Main and Subordinate Clauses

Clauses A clause is a group of words that has a subject and a predicate and functions as a part of a sentence or as a whole sentence. Clauses fall into two categories: main clauses, which are also called independent clauses, and subordinate clauses, which are also called dependent clauses.

Main Clause A main clause has a subject and a predicate and expresses a complete thought. It is the only type of clause that can stand alone as a sentence. Every sentence must have at least one clause.

Main Clause Examples Subjects are bold, verbs are italicized, the main clause is underlined Lori walked the dog. Lori took her dog to the store and she bought him treats. Both the subject and the predicate of a main clause may be compound. Lori and Zeke walk to the park and Zeke runs and plays.

Subordinate Clauses A subordinate clause has a subject and a predicate but does not express a complete thought, so it cannot stand alone as a sentence. They are depended on the rest of the sentence. There are three types of subordinate clauses.

Types of Subordinate Clauses Adjective clauses modify nouns or pronouns. Adverb clauses modify verbs, adjectives, or adverbs. Noun clauses function as nouns.

Subordinate Clause Examples Subjects are bold, verbs are italicized, the main clause is underlined, and the subordinate clause is in green I enjoy a hot bath after I work a full day.

Adjective Clause Examples The adjective clause is underlined. Athletes who perform in the Olympics must spend years in training. Cities that host the Olympics need many athletic facilities.

Adverb Clause Examples The adverb clause is underlined. Before winter began, I planted bulbs. [The adverb clause tells when and modifies the verb planted.] Bulbs usually do well if you use fertilizer. [The adverb clause tells under what conditions and modifies the adverb well.]

Noun Clause Examples The noun clause is underlined. Whatever you can learn about computers will prove useful in the workplace. [noun clause as subject] The basics of computers is what you must learn.