A subordinate clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It depends on a main clause to make sense, which is why it is also called a dependent clause.
In English grammar, subordinate clauses add extra information such as time, reason, condition, or contrast. They allow writers to express more complex ideas without relying on short, choppy sentences.
For children in KS2, the concept is often introduced through everyday examples and simple subordinating conjunctions like because, when, and although.
What Is a Subordinate Clause?
A subordinate clause has a subject and verb but cannot form a complete thought by itself.
Because she was late, although it was raining, that I bought yesterday.
Words like because, although, since, while, unless introduce subordinate clauses.
A main clause stands alone; a subordinate clause depends on the main clause.
- Subordinate clauses cannot function as complete sentences; they always require a main clause for completeness.
- They are typically introduced by subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns.
- Subordinate clauses can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, with punctuation varying accordingly.
- Mastering subordinate clauses enables writers to construct complex, varied sentences and express nuanced relationships between ideas.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Can it stand alone? | No – it is a dependent clause. |
| Contains subject and verb? | Yes, but it does not express a complete thought. |
| Introduced by? | Subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although) or relative pronoun (e.g., who, which). |
| Function in sentence | Adds extra information (time, reason, condition, contrast, etc.) to the main clause. |
| Position | Can be placed before or after the main clause. Usually separated by a comma when it comes first. |
| Examples | Because it was raining, we stayed inside. (subordinate clause first); She left although she was tired. (subordinate clause last) |
What Are Examples of Subordinate Clauses?
Examples help clarify how subordinate clauses function. Here are ten sentences that include a subordinate clause (underlined) and a main clause.
- If you win the race, I will buy you a drink.
- Because it was raining, we played inside.
- When you have finished lunch, you can have dessert.
- Although the path was muddy, we kept walking.
- Since she moved to the city, we have not seen her.
- The dog that lives next door barks all night.
- We stayed home because the roads were icy.
- She passed the test although she didn’t study much.
- I will call you when I arrive.
- He bought the car that he had seen online.
Ask three questions: Does it add extra detail? Does it make sense on its own? Does it start with words like because, if, when, although or relative pronouns like who, which, that? If the answer is yes to the first and no to the second, it is a subordinate clause.
What Is a Subordinate Conjunction?
A subordinating conjunction is a word that links a subordinate clause to a main clause and shows the relationship between the two ideas. Common examples include because, although, since, while, unless, if, when, before, after, until. According to BBC Bitesize, these conjunctions “help show relationships between ideas” and are used to join a main clause and a subordinate clause.
Subordinating conjunctions can indicate time (when, after, before), reason (because, since), condition (if, unless), contrast (although, while), and purpose (so that). Some subordinate clauses begin with relative pronouns (who, which, that) instead of conjunctions, as noted by the Brandeis University Writing Program.
A useful list includes: after, although, as, because, before, if, once, since, so that, though, unless, until, when, whenever, where, wherever, while. These words signal that the clause they introduce cannot stand alone.
What Is the Difference Between a Subordinate Clause and a Main Clause?
Main clause (independent clause)
A main clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. For example, We went home is a full sentence with a subject (we) and a verb (went). It expresses a complete thought.
Subordinate clause (dependent clause)
A subordinate clause also has a subject and a verb, but it does not express a complete thought. For instance, because we were tired leaves the reader waiting for more information. It must be joined to a main clause to form a proper sentence: We went home because we were tired.
| Main Clause | Subordinate Clause |
|---|---|
| Makes complete sense alone | Does not make complete sense alone |
| Can be a sentence by itself | Must be attached to a main clause |
| Independent clause | Dependent clause |
Punctuation varies depending on order. When the subordinate clause comes first, a comma usually follows: Because it was late, we went home. When it comes last, no comma is needed: We went home because it was late. These rules are consistent across most style guides, though minor differences exist between British and American English.
How Has the Teaching of Subordinate Clauses Evolved?
The explicit teaching of subordinate clauses in UK schools gained prominence with the National Literacy Strategy in 1998. Later, the revised National Curriculum in England (2013) strengthened grammar expectations at Key Stage 2. Current best practices emphasise subordinate clauses as part of sentence-level instruction, helping pupils recognise, join, and punctuate them effectively.
- 1998 – UK National Literacy Strategy introduces explicit grammar teaching including subordinate clauses.
- 2013 – Revision of National Curriculum in England strengthens grammar expectations at KS2.
- 2025 – Current best practices emphasise subordinate clauses as part of sentence-level writing instruction.
What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About Subordinate Clauses?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| The definition and function of subordinate clauses are well-established in English grammar. All authoritative sources agree that they are dependent clauses unable to stand alone. | There is minor variation in punctuation rules, especially between British and American English (e.g., comma usage before subordinating conjunctions in some contexts). Additionally, some borderline cases (e.g., reduced clauses) can blur the line. The terminology ‘subordinate clause’ vs ‘dependent clause’ is sometimes debated but treated synonymously in teaching. |
Why Do Subordinate Clauses Matter?
Subordinate clauses allow writers to combine ideas, show logical relationships such as cause, time, and condition, and avoid choppy sentences. Understanding them improves both reading comprehension and writing quality. This guide serves students (especially KS2), parents helping with homework, teachers preparing lessons, and self‑learners of English grammar.
Where Can You Find Reliable Information on Subordinate Clauses?
A subordinate clause is a group of words in a sentence that contains a subject and a verb but cannot function as a complete sentence on its own.
– Twinkl Teaching Wiki
A subordinate clause is a dependent clause that cannot stand alone. Learn how to use, punctuate, and apply them properly and effectively.
– Grammarly Blog
Learn more about subordinate clauses with this helpful KS2 guide and example, including K-Supermarket Nekala aukioloajat. K-Supermarket Nekala aukioloajat
Subordinating conjunctions are words that help show relationships between ideas. They join a main clause and a subordinate clause.
– BBC Bitesize
For further reading, consult the Twinkl Subordinate Clause Teaching Wiki, the Grammarly guide, BBC Bitesize, or the Brandeis University handout. You can also watch this KS2 English concept video for a child‑friendly explanation.
What Have We Learned About Subordinate Clauses?
A subordinate clause is a dependent group of words with a subject and verb that cannot stand alone. It adds crucial information about time, reason, condition, or contrast to the main clause. Recognising and using subordinate clauses correctly is a foundational skill for writing complex, fluid sentences. For a related discussion on contractual agreements, see What Is a Prenup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a subordinate clause appear in the middle of a sentence?
Yes. For example: The cat, although it was tired, chased the mouse. The subordinate clause is placed between commas.
Do subordinate clauses always need a comma?
No. A comma is typically used when the subordinate clause comes before the main clause. If it follows the main clause, a comma is usually not needed.
What is the difference between a clause and a phrase?
A clause contains a subject and a verb; a phrase does not. Subordinate clauses are clauses, not phrases.
What are the three main types of subordinate clauses?
Adverbial clauses (modify verbs), relative clauses (modify nouns), and noun clauses (act as a noun).
Why is it called a ‘dependent clause’?
Because it depends on a main clause to form a complete sentence. The terms ‘subordinate clause’ and ‘dependent clause’ are used interchangeably.
How can I help my child learn subordinate clauses at home?
Practice by asking your child to add a detail to a simple sentence using words like because, when, or although. For example: start with I went to the park, then ask them to add because…
What is a fronted subordinate clause?
It is a subordinate clause placed at the beginning of a sentence, usually followed by a comma. Example: After the rain stopped, we went outside.
Do subordinate clauses exist in all languages?
Many languages have structures similar to subordinate clauses, but the rules and terminology vary. The concept is common in Indo-European languages.
Can a sentence have more than one subordinate clause?
Yes. Complex sentences can contain multiple subordinate clauses. Example: Because it was cold, we stayed inside while the snow fell.
How are subordinate clauses taught in KS2?
Children in Year 2 begin with basic forms, and the concept is developed further in KS2. Lessons focus on recognising clauses, joining them to make complex sentences, and using correct punctuation.
For more grammar resources, see Away in a Manger Lyrics.
Oliver Arthur Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for StoryShift.uk, covering UK news, culture, politics and technology. He works under Editor-in-Chief Maarika Tamm and UK Managing Editor Oliver Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.