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Quizzes > Literature & Language > English & Grammar

Master Subordinate Clauses: Take the Quiz!

Test your skills: Which of the following is a subordinate clause?

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Luke SpaansUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration with grammar book pencil and quiz cards for a subordinate clause quiz on a sky blue background

This subordinate clause quiz helps you spot and use them in real sentences. You'll answer scored questions and see where you slip, so you can plug gaps before a grammar test; if you want a warm-up, try a quick which clause check , and for extra practice use the complex sentence checker .

In the sentence "I stayed home because I was sick," which part is the subordinate clause?
because I was sick
home because
I stayed home
I was sick
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Which word is a subordinating conjunction?
nor
or
and
although
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What is the primary characteristic of a subordinate clause?
It depends on a main clause to complete its meaning
It lacks a verb
It must begin with a coordinating conjunction
It can stand alone as a complete sentence
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Which sentence contains a noun clause?
I left when the bell rang.
We stayed although it was late.
She wondered what the answer was.
I ran so that I could catch the bus.
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Choose the sentence with an adverbial clause of time.
I know that he is honest.
We left because it was raining.
The book that you bought is new.
Call me when you arrive.
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Which is a subordinating rather than a coordinating conjunction?
yet
for
but
because
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Which revision correctly reduces the restrictive relative clause to a participial phrase? "Students who arrive late must wait outside."
Students who late arriving must wait outside.
Students, arriving late, must wait outside.
Students arriving late must wait outside.
Arriving late, students must wait outside.
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Choose the correct relative pronoun: "The scientist ___ the committee praised published new findings."
which
whom
who
that whom
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In "The car that I bought is fast," what noun does the relative clause modify?
fast
bought
I
car
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Which sentence contains a clause of condition introduced by unless?
Unless being tired, we stopped.
I smiled unless I was happy.
We left unless it was late.
Unless you hurry, we will miss the train.
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Which sentence correctly uses commas with a nonessential clause?
The museum, that opened last year is free.
The museum which opened last year is, free.
The museum, which opened last year, is free.
The museum that opened last year, is free.
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In which sentence is omitting that acceptable and natural?
I think (that) you are right.
It is essential that you arrive on time.
The fact that he left early surprised me.
She insisted that we leave immediately.
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Which sentence correctly uses a relative adverb?
I remember the day that we met.
I remember the day when we met.
I remember the reason that we met.
I remember the place that we met.
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Which option best defines a subordinate clause?
Any phrase without a verb
A complete sentence joined by a semicolon
A noun phrase modifying another noun
A group of words with a subject and predicate that cannot stand alone
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In American English, which is preferred in restrictive clauses over that.
True
False
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A subordinate clause can be imperative.
True
False
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Even if introduces a condition, not a conceded fact, unlike although.
False
True
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It is standard to write because... therefore in the same sentence to express cause and result.
True
False
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Whom is used as the object in relative clauses.
False
True
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Choose the sentence with a correctly formed comparative clause introduced by than.
She is taller than he is.
She is taller than is he.
She is taller than him is.
She is taller than he be.
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Study Outcomes

  1. 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.

  2. Differentiate Clause Types -

    Distinguish between independent and subordinate clauses by analyzing their roles and relationships within compound and complex sentences.

  3. Apply Grammar Rules -

    Implement rules for subordinate clauses when constructing your own sentences, ensuring clarity and proper punctuation.

  4. Analyze Sentence Structure -

    Break down complex sentences to understand how subordinate clauses add detail, cause, time, and condition to main ideas.

  5. Enhance Writing Complexity -

    Incorporate varied subordinate clauses into your writing to create more engaging and nuanced prose.

  6. Evaluate Your Progress -

    Receive instant feedback on each question to monitor your mastery of subordinate clauses and identify areas for further practice.

Cheat Sheet

  1. 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!

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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!

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