1. Grrrmar Warm-up: Subordinate Clause
Definition: Also called a dependent clause, the subordinate clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought.
These words are used to introduce the dependent clause: after, although, as, as if, if, because, before, even if, even though, if, in order to, since, though, unless, until, whatever, when, whenever, whether, and while. (OWL at Purdue)
Examples:
Because Squiggly woke up late, he had to postpone the fishing trip. (Grammar Girl)
Unless Christine finishes her calculus homework, she will have to suffer Mr. Nguyen's wrath in class tomorrow. (Chomp Chomp)
Tanya did poorly on her history exam because her best friend Giselle insisted on gossiping during their study session the night before. (Chomp Chomp)
Application: Write three sentences with subordinate clauses in them.
Santa Clause or
Dependent Clause