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Main vs. Subordinate Clauses Explained

The document explains the difference between main clauses and subordinate clauses, highlighting that a main clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone, while a subordinate clause cannot. It provides examples of each type of clause and emphasizes that every sentence must contain at least one main clause to avoid fragments. Additionally, it includes a task for identifying clauses and an extension work section for creating examples.

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126 views3 pages

Main vs. Subordinate Clauses Explained

The document explains the difference between main clauses and subordinate clauses, highlighting that a main clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone, while a subordinate clause cannot. It provides examples of each type of clause and emphasizes that every sentence must contain at least one main clause to avoid fragments. Additionally, it includes a task for identifying clauses and an extension work section for creating examples.

Uploaded by

sayemmohd777
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

CLAUSE

OBJECTIVE: To understand the difference between a main


clause and a subordinate clause.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNT1D0JoFk8
A clause is a group of words that contains a verb and its
subject. Broadly clauses are divided into -

1. Independent/Main Clause: An independent clause


expresses a complete thought and can stand by itself as a
sentence.
Eg: I was watching TV.

Every main clause will follow this pattern:


SUBJECT + VERB = complete thought.

Here are some examples:


1.Lazy students whine.
Students = subject; whine = verb.

2.Cola spilled over the glass and splashed onto the counter.
Cola = subject; spilled, splashed = verbs.

The important point to remember is that every sentence must


have at least one main clause. Otherwise, you have a
fragment, a major error.

2. Dependent/Sub-ordinate Clause: A dependent clause does


not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a
sentence.
Eg: While I was watching TV

A Subordinate clause will follow this pattern:


SUBORDINATE CONJUNCTION + SUBJECT + VERB
= incomplete thought.
Here are some examples:
1.Whenever lazy students whine
Whenever = subordinate conjunction; students = subject; whine
= verb.

2.As cola spilled over the glass and splashed onto the counter
As = subordinate conjunction; cola = subject; spilled, splashed
= verbs.

The important point to remember about subordinate clauses is


that they can never stand alone as complete sentences. To
complete the thought, you must attach each subordinate clause
to a main clause. Generally, the punctuation looks like this:
MAIN CLAUSE + Ø + SUBORDINATE CLAUSE.
SUBORDINATE CLAUSE + , + MAIN CLAUSE.

Eg:1. Whenever lazy students whine, Mrs. Russell throws chalk


erasers at their heads.
2. Anthony ran for the paper towels as cola spilled over the
glass and splashed onto the counter.

TASK:
Identify each sentence below as a Main clause or a Sub-
ordinate clause.
Example A: While I was asleep Subordinate clause clause
1. If you give me a reason. _________________________
2. After months of research. _________________________
3. I enjoy ice cream. _________________________
4. John hit the baseball. _________________________
5. Whoever shows up on time. _________________________
6. Whatever makes you happy. _________________________
7. Whomever you like. _________________________
8. The poet received many awards. ______________________
9. When the president arrives. _________________________
10. I like sweets. _________________________
Answers:
1. Subordinate clause
2. Subordinate clause
3. Main clause
4. Main clause
5. Subordinate clause
6. Subordinate clause
7. Subordinate clause
8. Main clause
9. Subordinate clause
10.Main clause

Extension Work:
Write 3 examples each for Main Clause and Subordinate
Clause.

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