Main Clause vs. Subordinate Clause
A main clause is an independent clause. It makes complete sense and hence it can stand alone. Examples are given below.
- I live with my parents.
- She works abroad.
- You are my best friend.
- My son wants to be an entrepreneur.
A main clause has a subject and a finite verb. A finite verb is a verb whose forms change when there is a change in the number or person of the subject.
Study the examples given below.
- I write stories.
- He writes stories. (The verb write becomes writes when the subject is a third person singular pronoun.)
- My son writes with his left hand. (The verb write becomes writes when the subject is a singular noun.)
- They write stories.
Note that every clause must have a finite verb.
A main clause is not introduced by a conjunction or relative pronoun.
A subordinate clause cannot stand alone. It is usually introduced by a conjunction or a relative pronoun.
See also
- Identify the main clause and subordinate clause worksheet
- Identify the main clause and subordinate clause worksheet 2
Just like a main clause, a subordinate clause also has a subject and a finite verb.
Examples are given below
- because he was angry
- that she would come
- when you are free
- if you are hungry
As you can see subordinate clauses do not make complete sense and hence they cannot stand alone. They need to be connected to a main clause.
- I said nothing (main clause) because he was angry (subordinate clause).
- She said (main clause) that she would come (subordinate clause)
- Give me a call (main clause) when you are free (subordinate clause)
- I will make an omelette (main clause) if you are hungry (subordinate clause)