Subordinate clauses
Clauses that add detail but cannot stand alone, and how to spot where one starts.
The answer
A subordinate clause is a clause that adds extra detail to the main clause and cannot stand on its own as a sentence.
Examples
We went inside because it started to rain.
When the bell rang, everyone lined up.
The girl who won the race is my cousin.
A relative clause is a kind of subordinate clause.
If you finish early, you can read.
How to spot it
- It often starts with a subordinating conjunction (because, when, if, although) or a relative pronoun (who, which, that).
- Read it alone: ‘because it started to rain’ leaves you waiting for more.
- It still has its own verb, which is what makes it a clause and not a phrase.
The common mistake
Leaving a subordinate clause on its own as a sentence.
‘When we got home.’ is not a sentence. Join it to a main clause: ‘When we got home, we had tea.’
When it is taught
- First met
- Year 2
- On the pupil word list
- Year 3, as “subordinate clause”
Year 2 uses subordination with when, if, that and because. Year 3 names subordinate clause. Year 5 adds relative clauses, a special kind of subordinate clause.
Try a question
Underline the subordinate clause.
The dog barked until the postman left.
Show the answer
Answer: until the postman left
It has a subject (the postman) and a verb (left), but it cannot stand alone. Until links it to the main clause.
Related terms
- Practise the 11+ skill: Select a clause connector
More grammar terms
Questions parents ask
Is direct speech a subordinate clause?
No. The national curriculum glossary says clauses quoted as direct speech are not subordinate clauses: in He shouted, “Look out!”, Look out is not subordinate.
Where does the comma go?
When the subordinate clause comes first, put a comma after it: If it snows, we will build a snowman. When it comes second, you usually do not need one.
What is the difference between a subordinate clause and a relative clause?
A relative clause is one kind of subordinate clause. It tells you more about a noun and usually starts with who, which, that or whose.
Grammar turns up in 11+ English too
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