples
Adverbial Clause
Because the storm knocked out the power, we wrote by candlelight.
Clause: Because the storm knocked out the power — Explains why — modifies the main clause
Adverbial Clause
She revised the chapter until every sentence earned its place.
Clause: until every sentence earned its place — Indicates time — when the revising stopped
Adverbial Clause
Although he had outlined the entire novel, the ending surprised him.
Clause: Although he had outlined the entire novel — Concession — sets up a contrast
Adverbial Clause
If you write every morning, the habit becomes automatic.
Clause: If you write every morning — Condition — states what must be true
Adverbial Clause
Wherever she traveled, she carried a notebook.
Clause: Wherever she traveled — Place — modifies the main action
Relative Clause
The manuscript that she had abandoned five years ago became a bestseller.
Clause: that she had abandoned five years ago — Identifies which manuscript — essential information
Relative Clause
Her editor, who had worked with her on three novels, caught the inconsistency.
Clause: who had worked with her on three novels — Adds detail about the editor — nonessential, set off by commas
Relative Clause
The cafe where Hemingway once wrote is now a tourist attraction.
Clause: where Hemingway once wrote — Identifies which cafe
Relative Clause
She chose a pen name whose meaning only she understood.
Clause: whose meaning only she understood — Describes the pen name
Noun Clause
What the reviewer wrote stung for weeks.
Clause: What the reviewer wrote — Acts as the subject of the sentence
Noun Clause
She believed that the first draft should be reckless.
Clause: that the first draft should be reckless — Acts as the direct object of "believed"
Noun Clause
Whether the novel would sell was beside the point.
Clause: Whether the novel would sell — Acts as the subject
Noun Clause
The question is why the protagonist lies.
Clause: why the protagonist lies — Acts as a predicate nominative
Subordinating Conjunctions Reference
Subordinating conjunctions are the words that introduce adverbial clauses and signal the relationship between the subordinate clause and the main clause.
How to Punctuate Subordinate Clauses
The punctuation rule is straightforward: if the subordinate clause comes before the main clause, use a comma. If it comes after, you usually do not.
Clause First — Comma
Although she was exhausted, she wrote another page.
Clause Second — No Comma
She wrote another page although she was exhausted.
For relative clauses, the rule depends on whether the information is essential. Essential (restrictive) clauses use no commas: The writer who finishes wins. Nonessential (nonrestrictive) clauses are set off by commas: Margaret Atwood, who has written over fifty books, still writes every morning.
How Subordinate Clauses Add Depth to Writing
Simple sentences — subject, verb, object — are clear and punchy. But a novel made entirely of simple sentences reads like a telegram. Subordinate clauses let you layer information, control pacing, and create rhythm.
Subordinate vs Independent Clause
An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone: The rain stopped. A subordinate clause has a subject and verb but is introduced by a word (a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun) that makes it incomplete: When the rain stopped... The subordinating word is the key difference — remove it, and the clause becomes independent again.
A common error is punctuating a subordinate clause as a complete sentence. Because she was tired. is a fragment. It needs a main clause: Because she was tired, she stopped writing. However, experienced writers sometimes use fragments intentionally for emphasis — a technique that works precisely because it breaks the rule.
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