Subordinate Clause Definition with Examples for AP Lang Students

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🔍 Definition: A subordinate clause (also called a dependent clause) is a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought.
• 🔗 Connectors: Subordinate clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions (e.g., *because, although, if, since, when, while*) or relative pronouns (e.g., *who, whom, which, that*).
• 🔑 Key Feature: It depends on a main clause (independent clause) to complete its meaning.
• ✍️ Adjective Clauses: These modify nouns or pronouns. Example: The book *that I borrowed from the library* is overdue.
• ⏰ Adverb Clauses: These modify verbs, adjectives, or adverbs. Example: *Because it was raining*, we stayed inside.
• ➕ Noun Clauses: These function as nouns in a sentence. Example: *What you said* is true.
• 💡 Tip: To identify a subordinate clause, look for the subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun and the clause it introduces.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is the BEST definition of a subordinate clause?
   1. A clause that can stand alone as a sentence.
   2. A clause that expresses a complete thought.
   3. A clause that depends on a main clause for its meaning.
   4. A clause that always comes at the end of a sentence.
2. Which of the following words is commonly used to introduce an adverbial subordinate clause?
   1. Who
   2. What
   3. Because
   4. That
3. In the sentence, "The dog *that barked all night* belongs to my neighbor," which type of subordinate clause is italicized?
   1. Noun clause
   2. Adverb clause
   3. Adjective clause
   4. Independent clause
4. In the sentence, "*If it rains*, we will stay inside," which is the subordinate clause?
   1. We will stay inside
   2. If it rains
   3. We will
   4. It rains
5. Which sentence contains a noun clause functioning as the subject of the sentence?
   1. She likes the flowers *that he bought*.
   2. *What he said* made her happy.
   3. He left *after the movie ended*.
   4. The house *where he lives* is very old.
6. Identify the subordinate clause in the following sentence: "Although the sun was shining, it was still cold."
   1. It was still cold
   2. the sun was shining
   3. Although the sun was shining
   4. it was cold
7. Which of the following sentences does NOT contain a subordinate clause?
   1. I went to the store because I needed milk.
   2. The book, which was very long, was boring.
   3. She is a talented singer.
   4. Before you leave, make sure to lock the door.