Subordinate clauses in English: classification, rules and usage

06 May 2026

English-learners

Oleksandra Kulish

Book expert

Зміст

The concept of a subordinate clause and the features of its structure
Types of subordinate clauses in English
Subject clauses
Predicative clauses
Object clauses
Adverbial clauses
Attributive clauses

A high level of English proficiency is easily recognised by a speaker’s ability to construct complex sentences. This does not mean that every utterance has to be excessively long. However, the ability to formulate thoughts elegantly, in detail and with substance is a direct indicator of linguistic mastery.

We’re sure everyone wants to learn to express themselves in English as accurately and beautifully as they do in their native language. A comprehensive yet entirely accessible topic will help with this: subordinate clauses. In this article, we will examine the types of such constructions in detail, master the rules for their formation, and explore the role they play in everyday communication. Let’s get started!

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The concept of a subordinate clause and the features of its structure

A subordinate clause is a part of a complex sentence that does not contain a complete thought, but merely supplements or explains the main clause. In such a structure, the parts are not equal: the subordinate clause always depends on the main clause and cannot function as an independent sentence.

Interestingly, subordinate constructions do not have a fixed position — they can be placed before the main clause, after it, or even within it:

Do you know the man who offered us a discount? (After the main clause).
When I come home, I will call you. (Before the main clause).
The dress, which you asked me for, is dirty. (In the middle of the main clause).

To identify a subordinate clause without error, look out for these key features:

Lack of autonomy. A subordinate clause is never used separately from the context of the main clause.
Semantic dependence. A subordinate clause has no independent meaning and functions only in conjunction with the main clause.
The presence of connecting elements. The subordinate clause is linked to the main clause by means of subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns.

Subordinating conjunctions are words or phrases that establish a logical connection between parts of a sentence. They indicate time, cause, condition, purpose, etc.

Types of subordinate clauses in English

In English, subordinate clauses are classified according to the role they play in the structure of a complex sentence. In effect, they replace a specific part of the sentence, so they are divided into the following types:

Subject clauses.
Predicative clauses.
Object clauses.
Adverbial clauses.
Attributive clauses.

Each of these types has its own usage characteristics and typical conjunctions, which help to establish the correct logical connection. Let’s discuss each type in detail.

Subject clauses

This type of sentence acts as the subject and answers the standard questions: Who? and What? The following words are most commonly used to link the main clause and the subordinate clause: that, whether/if, who, whose, what, which, when, where, how, why.

Examples:

What you decided today will change your entire life.
Whether they will arrive on time remains a mystery.

Using such constructions allows you to emphasise the event or fact itself. This makes speech more formal and meaningful.

Predicative clauses

These clauses are also known as predicative clauses. They function as the nominal part of a compound predicate and are usually placed immediately after the linking verb ‘to be’. Their main purpose is to provide detailed information about the subject. When constructing them, the same connecting words are used as in subordinate subjects.

In Ukrainian, such constructions often begin with phrases such as: ‘the thing is that’, ‘the point is that’, ‘it is that’.

Examples:

The main reason for our success was that the team worked together.
His biggest dream is that his children get a world-class education.

Predicative subordinate clauses allow you to clearly explain the reasons, aims or state of objects. This also helps to avoid unnecessary pauses in conversation.

Object clauses

Object clauses in a sentence act as direct or indirect objects. They help to clarify the meaning of the action and answer the questions: What? (What?), About what? (About what?), What for? (For what/why?). A characteristic feature of such constructions is that in English they are not usually separated from the main clause by a comma. The same connecting words are used to link them as in subordinate subjects (for example, that, how, if, whether, what).

Examples:

I sincerely hope that our cooperation will lead to great results.
Can you explain why the delivery was delayed by two days?

The use of subordinate clauses allows you to provide more detail in your message. This makes your statements and questions more precise and easier for the listener to understand.

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Adverbial clauses

These clauses describe the conditions under which the action in the main clause takes place: time, place, cause, purpose or manner of action. It is important to remember: if the subordinate clause comes before the main clause, it is separated by a comma.

1. Time and place.

These indicate when or where an event takes place.

Important: in adverbial clauses of time in English, the future tense is usually changed to the present tense (future to present).

I will send the email as soon as I get a reply.
Please leave the keys where I can easily find them.

Correct use of tenses in such constructions helps to avoid common mistakes when planning future actions.

2. Cause and effect.

Explain the logical connection between events and their results.

We cancelled the meeting because the main speaker was ill.
The project was so complex that we needed more time.

Clearly articulating cause-and-effect relationships makes your arguments in English much more convincing.

3. Purpose and concession.

These describe intentions or circumstances despite which something happens (clauses of concession).

They attended the seminar so that they could gain new skills.
Although the budget was limited, the event was a success.

Such phrases are indispensable for describing complex situations where a result is achieved in spite of obstacles or for a specific purpose.

4. Condition and manner of action.

These indicate the necessary conditions or the nature of the action.

If you finish the task earlier, you can take a day off.
She handled the situation as though she had years of experience.

The use of conditional clauses is key to conducting negotiations and discussing future business scenarios. They are widely used, particularly in business communication.

Attributive clauses

Attributive clauses serve to provide a detailed description of an object or person. They answer the questions: What? / Which? and are linked to the main clause using relative pronouns (who, whose, which, that, whom) or adverbs (where, when, why).

In English grammar, such clauses are divided into three main categories depending on their role in the context:

1. Restrictive.

These subordinate clauses single out a specific object from among many similar ones, giving it a unique characteristic. Without this part, the sentence loses its original meaning.

Examples:

The smartphone that I bought last week has a great camera.
Do you remember the place where we had our first meeting?

It is precisely thanks to restrictive modifiers that you can clearly identify the specific object being discussed in the conversation.

2. Classifying.

These define an entire group or class of objects united by a common characteristic.

Examples:

Employees who speak several languages have more career opportunities.
Plants that grow in the desert need very little water.

Such constructions are indispensable for formulating general rules, facts or descriptions of certain categories of people or phenomena.

3. Descriptive (Non-restrictive)

These sentences contain only additional, optional information. They can be removed from the text without affecting the understanding of the main idea. In English, descriptive clauses are always separated by commas.

Examples:

Our manager, who has worked here for ten years, is retiring next month.
The Great Wall of China, which is visible from space, is a historic wonder.

Descriptive clauses enrich your speech and add detail, allowing you to include interesting facts without overcomplicating the main structure of the sentence.

A thorough understanding of the rules of vocabulary and grammar, particularly the use of subordinate clauses, will enable you to express your thoughts in English much more clearly and competently. This will form the foundation for improving your business and personal writing skills.

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