Every sentence must have at least one main clause. The main clause is also called the independent clause. Note that a main clause does not start with a conjunction or relative pronoun.

A subordinate or dependent clause cannot stand alone. It must always be attached to a main clause. The subordinate clause is usually introduced by a subordinating conjunction like as, since, because, if, whether, after, before, when, while, though, that, unless etc. Relative pronouns (who, which, that, what, whose, whom) can also introduce subordinate clauses.

Worksheet

Identify the main clause and subordinate clause in the following sentences.  Write MC against main clause and SC against subordinate clause.

1. When she spoke her annoyance was apparent to us all.

2. He said that he was giving me a friendly warning.

3. She was in a frenzy because fifteen people were coming to dinner.

4. I thought that his behaviour was rather forward.

5. Don’t ask his opinion unless you are ready for a frank answer.

6. A fortune teller told her that she would marry a handsome foreigner.

7. The river water passes through a filter before it is piped to homes.

8. We need a man who knows finance.

9. The book is so fascinating that I can’t put it down.

10. If it is raining, we cannot go out now.

11. We are still talking about the fabulous party that you gave.

12. Unless you apologize, we will not take you back.

13. He asked me what I was doing there.

14. The girl whom you met in the library is a budding writer.

15. Although I knew no one at the party, I had a great time.

16. As soon as they became rich, they started ignoring their old friends.

17. I will call you as soon as I reach home.

18. He talks as if he is rich.

19. Because he is rich, he can afford anything.

20. As it was a holiday, there weren’t many vehicles on the road.

Answers

In the following sentences, subordinate clauses are italicized and main clauses are underlined.

1. When she spoke (SC) her annoyance was apparent to us all (MC).

2. He said (MC) that he was giving me a friendly warning (SC).

3. She was in a frenzy (MC) because fifteen people were coming to dinner (SC).

4. I thought (MC) that his behaviour was rather forward (SC).

5. Don’t ask his opinion (MC) unless you are ready for a frank answer (SC).

6. A fortune teller told her (MC) that she would marry a handsome foreigner (SC).

7. The river water passes through a filter (MC) before it is piped to homes (SC).

8. We need a man (MC) who knows finance (SC).

9. The book is so fascinating (MC) that I can’t put it down (SC).

10. If it is raining (SC), we cannot go out now (MC).

11. We are still talking about the fabulous party (MC) that you gave (SC).

12. Unless you apologize (SC), we will not take you back (MC).

13. He asked me (MC) what I was doing there (SC).

14. The girl whom you met in the library is a budding writer. (Main clause – the girl is a budding writer; subordinate clause – whom you met in the library)

15. Although I knew no one at the party (SC), I had a great time (MC) .

16. As soon as they became rich (SC), they started ignoring their old friends (MC).

17. I will call you (MC) as soon as I reach home (SC).

18. He talks (MC) as if he is rich (SC).

19. Because he is rich (SC), he can afford anything (MC).

20. As it was a holiday (SC), there weren’t many vehicles on the road (MC) .

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