subjoined

Subjoined is an adjective formed from the verb subjoin, meaning to attach as a subordinate element to a larger unit. In linguistic description, a subjoined element is a sequence or clause that is connected to a main clause or phrase as a subordinate component rather than as an integrated main part. The term is more commonly found in older or more descriptive grammars and discussions of syntactic embedding.

In syntax, a subjoined clause or subjoined phrase is said to be subordinated to the host clause. Subjoined material can be a relative clause, a complement clause, or an adverbial clause that provides additional information but does not form the primary core of the sentence. The distinction between subjoined and other forms of attachment is often described in terms of function (subordinate vs. main). Modern terminology in many grammars favors terms such as subordinate clause, embedded clause, or adjunct, but subjoined remains a reference in certain historical or theoretical treatments.

Examples illustrate the concept: in the sentence "She said that she would come," the clause "that she would come" is a subordinate or subjoined clause to the main clause "She said." In "The book that I bought yesterday is missing," the relative clause "that I bought yesterday" is subjoined to "the book." In "I will leave after the meeting ends," the adverbial clause "after the meeting ends" is also a subjoined element.

See also: subordination, subordinate clause, embedding, relative clause, adjunct.