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)

More Main Clause And Subordinate Clause Worksheets

• Identify the main clause and subordinate clause worksheet 1
• Main clause and subordinate clause worksheet for classes 7 and 8
• Main clause and subordinate clause worksheet for class 7
• Main clause vs. subordinate clause
• Underline the subordinate clause