Can someone tell me what is "a subordinate clause"

Question

I do not know how to recognise a subordinate clause - can anyone help

Answer 1

A group of words that has both a subject and a verb but (unlike an independent clause) cannot stand alone as a sentence.

Por ejemplo:

"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." (Mark Twain)

"When I'm good, I'm very, very good, but when I'm bad, I'm better." (Mae West, I'm No Angel)

Si te vas, lloraré. (if you go, I'll cry)

The subordinate clauses are in bold letters.

I hope that helps.

y corregid mi español por favor!

lloraré - samdie, Apr 4, 2010

oops! thank you - galsally, Apr 5, 2010

Answer 2

Hi Petticoat. Galsally's answer is great.

A subordinate clause—also called a dependent clause—will begin with a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun and will contain both a subject and a verb. This combination of words will not form a complete sentence. It will instead make a reader want additional information to finish the thought.

Here is more information on subordinate clauses.

Answer 3

Good answers both!

Here is one more example.

Since my brother is here, we can leave now.

Subordinate or dependent.. Since my brother is here.,,,,, This leaves you asking, "And, so what happens now that your bother is here?"

There rest of the sentence could stand by itself and express a complete thought. We can leave now.
Delores