subclauses

Subclauses, or subordinate clauses, are clauses that cannot stand alone as complete sentences. They are dependent on a main clause to convey full meaning and are connected to the main clause by subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns.

Noun clauses function as a noun within the main clause and can serve as the subject, object, or complement: I believe that you are right; Whether he comes is uncertain. Relative clauses modify a noun and begin with who, which, that, where, or when: The book that you lent me is fascinating. Nonessential relative clauses are typically set off by commas, while essential ones are not.

Adverbial clauses modify the action of the main clause and express time, condition, reason, purpose, place, or concession: When the sun rises, we hike; If it rains, we cancel; Because it was late, we left early. Comparative clauses compare with the main clause and usually begin with than or as: She is taller than I am.

Punctuation and position vary: subclauses may be embedded within a main clause or placed at the beginning, middle, or end. In many languages, the choice of conjunction or relative pronoun marks the type of subclause and its relationship to the main clause. Understanding subclauses helps clarify sentence structure and the flow of information.