Subordinating

Subordinating refers to the process of creating a dependent relationship between clauses within a sentence, such that one clause cannot stand alone and relies on another for its full meaning. In grammar, this is achieved through subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns that attach a subordinate clause to a main clause. Subordinate clauses are also known as dependent clauses.

Subordinate clauses come in several types. Adverbial clauses modify the main clause by providing information about time, cause, condition, purpose, comparison, or concession. Examples: "Because it was late, we left." "If you study, you will pass." "While I was sleeping, the phone rang." Relative clauses modify a noun and describe or identify it. Examples: "The book that you gave me." "The person who called is here." Noun clauses function as a noun within the sentence, acting as subjects, objects, or complements. Examples: "What you did surprised me." "That she won was clear." "I know that he lied."

Common subordinating conjunctions and complementizers include because, since, although, though, if, when, while, after, before, until, as, as if, as though, that, and whether.

Subordination is contrasted with coordination. In coordination, independent clauses are joined by coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or) and each clause can stand alone; in subordination, the dependent clause relies on the main clause to complete its meaning.

In many languages subordination is marked by specific syntactic or morphological means beyond word order, including mood, case, or particles.

Subordinating as a verb form means to place someone or something in a lower or subordinate position under authority or rank, typically in organizational or social contexts.