SUBORDINATE CLAUSES

TYPES OF SUBORDINATE CLAUSES

SUBORDINATE CLAUSES
A subordinate clause is a clause which cannot
stand alone as a complete sentence because
it does not express a complete thought.
 Relative clauses

e.g. There was a girl who wore a red scarf.

 Clauses of concession

e.g. Although I called her many times, she

didn’t return my calls.
 Time clauses
 e.g. Jane had already cooked dinner by the
time I arrived home.
CLAUSES OF PURPOSE
Clauses of purpose explain why somebody does something. They are introduced with:
 to infinitive
e.g. She is on a diet to lose weight.
 in order to/ so as to
e.g. She is on a diet in order to lose weight. / She is on a diet so as to lose weight.
negative form – not to
She avoids eating sweets not to put on weight. / She avoids eating sweets in order not to put on
weight./ She avoids eating sweets so as not to put on weight.
 so that/ in order that
e.g. I’ll call you so that you can tell me more about the book.
Past tense: e.g. I called you so that you could tell me more about the book.
 in case
e.g. Take an umbrella in case it rains./ He took an umbrella in case it rained.
NB Take an umbrella in case it will rain.
 for
e.g. I bought a book for desserts.
e.g. I bought a book for making desserts.
 with a view to
e.g. Investors buying with a view to renting a property often buy four or five apartments.
CLAUSES OF REASON
 because:

e.g. Jane is late because she missed the bus.

Jane is late because of traffic.
Jane is late because of the fact that there was much traffic.
‘Due to’ and ‘on account of’ can be used instead of ‘because of’:
e.g. Jane is late due to traffic./ Jane is late on account of the fact that there was much
traffic.
 the reason for:

e.g. The reason for the flood is heavy rain.

The reason for postponing the performance is the bad weather.
 the reason why:

e.g. The reason why the performance is postponed is bad weather.

 as/ since:

e.g. We can’t visit Stella since she is away on holyday.

‘For’ can also be used instead of ‘because’:
e.g. She was crying, for she was deeply moved by his gesture.
 now

e.g. Now that we are here we can unpack our luggage.

Now that I have finished my homework I can watch some TV.
CLAUSES OF RESULT
 as a result, therefore, consequently, as a consequence
e.g. I was late. As a result I missed my flight.
 such

e.g. This room is such a mess! – This room is such a mess that I can’t find anything.
Politicians are such liars! – Politicians are such liars that I don’t believe a word
they say.
We were having such bad weather! - We were having such bad weather that we
decided to stay at the hotel.

e.g. He has made such a lot of mistakes that the teacher had no choice but to give
him a poor mark.
 so

e.g. This book is so interesting! - This book is so interesting that I can’t put it down.
This is so interesting a book! - This is so interesting a book that I can’t put it
down.

e.g. There are so many beautiful dresses that I can’t pick one. / There was so much
noise that I couldn’t hear my own thoughts.
CLAUSES OF MANNER
Clauses of manner are introduced with:
 as if/ as though

e.g. She looks as if she is going to cry.

NB as if/ as though + past tense
e.g. He behaves as if he were a child.