Subordinating Clause Example with Meaning & Worksheet

Subordinating clause example: Every sentence in English Grammar has a clause. Some of the sentences are made up of multiple clauses, depending on the type of sentence. There are typically two types of clauses: subordinate clauses and main clauses. Subordinating clauses represent a set of words with a subject. However, it cannot function on its own. Continue reading the blog post below to uncover more about subordinating clause examples with meaning. 

Subordinate Clauses Definition With Example

A subordinate clause cannot function on its own. It must be attached to an independent clause to form a complete sentence. To make you understand subordinate clauses more thoroughly, we have compiled a list of sentences relevant to subordinate clauses given below: 

1. After the rain stopped, we went for a walk in the park.
2. Because she forgot her umbrella, Sara got soaked in the rain.
3. The cat, which had been missing for days, finally returned home.
4. I will help you with your homework if you need assistance.
5. He couldn’t go to the party since he had to work late.
6. Whoever arrives first can choose the movie we watch.
7. If you don’t hurry, we’ll miss the bus.
8. Although he studied hard, he still failed the exam.
9. While she was cooking dinner, the phone rang.
10. Since they were out of milk, she couldn’t make a cup of tea.

Learn all about Adverbs – Definition, Types, Use Here!

Subordinating Clause Types With Example

These examples below demonstrate how subordinate clauses provide additional information in a sentence and cannot stand alone as complete sentences. They rely on main clauses to give them context and meaning.

Adverbial Clause 

• After he finished his homework, he went to bed.
• She sang beautifully because she practised every day.

Adjectival Clause (Also known as relative clause)

• The book that I bought yesterday is on the table.
• The girl who is wearing a red dress is my friend.

Noun Clause

• What he said made me angry.
• Whoever finishes first gets a prize.

Conditional Clause

• If it rains tomorrow, we’ll stay indoors.
• Unless you study harder, you won’t pass the exam.

Comparative Clause

• She is taller than her brother.
• The movie was better than I expected.

Also Read: Adverbial Clause: Definition, Examples, Usage & Exercise

Picture of Subordinating Clause Type Examples 

Words Beginning with Subordinate Clause Example

Here are examples of sentences where subordinate clauses begin with words often used to introduce them:

Since

• Since it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.
• Since you’re here, can you help me with this?

Although

• Although he studied hard, he still didn’t pass the exam.
• Although it was late, they continued their journey.

If

• If I finish my work early, I’ll join you for lunch.
• If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask.

When

• When she arrived at the party, everyone greeted her warmly.
• When you’re finished, please submit your report.

Where

• Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
• Wherever you go, I’ll follow.

Whether

• Whether it rains or shines, we’ll have a good time.
• I’m not sure whether he’ll come or not.

While

• While I was cooking, my sister was cleaning the house.
• While they were walking in the park, they saw a rainbow.

Until

• Until you finish your homework, you can’t go out to play.
• I’ll wait here until you return.

Unless

• Unless you apologize, I won’t forgive you.
• I won’t go to the party unless you come with me.

After

• After the game ended, we went for pizza.
• After he finished his meal, he asked for the bill.

List of Common Subordinate Clause Examples

Here’s a list of common subordinate clauses along with their functions:

Adverbial Subordinate Clauses

1. Time: When, while, as, since, before, after, until, whenever, as soon as, etc.
2. Place: Where, wherever, anywhere, etc.
3. Reason: Because, since, as, given that, etc.
4. Condition: If, unless, provided that, in case, etc.
5. Comparison: Than, as, etc.
6. Concession: Although, though, even though, while, whereas, etc.
7. Purpose: So that, in order that, etc.
8. Result or Effect: So, so…that, such…that, etc.

Adjectival Subordinate Clauses (Relative Clauses)

1. Defining: That, who, whom, whose, which, etc.
2. Non-defining: Which, who, whom, whose, etc.

Noun Subordinate Clauses

1. Subject: What, whatever, whoever, etc.
2. Object: What, whatever, whoever, etc.
3. Complement: That, whether, etc.
4. Possessive: Whose, etc.
5. Appositive: Whichever, whatever, etc.

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