What makes a clause:
* Subject: The person or thing performing the action.
* Verb: The action being performed.
What makes a SUBORDINATE clause:
* A Subordinating Conjunction: This word connects the subordinate clause to the main clause and signals its dependence. Common ones include:
* Because, since, although, though, while, when, where, if, unless, as, before, after, until, as if, as though, so that, in order that, etc.
* Incomplete Thought: A subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a sentence because it lacks a complete thought.
Examples:
* Because I was tired, I went to bed early.
* While I was walking, I saw a bird.
* If you study hard, you will succeed.
Key Characteristics:
* Always begins with a subordinating conjunction.
* Has a subject and a verb.
* Cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
* Provides additional information about the main clause.
Here's a comparison:
Independent Clause: "The sun is shining." (Complete thought, can stand alone)
Subordinate Clause: "Because the sun is shining." (Incomplete thought, cannot stand alone)
Let me know if you'd like more examples or have any further questions!