Glossary

subordinate clause

Subject: 

  • English First Additional Language
  • English Home Language

(also called a dependent clause) a clause that is dependent on a main clause and does not make sense on its own. It can be a noun clause, an adjectival clause or an adverbial clause.                                                                     

  • A noun clause takes the place and role of a noun, e.g. I asked him what the question was.
  • An adjectival clause takes the place and role of an adjective, e.g. The game that they are watching is noisy.
  • An adverbial clause takes the place and role of an adverb, e.g. You must practise if you want to play well.

See also: