subsentence

A subsentence is a clause or phrase contained within a larger sentence that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. In many linguistic frameworks, subsentences are treated as subordinate or embedded units that depend on a main clause for full interpretation. They contrast with independent clauses, which can function as complete sentences on their own.

Subsentences commonly take the form of subordinate clauses, which include noun clauses, relative clauses, and adverbial clauses. Examples:

- If it rains, we will cancel the picnic. Here, “If it rains” is a subsentence (an adverbial/subordinate clause).

- I believe that you are right. “That you are right” is a subsentence functioning as a complement clause.

- The book that you gave me is missing. “That you gave me” is a subsentence in a relative clause modifying “book.”

Functions of subsentences include acting as the subject of the main clause, the object or complement of a verb, or as modifiers (relative or adverbial). They depend on the main clause for complete meaning and typically rely on subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns to link to the main clause.

Notes and terminology: the term subsentence is informal and not always used in formal grammar. More precise terms are subordinate clause, dependent clause, embedded clause, or clause within a sentence. In practice, subsentences are important in parsing and in understanding how complex sentences convey layered syntax and meaning.