Subordinate Clause
Subordination describes a clause-level dependency relationship. Some subordinate clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions, but the broader category also includes other dependent clause structures.
A subordinate, or dependent, clause depends on a main clause rather than normally standing as an independent sentence. Subordinate clauses can serve several functions and can be finite or non-finite, so the category is broader than adverb clauses alone.
Key details
Important caveats
Boundary
Do not assume every subordinate clause begins with the same kind of conjunction or has the same punctuation pattern.
Further guidance
Diagnostic
Identify the clause and ask whether it functions independently as the main clause or depends on another clause for its role in the sentence.
Types
Subordinate clauses can perform adverbial, relative/adjectival, nominal, and other functions depending on the grammar framework.
Worked Example
In “We left because the office closed,” “because the office closed” is subordinate to the main clause “We left.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Clauses (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Cambridge defines subordinate/dependent clauses as clauses that cannot form sentences on their own and depend on main clauses; they may be finite or non-finite.
- Conjunctions (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Cambridge shows that subordinating conjunctions introduce subordinate clauses and lists common forms such as although, because, if, when, whereas, and while.