Calling all grammar enthusiasts eager to master which of the following is a subordinate clause? Take our free subordinate clauses quiz to test your skills in recognizing subordinate clauses and identify subordinate clauses within engaging examples. You'll explore key subordinate clause examples, practice spotting them in sentences, and see just how confident you are in recognizing subordinate clauses. Ready to sharpen your writing? Dive into the challenge now and check out our quick guide to identifying clauses before you begin the subordinate clause quiz!
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "I went to the store because I needed milk."
because I needed milk
I went to the store
I needed milk
to the store
The phrase "because I needed milk" is a subordinate clause because it begins with the subordinating conjunction "because" and cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It depends on the main clause for meaning. Subordinate clauses often act as adverbials, descriptors, or noun clauses. Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "Although it was raining, we went out for a walk."
for a walk
Although it was raining
it was raining
we went out for a walk
"Although it was raining" is the subordinate clause because it begins with the subordinating conjunction "although" and cannot stand alone as a sentence. It adds context to the main clause. Such clauses function as adverbial modifiers. Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "She stayed home when she was sick."
She stayed home
stayed home when
she was sick
when she was sick
"When she was sick" is the subordinate clause, introduced by the subordinating conjunction "when." It cannot stand alone and provides the condition for the main action. Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "Because the alarm failed, we overslept."
Because the alarm failed
alarm failed
we overslept
the alarm failed
"Because the alarm failed" begins with the subordinating conjunction "because" and cannot stand alone, making it a subordinate clause. It explains the reason for the main action. Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "If you study hard, you will pass."
study hard
If you study hard
you study hard
you will pass
"If you study hard" is the subordinate clause because it starts with "if," a subordinating conjunction, and cannot stand alone. It sets a condition for the main clause. Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "He left early since he finished his work."
He left early
he finished his work
finished his work
since he finished his work
"Since he finished his work" begins with "since," making it a subordinate clause that provides a reason for the main clause. It cannot stand alone. Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "Unless you call, I won't come."
Unless you call
you call
I won't come
won't come
"Unless you call" is the subordinate clause introduced by "unless," which sets a condition. It cannot stand independently as a complete thought. Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "While the cake was baking, she prepared the icing."
prepared the icing
she prepared the icing
While the cake was baking
the cake was baking
"While the cake was baking" starts with the subordinating conjunction "while" and cannot stand alone, qualifying it as a subordinate clause. It provides timing for the main action. Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "She smiled when she saw the gift that her friend gave her."
She smiled
that her friend gave her
she saw the gift
when she saw the gift that her friend gave her
The full subordinate clause is "when she saw the gift that her friend gave her," introduced by "when." The phrase "that her friend gave her" is a relative clause nested inside, but the main subordinate clause is the adverbial clause beginning with "when." Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "I will start dinner once everyone arrives."
start dinner once
I will start dinner
once everyone arrives
everyone arrives
"Once everyone arrives" begins with the subordinating conjunction "once" and cannot stand alone, making it a subordinate clause that indicates timing. Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "The movie, which we watched last night, was thrilling."
which we watched last night
was thrilling
The movie
last night
"Which we watched last night" is a relative subordinate clause modifying "movie." It begins with the relative pronoun "which" and cannot stand alone. Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "That he lied surprised me."
lied surprised me
surprised me
That he lied
he lied
"That he lied" is a noun subordinate clause functioning as the subject of the sentence. It begins with the conjunction "that" and cannot stand alone. Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "Because he didn't call, I was worried."
Because he didn't call
was worried
he didn't call
I was worried
"Because he didn't call" starts with "because" and cannot stand alone, so it is a subordinate adverbial clause explaining reason. Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "When the show ends, we'll grab dinner together."
we'll grab dinner together
When the show ends
grab dinner together
the show ends
"When the show ends" is a subordinate adverbial clause, introduced by "when," indicating time and unable to stand alone. Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "I know that she will win the race."
she will win
I know
will win the race
that she will win the race
"That she will win the race" is a noun clause serving as the object of "know." It begins with "that" and does not stand alone as a sentence. Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "The fact that he arrived early pleased everyone."
that he arrived early
he arrived early pleased everyone
arrived early
The fact
"That he arrived early" is a noun subordinate clause modifying "fact." It begins with "that" and cannot stand alone. Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "No matter how hard you try, you can't please everyone."
you try
No matter how hard you try
how hard you try
you can't please everyone
"No matter how hard you try" is a complex subordinate clause introduced by "no matter how," functioning as an adverbial clause of concession. It cannot stand alone. Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "I wonder whether they will arrive on time."
they will arrive
whether they will arrive on time
I wonder
arrive on time
"Whether they will arrive on time" is a noun subordinate clause acting as the object of "wonder." It begins with "whether" and cannot stand independently. Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "He acts as if he owns the place."
as if he owns the place
acts as if
he owns the place
He acts
"As if he owns the place" begins with the subordinating conjunction "as if" and conveys a comparison or manner, making it a subordinate adverbial clause. Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "The problem is that we have no proof."
The problem is
that we have no proof
we have no proof
have no proof
"That we have no proof" is a noun subordinate clause functioning as a subject complement after "is." It begins with "that" and cannot stand alone. Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "I'll give it to you provided that you finish your work."
provided that you finish your work
finish your work
you finish your work
I'll give it to you
"Provided that you finish your work" starts with "provided that," making it a subordinate condition clause. It cannot stand alone. Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "She behaves as though nobody understands her."
nobody understands her
She behaves
behaves as though
as though nobody understands her
"As though nobody understands her" is an adverbial subordinate clause introduced by "as though," indicating manner. It is dependent on the main clause. Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "He asked what time the meeting would start."
what time the meeting would start
He asked
the meeting would start
would start
"What time the meeting would start" is a noun subordinate clause acting as the object of "asked." It cannot stand alone. Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "If only I had known, I would have apologized."
I had known
only I had known
If only I had known
I would have apologized
"If only I had known" is a subordinate clause expressing a hypothetical condition. It cannot stand alone and begins with the conjunction "if." Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "It is important that everyone be on time."
everyone be on time
be on time
It is important
that everyone be on time
"That everyone be on time" is a noun subordinate clause functioning as the complement of "is important." It begins with "that" and is dependent on the main clause. Learn more.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence: "Whatever you decide will be fine with me."
fine with me
you decide
Whatever you decide
will be fine with me
"Whatever you decide" is a noun subordinate clause serving as the subject of the sentence. It begins with the indefinite pronoun "whatever" and cannot stand alone. Learn more.
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Study Outcomes
Understand Subordinate Clauses -
Grasp the definition and key features that distinguish subordinate clauses from other clause types.
Identify Subordinate Clause Examples -
Practice recognizing subordinate clauses in various sentences by selecting correct examples.
Distinguish Clause Types -
Differentiate subordinate clauses from independent clauses and phrases within complex sentences.
Analyze Sentence Structure -
Break down sentences to pinpoint how subordinate clauses function and relate to main clauses.
Apply Quiz Strategies -
Use proven techniques to quickly answer "which of the following is a subordinate clause" questions in writing assessments.
Enhance Writing Skills -
Incorporate varied subordinate clauses into your own writing to create more dynamic and nuanced sentences.
Cheat Sheet
Definition and Dependency -
Subordinate clauses, or dependent clauses, cannot stand alone as complete sentences and require an independent clause to form a full idea (Purdue OWL). They begin with subordinating conjunctions like because or relative pronouns such as which. Testing which of the following is a subordinate clause in our quiz helps solidify your understanding.
Key Subordinating Conjunctions -
Recognizing common subordinators such as although, since, and if is crucial for identifying subordinate clauses (University of Michigan Grammar). Use the mnemonic AAAWWUBBIS (After, Although, As, When, While, Until, Because, Before, If, Since) to recall key words. This tool aids when you practice subordinate clauses quiz questions.
Independent vs. Dependent Clauses -
Independent clauses express complete thoughts, whereas subordinate clauses are fragments when isolated (Oxford English Grammar). Remove the clause and see if the sentence still stands; if not, it's subordinate. This technique helps you quickly identify subordinate clauses in exercises.
Types of Subordinate Clauses -
Subordinate clauses function as adverbial, adjectival (relative), or noun clauses, each playing a different role in a sentence (Cambridge Grammar). For instance, an adjectival clause like "that you gave me" modifies a noun, while adverbial clauses like "when it rains" modify verbs. Reviewing various subordinate clause examples enhances your mastery.
Punctuation Rules -
When subordinate clauses begin a sentence, a comma often follows, but no comma is needed when they appear at the end (Purdue OWL). For example, "If you study hard, you will excel" vs. "You will excel if you study hard." Use quizzes focusing on recognizing subordinate clauses to practice punctuation placement.
