SUBORDINATE CLAUSE Meaning and
Definition
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A subordinate clause, also known as a dependent clause, is a grammatical component of a sentence that typically does not convey a complete thought on its own and relies on an independent clause to make complete sense. It functions by modifying or complementing the main clause, providing additional information. This type of clause is characterized by the presence of a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun, which establishes its dependence on the main clause.
A subordinate clause can take on different roles within a sentence, such as acting as an adjective, adverb, or noun. As an adjective clause, it adds descriptive or qualifying details to a noun or pronoun in the main clause. When functioning as an adverb clause, it provides further information about the verb, adjective, or adverb in the main clause, indicating time, place, reason, condition, or manner. In the role of a noun clause, it acts as a subject, object, or complement in the sentence.
Due to its dependency on the main clause, a subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It must be joined with, or dependent on, the main clause to convey a coherent message. Understanding the structure and use of subordinate clauses is essential for constructing complex sentences, ensuring clarity, and conveying a variety of complex ideas and relationships in writing and conversation.
Common Misspellings for SUBORDINATE CLAUSE
- aubordinate clause
- zubordinate clause
- xubordinate clause
- dubordinate clause
- eubordinate clause
- wubordinate clause
- sybordinate clause
- shbordinate clause
- sjbordinate clause
- sibordinate clause
- s8bordinate clause
- s7bordinate clause
- suvordinate clause
- sunordinate clause
- suhordinate clause
- sugordinate clause
- subirdinate clause
- subkrdinate clause
- sublrdinate clause
Etymology of SUBORDINATE CLAUSE
The word "subordinate" comes from the Latin roots "sub-", meaning "under" or "below", and "ordinare", meaning "to order" or "arrange".
The term "clause" has its origins in the Latin word "clausula", meaning "a closing or conclusion". In grammar, a clause refers to a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate and functions as a unit within a sentence.
Bringing these two terms together, the phrase "subordinate clause" is used to describe a type of clause that is dependent on and subordinate to a main or independent clause within a sentence. It adds extra information or modifies the meaning of the main clause, but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. The term "subordinate" emphasizes the subordinate position or lower level of importance that this type of clause holds compared to the main clause.
Similar spelling words for SUBORDINATE CLAUSE
