Definition · Plain-language
Subordinate clause
A subordinate clause — also called a dependent clause — is a clause that has a subject and verb but cannot stand alone as a sentence because it is introduced by a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun.
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Subordinate clause: the same as dependent clause
Subordinate clause and dependent clause are synonyms for the same grammatical structure. Both terms name a clause that contains a subject and a finite verb but is grammatically incomplete — it cannot stand alone because the subordinating element (the conjunction or relative pronoun) signals that it depends on a main (independent) clause to complete the meaning. Grammarians tend to use subordinate clause to emphasise the hierarchical relationship: the clause is ranked below, or subordinate to, the main clause. Dependent clause emphasises the structural fact: it depends on another clause. In everyday grammar teaching and style guides, the terms are used interchangeably.
The three types of subordinate clause
Subordinate clauses divide into three functional types. Adverbial subordinate clauses act like adverbs, modifying the verb, adjective or whole clause of the main sentence; they are introduced by subordinating conjunctions: "Because the funding was withdrawn, the project ended." "The results were significant, although the sample was small." "We will proceed if the committee approves." They answer questions such as why, when, how and under what conditions. Adjectival (relative) subordinate clauses act like adjectives, modifying a noun or pronoun: "the data that were collected last year"; "the supervisor who approved the proposal". Noun subordinate clauses act as a subject, object or complement: "What she said surprised everyone"; "I believe that the hypothesis is correct".
Punctuation and relationship to complex sentences
A complex sentence is defined as one that contains at least one independent clause and at least one subordinate clause. The standard punctuation rule: when the subordinate clause comes first, place a comma after it before the main clause ("Although it rained, we continued."); when it follows the main clause, no comma is normally needed ("We continued although it rained."). Some contrast conjunctions (although, whereas, even though) are an exception — many writers and editors insert a comma before them regardless of position. Mastering subordinate clauses also means recognising what they are not: a clause beginning with a subordinating conjunction is always a fragment if it stands alone, so punctuating it as a complete sentence is an error.
Key facts
At a glance
- Synonym: dependent clause (the terms are interchangeable)
- Cannot stand alone: always attached to a main (independent) clause
- Introduced by: subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun
- Adverbial: modifies the verb — answers when, why, how, under what condition
- Adjectival/relative: modifies a noun — introduced by who, which, that
- Noun clause: acts as subject or object — often introduced by that, what, whether
- Complex sentence: independent clause + one or more subordinate clauses
Common misconceptions
What people often get wrong
Often heard: A subordinate clause and a dependent clause are different things.
Actually: The terms are synonymous. Both name a clause that has a subject and verb but cannot stand alone as a sentence because of the subordinating element that opens it. Different textbooks and traditions may prefer one term over the other.
Often heard: A subordinate clause can be punctuated as a complete sentence.
Actually: A subordinate clause standing alone is a sentence fragment. "Although the results were promising." looks like a sentence but is grammatically incomplete; it must be attached to a main clause: "Although the results were promising, the sample size was too small."
Often heard: You always put a comma before a subordinating conjunction.
Actually: The comma rule is position-based. A subordinate clause fronted before the main clause is followed by a comma. When the subordinate clause follows the main clause, no comma is normally needed: "She left because the meeting ended."
Going deeper
