Are you ready to elevate your writing? Our free subordinate clause quiz is your chance to test and strengthen your grammar foundation with fun, scored questions. In this engaging subordinate clauses test, you'll tackle practical identify subordinate clause questions and discover which of the following is a subordinate clause in real sentences. Want more challenge? Use our complex sentence checker to refine every phrase. Whether you're here to practice a subordinate clauses quiz or simply boost your confidence, you'll leave with clearer skills and a score to be proud of. Jump in now and prove your prowess! Start today and watch your grammar skills soar.
Which of the following sentences contains a subordinate clause?
She runs daily.
Birds fly.
I love pizza.
When it rains, we stay inside.
A subordinate clause is a dependent clause that cannot stand alone. In the sentence "When it rains, we stay inside," "When it rains" is the subordinate clause because it depends on the main clause for meaning. This clause begins with the subordinating conjunction "when". Learn more at Purdue OWL.
In the sentence "She smiled because she was happy," which phrase is the subordinate clause?
because she was happy
because she
she was happy
She smiled
The phrase "because she was happy" is a subordinate clause - it begins with the subordinating conjunction "because" and cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. The main clause is "She smiled." Subordinate clauses add extra information or context. See Grammarly for more details.
Which word introduces a subordinate clause in the sentence "After the bell rang, the students rushed out"?
the
ran
After
students
The word "After" is a subordinating conjunction that introduces the subordinate clause "After the bell rang." Subordinating conjunctions link dependent clauses to main clauses. They include words like "after," "because," and "although." More on subordinating conjunctions at EF.
A subordinate clause can function as a complete sentence on its own.
False
True
Subordinate clauses are dependent clauses and cannot stand alone as complete sentences because they lack a complete thought. They must be attached to an independent clause. Without a main clause, the sentence is incomplete. For more, visit BBC Bitesize.
In the sentence "I will call you when I arrive at the airport," which part is the subordinate clause?
I will call you
when I arrive at the airport
I arrive at the airport
at the airport
The phrase "when I arrive at the airport" is a subordinate clause because it begins with the subordinating conjunction "when" and provides a time condition for the main clause. It cannot stand alone and depends on the main clause for context. See more examples at Grammarly Handbook.
Which of the following is NOT a subordinating conjunction?
but
although
because
after
"But" is a coordinating conjunction, not a subordinating conjunction. Subordinating conjunctions include words like "after," "because," and "although." Coordinating conjunctions join elements of equal rank. More information is available at Grammarly.
A relative clause is a type of subordinate clause.
True
False
Relative clauses (also called adjective clauses) are subordinate clauses that modify a noun. They start with relative pronouns like "who," "which," or "that." They cannot stand alone and depend on the main clause. See Grammar Monster.
What type of subordinate clause is "Although it was raining" in the sentence "Although it was raining, we went for a walk"?
Adverbial clause
Relative clause
Noun clause
Adjective clause
The clause starting with "Although" expresses a contrast and modifies the verb phrase in the main clause, making it an adverbial subordinate clause. It provides context about the circumstances. Adverbial clauses answer when, where, why, or how. More details at EF.
In "What she decided surprised everyone," what role does the subordinate clause "What she decided" play?
Relative clause
Adjective clause
Noun clause
Adverbial clause
The clause "What she decided" functions as the subject of the sentence, making it a noun clause. Noun clauses can act as subjects, objects, or complements. Here, the clause performs the role of the subject. For more, see GrammarBook.
Which sentence correctly uses punctuation with a subordinate clause at the end?
I'll call you if I have time.
I'll call you, if I have time.
I'll call you if I have, time.
If I have time I'll call you.
When a subordinate clause follows the main clause, no comma is needed. Therefore, "I'll call you if I have time." is correct. Commas are used when the subordinate clause precedes the main clause. See punctuation rules at Nolo.
Which part of the sentence "The book that you lent me is fascinating" is a subordinate clause?
The book
that you lent me
you lent me
is fascinating
The phrase "that you lent me" is a relative clause modifying "the book" and is therefore a subordinate clause. It begins with the relative pronoun "that" and cannot stand alone. More on relative clauses at EnglishClub.
A subordinate clause can serve as the subject of a sentence.
False
True
Subordinate clauses, specifically noun clauses, can function as subjects. In sentences like "What she said matters," the clause acts as the subject. These clauses are dependent but can perform grammatical functions of nouns. See Daily Writing Tips.
Identify the subordinating conjunction in the sentence "She works hard so that she can succeed."
can
that
so
so that
The phrase "so that" functions as a subordinating conjunction introducing the purpose clause "so that she can succeed." It links the dependent clause to the main clause. Learn more at Grammarly.
Which of the following sentences contains a nominal subordinate clause?
He smiled because he was happy.
They laughed when he told the joke.
I know that you are honest.
She whispered quietly.
The sentence "I know that you are honest" contains a nominal (noun) subordinate clause "that you are honest," which functions as the object of the verb "know." Nominal clauses often start with "that," "whether," or question words. Read more at Grammarly Handbook.
In "I wonder whether he will come," what type of subordinate clause is "whether he will come"?
Relative clause
Adverbial clause
Adjective clause
Noun clause
"Whether he will come" is a noun clause acting as the direct object of "wonder." It begins with the conjunction "whether" and cannot stand alone. Noun clauses can be introduced by words like "that," "if," and "whether." More details at ChompChomp.
You can go out ______ you finish your homework.
until
although
because
if
The conjunction "if" introduces a conditional subordinate clause "if you finish your homework." This clause expresses a condition that must be met. Other subordinating conjunctions include "when," "because," and "although." See EF.
Which sentence correctly punctuates the subordinate clause?
If he had known, he would have come.
He would have come, if he had known.
He would have come if, he had known.
If he had known he would have come.
When a subordinate clause precedes the main clause, it is followed by a comma. Therefore, "If he had known, he would have come." is correct. The other options either omit necessary punctuation or misplace the comma. See comma rules at UNC Writing Center.
What type of subordinate clause is "as though she owns the place" in "She acts as though she owns the place"?
Relative clause
Comparative clause
Adverbial clause of reason
Adverbial clause of time
The clause "as though she owns the place" is a comparative subordinate clause introduced by "as though," making a comparison. Comparative clauses often begin with "as if" or "as though." They express hypothetical or imagined comparisons. Learn more at English Forums.
In the sentence "Hardly had he arrived before the storm began," which part is the subordinate clause?
the storm began
Hardly had he arrived
before the storm began
he arrived before
"Before the storm began" is the subordinate clause of time introduced by "before." It depends on the main clause "Hardly had he arrived" for complete meaning. Main and subordinate clauses often interact to show sequence. More at Grammarly.
In "My sister, who lives in Paris, is visiting," what kind of subordinate clause is "who lives in Paris"?
Noun clause
Adverbial clause
Restrictive relative clause
Nonrestrictive relative clause
The clause "who lives in Paris" provides additional information about "my sister" and is set off by commas, classifying it as a nonrestrictive relative clause. It is not essential to the core meaning. For more examples, see Grammarly.
How many subordinate clauses are in the sentence "I know that she said that she would help you when you arrived"?
1
3
2
4
The subordinate clauses are: the nested clauses "that she said" and "that she would help you," plus "when you arrived." That totals three subordinate clauses. For more on nested clauses, visit Oxford Learners.
What is the function of the subordinate clause "until he dropped" in "He ran until he dropped"?
Clause of time
Clause of condition
Clause of reason
Clause of contrast
The clause "until he dropped" indicates when the action in the main clause ends, making it an adverbial clause of time. Subordinate clauses of time often begin with words like "when," "while," and "until." Further reading at EF.
She was so tired ____ she fell asleep instantly.
that
because
so that
when
In result clauses with "so ... that," only "that" introduces the subordinate clause: "so tired that she fell asleep." The structure expresses a result. See more at Grammarly.
Which sentence contains a comparative subordinate clause?
She smiled when he arrived.
I know that she left.
She sings as though she were a professional.
She is taller than I am.
The clause "as though she were a professional" is a comparative subordinate clause introduced by "as though." It compares her singing to that of a professional. Other clauses here are relative, adverbial, or noun clauses. More at Grammarly.
What type of subordinate clause is "Had I known you were coming" in "Had I known you were coming, I would have baked a cake"?
Concessive clause
Reason clause
Conditional clause with inversion
Relative clause
The clause "Had I known you were coming" is a conditional subordinate clause with inverted word order (auxiliary verb preceding the subject). This inversion is a formal alternative to "If I had known." More on inverted clauses at Grammaring.
In "No sooner had she sat down than the phone rang," which part is the subordinate clause?
No sooner had she sat down
she sat down than
the phone rang
than the phone rang
The phrase "No sooner had she sat down" is an inverted temporal subordinate clause expressing that one event immediately follows another. It must be paired with "than" in the main clause. More details at Modern English Grammar.
What function does the clause "In order that he might succeed" serve in the sentence "In order that he might succeed, he practiced daily"?
Reason clause
Purpose clause
Result clause
Concessive clause
The clause "In order that he might succeed" expresses the purpose of the action in the main clause, making it a purpose subordinate clause. Such clauses often begin with "in order that" or "so that." For more, see Grammarly.
0
{"name":"Which of the following sentences contains a subordinate clause?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"Which of the following sentences contains a subordinate clause?, In the sentence \"She smiled because she was happy,\" which phrase is the subordinate clause?, Which word introduces a subordinate clause in the sentence \"After the bell rang, the students rushed out\"?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}
Score11/27
Easy3/8
Medium4/8
Hard3/8
Expert1/3
AI Study Notes
Email these to me
You can bookmark this page to review your notes in future, or fill out the email box below to email them to yourself.
Study Outcomes
Identify Subordinate Clauses -
Use the subordinate clause quiz to accurately pinpoint which parts of a sentence function as subordinate clauses in a variety of examples.
Differentiate Clause Types -
Distinguish between independent and subordinate clauses by analyzing their roles and relationships within compound and complex sentences.
Apply Grammar Rules -
Implement rules for subordinate clauses when constructing your own sentences, ensuring clarity and proper punctuation.
Analyze Sentence Structure -
Break down complex sentences to understand how subordinate clauses add detail, cause, time, and condition to main ideas.
Enhance Writing Complexity -
Incorporate varied subordinate clauses into your writing to create more engaging and nuanced prose.
Evaluate Your Progress -
Receive instant feedback on each question to monitor your mastery of subordinate clauses and identify areas for further practice.
Cheat Sheet
Understanding Subordinate Clauses -
Subordinate clauses include both a subject and a verb but rely on an independent clause to form a complete thought, making them dependent by definition (Purdue OWL). They're introduced by a subordinating conjunction (like because, although, or if) or a relative pronoun (which, that). Spotting the hinge between your clauses is the first step in acing the subordinate clause quiz!
Mastering Conjunctions with AAAWWUBBIS -
The AAAWWUBBIS mnemonic (After, Although, As, When, While, Until, Before, Because, If, Since) helps you recall common subordinating conjunctions from the University of Toronto Writing Centre. For example, "Although it rained, we enjoyed the picnic" showcases how the clause can't stand alone. Practice this trick in every practice subordinate clauses quiz to lock in recognition skills.
Types of Subordinate Clauses -
Adverbial clauses (When the bell rings, we leave) modify verbs, relative clauses (The book that you lent me) modify nouns, and noun clauses (What you said surprised me) act as subjects or objects (Cambridge Dictionary). Recognizing each type strengthens your ability to identify subordinate clause questions. Try writing one example of each type to reinforce your understanding.
Punctuation Pitfalls: Essential vs. Nonessential -
Essential subordinate clauses (using "that") don't take commas because they're crucial to the sentence's meaning: "The cake that she baked was delicious." Nonessential clauses (using "which") add extra info and require commas: "The cake, which she baked yesterday, was delicious" (Purdue Online Writing Lab). Mastering this distinction will boost both your grammar confidence and quiz scores.
Identification Techniques for Success -
Flip the clause to the front or remove it entirely - if the remaining sentence still makes sense, you've found a subordinate clause (University of North Carolina). Annotate "SC" above the clause when practicing identify subordinate clause questions to build muscle memory. Consistent drilling with a subordinate clause quiz will make spot-checking second nature!
