Literature

Grammar Link

WRITING WORKSHOP PART 1

Main and

Subordinate Clauses

An independent (main) clause states a complete

thought. It can stand alone as a sentence. A

dependent (subordinate) clause does not state

a complete thought. It cannot stand alone.

What Are They?

As its name suggests, a main clause states the

main, or most important, idea in a sentence. A

main clause can be a sentence by itself, or it can

be the most important part of a sentence.

Main clause: Hal is sleepy.

Main clause: Hal is sleepy because he stayed

up too late last night.

Main clauses: Hal is sleepy, so he is going

home to bed.

A subordinate clause states a less important idea

in a sentence. Subordinate clauses begin with

subordinating conjunctions. (Look at the chart.)

after even though when

although if whenever

as since where

as if than whereas

as though though wherever

because unless whether

before until while

Why Are They Important?

Clauses are the building blocks of sentences.

When you know how to use both kinds of clauses,

you can write clearer, more effective sentences.

How Do I Use Them?

You probably use both kinds of clauses every

time you write. Now make sure that you use the

clauses correctly. Remember that subordinate

clauses cannot stand alone as sentences. To be

complete, they must be linked to main clauses.

Wrong: I will count sheep. Until I fall asleep.

(Until is a subordinating conjunction, so Until I fall

asleep is a subordinate clause. As a subordinate

clause, it cannot stand alone as a sentence.)

Right: I will count sheep until I fall asleep.

Grammar Practice Two subordinate clauses

mistakenly stand alone in the following para-

graph. Copy the paragraph on a separate piece of

paper. Then fix the mistakes by connecting the

misused subordinate clauses to the main clauses

they belong with.

My little sister walks in her sleep. Whenever I see

her walk around during the night, I get nervous.

I’m afraid of scaring her. If I suddenly awaken her.

Yet I can’t just ignore her either. Usually I just lie

in bed awake and wait. Until I see her go safely

back to sleep.

Looking Ahead

Keep the outline and the notes you made here. In Part 2 of this

Writing Workshop, you’ll draft, revise, and present your research.

Writing Workshop Part 1 Research Report 555