1. Main and Subordinate Clauses

2. Main clauses (Independent Clauses)
Main clause: a clause that can form a complete sentence standing alone, having a subject and a predicate.
I ate pizza.
I = the subject ate= the predicate (or verb)
The teddy bear was soft.
Teddy bear = the subject was = the predicate (or verb)
John and Sara are dating and will soon get married.
John and Sara = the subject are dating = the predicate (or verb)
Not this Claus!
Helping verbs:
am, are, is, was, were, be, being, been, have, has, had, shall, will, do, does, did  may, must, might, can, could, would, should 

3. Subordinate clauses (Dependent Clauses)
Subordinate clause: a clause, typically (not always) introduced by a conjunction, that contains a subject and predicate, and forms part of and is dependent on a main clause.
She answered the phone when it rang.
After lunch, I go to English class.
I really like that shirt you are wearing.
I had a friend who dyed his hair purple.
Even though I made the highest grade in the class, my mom was still upset because I did not make an “A” on the test.
Subordinate clause
Main clause

4. How to Recognize a Subordinate Clause (Dependent Clause)
Subordinate Conjunctions—a conjunction that introduces a dependent clause.
After
Although As
Because
Before
Even if
Even though If
In order that
Once
Provided that
Rather than
Since
So that
Than
Though
unless
Until
When
Whenever
Where
Whereas
Wherever
Whether
While
why
Relative pronouns introduce relative clauses, which are a type of dependent clause. 
That
Which
Whichever
Who
Whoever
Whom
Whose
Whosever
Whomever

5. 1. After the storm cleared, the flight took off.
Practice—Draw one line under the subordinate clause or clauses in each sentence. For the main clause, put a star above the subject and circle the predicate (or verb).
1. After the storm cleared, the flight took off.
2. You will learn to speak Spanish if you practice.
3. I know a girl who sings in the chorus.
4. Although English is my favorite subject, I also like algebra.
5. We can go to the mall unless you are too busy.