» Subordinate (or dependent) clauses are a group of words that: ˃Contains a subject and a predicate (verb) but CANNOT stand alone as a complete thought ˃Subordinate and dependent clauses are the same thing

» Subordinate clauses look similar to independent clauses because they both have a subject and a predicate (verb)-- except that subordinate clauses begin with a word that makes the clause an incomplete thought. » Subordinate clauses can begin with two types of words: ˃Subordinating conjunctions, like because, since, while, if, and unless ˃Relative pronouns, like that, which, or who

» Examples of subordinate clauses that begin with subordinating conjunctions: ˃When Mrs. Fritts had her baby, we were excited. (Underlined is the subordinate clause: When is the subordinating conjunction, Mrs. Fritts is the subject, had is the verb.) ˃If I eat a cheeseburger, my stomach will hurt. (Underlined is the subordinate clause: If is the subordinating conjunction, I is the subject, eat is the verb.) ˃Jenny was snoring while she napped. (Underlined is the subordinate clause: While is the subordinating conjunction, she is the subject, napped is the verb.)

» Examples of subordinate clauses that begin with relative pronouns: ˃Gunther is a pug who likes to cuddle. (Underlined is the subordinate clause: Who is the relative pronoun, who is also the subject, likes is the verb.) ˃Ms. Gallaher ate the piece of pie that I wanted. (Underlined is the subordinate clause: That is the relative pronoun, I is the subject, wanted is the verb.)

» Read the following underlined words and decide if each one is a subordinate clause or not. Copy the sentence into your notes and write Yes if it’s a subordinate clause and No if it’s not. ˃Mrs. Denner is an ELA teacher in our school. ˃Before we go on a hike, we need to clean the kitchen. ˃Ron is a character in Harry Potter who I love. ˃Since the storm, our electricity has been out. ˃Sally watched a movie when she was bored.