MAIN AND SUBORDINATE CLAUSE MARKER

All English sentences contain at least one main clause. A main clause contains a subject and a
verb and can stand alone as a sentence.

Ex. Karina has a new book. = main clause

S V
Many English sentences also contain subordinate clauses. Like a main clause, a subordinate
clause contains a subject and a verb. However, a subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a
sentence.

Ex. Although Karina has a new book = subordinate clause

S V

There are three types of subordinate clauses in English:

1. Noun clauses
2. Adjective clauses
3. Adverb clauses

1. A noun clause functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence.

I like what you said.

Noun clause direct object

2. An adjective clause functions as an adjective in a sentence.

I like the book that you gave me.

Adjective clause describing book

3. An adverb clause functions as an adverb in a sentence.

Jack will call you as soon as he gets home.

Adverb clause telling when jack will come

Clause marker ( CM) are used to connect clauses in English. Each English clause type has its
own special clause markers.

Main clauses can be connected with main clause markers called coordinating conjunctions.
These include and, but, or, so, for, and yet. A comma is usually placed just before these
conjunctions.

Karina has a new book, and Caroline has new bags.

Main clause CM main clause

Main clauses can also be connected with clause markers such as however, nevertheless, in
addition, as a result, on the other hand, furthermore, and moreover.
Ex. Carolyn has new books; in addition, she has a new dictionary.

The clause markers for noun clauses are: that, how, how many, how much, what, when, where,
why, who, whom, whose, and which.

I am not sure that we will be able to take a vacation.

Main clause CM subordinate noun clause

The clause markers for adjective clauses are: who, whom, whose, which, that (relative pronouns)
and sometimes, when, where, and why.

I like the cat that has yellow stripes.

There are many clause markers for adverb clauses. Some of these include after, as long as,
because, as, if, unless, although, while, when, and since.

We will take a walk after we finish studying.

After we finish studying, we will take a walk.

When an adverb clause comes at the beginning of a sentence, it is followed by a comma.

Example;

1. Samuel was not tired,……………he hadn’t slept for a very long time.
a. However
b. Thought
c. Despite
d. Nevertheless

In this question, there are two clauses, Samuel was not tired and he hadn’t slept for a very
long time. A clause marker is needed to join these two clauses.

2. …………Laurie has no formal training in computer science, she knows a great deal about
computer.
a. Despite
b. In spite of
c. Although
d. That
In this question, there are two clauses, Laurie has no formal training in computer science an d
she knows a great deal about computers. A clause marker is needed at the beginning of the first
clause.

PRACTICE WITH MAIN CLAUSE MARKERS

In the sentences below, underline and label the subject S and verb V of each main clause. Then,
circle the clause marker that correctly separates the main clauses.

1. Lawrence likes pumpkin pie; however/but I prefer mince pie.

2. They may want to go to New York this weekend; on the other hand/ and they may prefer
to stay home.
3. We would like to give you this card; in addition/and we all want to congratulate you on
your great success.
4. During the storm, the light went out; moreover/and the telephone lines were damaged.
5. Maria didn’t receive her check; as result/ as a result she has no money for the weekend.

Adjective clause

1. The man …………..i spoke to was in a hurry.

2. The person to………..this gift will be given is my mother.
3. I don’t understand the assignment ………..the professor gave us for next Monday.

Noun clauses

1. I would like to know…………you are thinking about.

2. I would also like to know……….this costs.
3. From………I understand, the meeting has been cancelled.
Adverb clauses

1. Jack chews gum………..it helps him concentrate.

2. Although he was very sad, bill acted………….nothing had happened.
3. ……….Frank had not helped me study, I would never have passed my exam.