subordinate

Everyday

1. In grammar, a subordinate clause is a part of a sentence that has a verb but cannot stand alone, like «because it was raining». tree →
2. A subordinate is a person who has a lower rank and takes orders from someone else at work. tree →
3. (formal) Subordinate means less important than something else. tree →

In the lessons

In UK grammar lessons, pupils learn subordinating conjunctions (because, although, when, if) that start subordinate clauses: «Although it was cold, we went out.» At work or in the army, a boss gives orders to subordinates.

Examples

• «When the bell rang» is a subordinate clause. tree →
• Add a subordinate clause starting with «because». tree →
• The captain gave orders to his subordinates. tree →
• A subordinate clause needs a main clause. tree →
• Fun is subordinate to safety on the trip. tree →
• Use a comma after a subordinate clause at the start of a sentence. tree →

Note

Opposite of main/superior. Stress: «suh-BOR-din-it» (adjective, noun). The subordinate clause can come first or after the main clause.