What are Subordinate Clauses?
A subordinate clause is a group of words with a subject and verb that cannot stand alone—it depends on a main clause to make sense. Conjunctions like parce que, si, and bien que introduce these dependent clauses.
Subordinate clauses are introduced by conjunctions and add information (reason, condition, contrast) to the main clause. They must be attached to an independent clause to form a complete sentence.
- •Can stand alone
- •Has subject + verb
- •Forms a complete sentence
- •Example: Je vais au cinéma.
- •Cannot stand alone
- •Has subject + verb
- •Needs a main clause
- •Example: parce qu'il y a un bon film
Step-by-step worked examples
Join: 'Je suis fatigué' (main) with 'parce que j'ai étudié toute la nuit' (subordinate).
Je suis fatigué parce que j'ai étudié toute la nuit. The subordinate adds a reason (parce que = because).
Add a condition: 'Si tu viens demain' → complete the thought.
Si tu viens demain, nous irons au parc. The 'si' clause is subordinate; the main clause follows.
Write with contrast: 'Although he is young' (bien que) + a main clause.
Bien qu'il soit jeune, il est très intelligent. Bien que introduces a subordinate clause; inversion happens after.
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.Which is a complete sentence (main + subordinate)?
Q2.Identify the subordinate clause: 'Je lis un livre puisque j'ai du temps.'
Q3.What conjunction belongs in: '___ tu termineras, tu pourras sortir.'
Q4.Can this subordinate clause start a sentence? 'Si tu arrives tôt, ...'
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Common mistakes
Treating a subordinate clause as a complete sentence: 'Parce qu'il est fatigué.' — Correct: Always attach to main: 'Il dort parce qu'il est fatigué.'
Forgetting to use subjunctive after 'bien que'. — Correct: 'Bien que + subjunctive': 'Bien qu'il soit fatigué, il sort.'
Adding a comma incorrectly: 'Il reste à la maison, parce qu'il pleut.' — Correct: No comma between clauses when subordinate follows: 'Il reste parce qu'il pleut.'
Misidentifying which clause is main vs. subordinate. — Correct: Main = can stand alone. Subordinate = introduced by a conjunction, cannot.
FAQ
What is the difference between a main and subordinate clause?
Main is independent and complete. Subordinate is dependent on a main clause—it needs that connection.
Do you always need a comma before a subordinate clause?
Only if it starts the sentence. 'Si tu viens, nous partons.' But not: 'Nous partons si tu viens.'
What tense goes in a 'si' (if) clause?
Usually present: 'Si tu viens demain, je suis heureux.' (if you come, I am happy).
How many subordinate clauses can one sentence have?
Theoretically unlimited. 'Je vais dehors bien que je sois fatigué puisque le soleil brille.'