What can a subordinate clause?

A subordinate clause, also known as a dependent clause, is a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it lacks a subject and a verb that work together to express a complete thought. It depends on an independent clause to complete its meaning.

Here's a breakdown of what a subordinate clause can do:

1. Provide additional information:

* Adjective clauses: They modify nouns or pronouns, telling us more about them.

* *Example:* "The book that I borrowed from the library is very interesting." ("that I borrowed from the library" modifies "book")

* Adverb clauses: They modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, telling us when, where, why, how, or to what extent something happened.

* *Example:* "When I finish my work, I will go to the movies." ("When I finish my work" modifies "will go")

2. Act as a noun:

* Noun clauses: They function as the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

* *Example:* "What you said surprised me." ("What you said" is the subject of the sentence)

3. Express a variety of relationships:

* Time: "Before I left, I turned off the lights."

* Place: "Where the river flows, the land is fertile."

* Cause: "Because it was raining, we stayed inside."

* Contrast: "Although she was tired, she continued working."

* Condition: "If you study hard, you will succeed."

Key Features:

* Subordinating conjunction: Subordinate clauses typically begin with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, while, when, if, that, who, which).

* Incomplete thought: They express a partial thought that requires an independent clause to make sense.

In summary, subordinate clauses provide extra information, act as nouns, and express various relationships within a sentence, all while relying on an independent clause to form a complete thought.