Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate Clauses
Clause is a group of words with a subject and a predicate. A main, or independent, clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. For example, “We were practicing” is both a main clause and a sentence.
A subordinate, or dependent, clause cannot stand alone and functions as (1) a noun, (2) an adjective, or (3) an adverb. Each kind of subordinate clause typically begins with a particular kind of word.
Adverb clauses begin with subordinating adverbial conjunctions and act as adverbs. Frequently used subordinating adverbial conjunctions include after, when, while, where, wherever, and because. Adverbs often tell when, where, or why an action occurred.
In “While we were practicing, they listened,” the adverb clause while we were practicing performs the adverbial function of telling when they listened.
Although
16. Although the latest computers are small, ________
17. Although________, she became a successful surgeon.
18. Mr. Resnik is selling street food now although________
19. ________ although everyone laughed at his idea in the beginning.
Because
20. The (Greek, Roman, British) empire fell because ________
21. ________ because they gave away free samples.
22. Because Tommy didn’t listen to his mother, ________
23. Because________, everybody watched that video.
24. Why does Ron live with his parents?
If
25. Thalia will marry Burt if________
26. John will________ if he can’t find a job.
27. If you find a four-leafed clover,________
28. If________ you will have a good time.
29. What will happen if the government lowers taxes?
While
30. While I’m with my friends, we talk about________
31. While________, Wayne was thinking about the girl next door.
32. Donald was________while he was flying his airplane.
33. Tanya studied at university while________ .
34. What did Teresa do while her parents were away?
