subordinate – English Grammar Profiler
- A subordinate clause is also called the dependent clause. It depends on or is subordinate to the main clause in a sentence.
- Subordinating conjunctions are often used at the start of a subordinate clause.
- Subordination happens when two or more clauses are not joined by the conjunctions: and, but, or, yet.
- The subordinate clause is not the main clause.
We have an A2 and B1 grammar post about linking adverbs and subordinating conjunctions. However, sometimes in grammar, there are many terms such as ‘conjunctive adverb’ etc. According to Wikipedia: A conjunctive adverb, adverbial conjunction, or subordinating adverb is an adverb that connects two clauses by converting the clause it introduces into an adverbial modifier […]
conjunctive adverbs Read More »
A1 points 1-7 in the English Grammar Profile are listed as:
single word conjunctions (‘and, but, or’):
to connect single nouns and adjectives. to combine phrases, clauses, and sentences. ‘and’ and ‘or’ before the final item in a list.
‘but’ to add unexpected contrast.
‘because’ as a subordinating conjunction to introduce a subordinate clause.
and | but | or | because Read More »
The phrase “in order not to” is used to express the purpose or intention of avoiding something. It is followed by an infinitive verb. For example:
I left early in order not to miss the train.
She studied hard in order not to fail the exam.
In order not to INFINITIVE Read More »
Here’s an example of the preposition ‘after’ complemented by a non-finite perfect form of the passive ‘having been p.p.’ Roughly a month and a half after having been laid, the surviving eggs hatch. Listen In the English Grammar Profile, there are two similar C2 points in the category of passives: Point 38: non-finite ‘-ing’ perfect forms of the passive as the complement of prepositions. Point
Having been + PAST PARTICIPLE Read More »
English Grammar Profile A2 point 32 in the category of CLAUSES is defined as:
non-finite subordinate clause with ‘to’, to introduce purpose
TO infinitive (purpose) Read More »
In the English Grammar Profile, point 76 in the category of CLAUSES/subordinated, at B1 is defined as: a finite subordinate clause with conjunctions (‘even though, (al)though, while if’) to introduce contrast, before or after a main clause. *Note, only ‘while if‘ is not overlapping other B1 grammar points or clashing at other levels out of
while if | although | though Read More »
The non-finite subordinate clause is a subordinate clause that does not have a subject and verb relationship like a typical main clause. Instead, it uses verb forms such as the “-ing” form. The clause is introduced by the words “before” or “after” to indicate a specific point in time. Here’s an example to illustrate this:
before | after + VERBing Read More »
Point 213 in MODALITY is defined as: ‘may’ in a subordinate clause expressing concession with ‘however’, ‘whatever’, ‘whoever’ + ‘it or this may be or seem Our examples: All you’ve got to go on is streams of electrical impulses, which are only indirectly related to things in the world, whatever they may be. Compromises can be struck, however difficult it yet may be. A search in iWeb for: however _JJ it|this may_V be|seem 1
however | whoever | whatever + may + seem Read More »
In the English Vocabulary Profile, ‘Whatever’ is listed as a pronoun at B1 meaning ‘anything’ or ‘everything’, one example they give is: Whatever I say I always seem to get it wrong. This EVP example could be rewritten as: I always seem to get whatever I say wrong. As a pronoun or a determiner at B2 meaning ‘no difference’: Whatever you decide, I hope you enjoy a wonderful summer. It could be rewritten as I hope you enjoy a wonderful summer
whatever | wherever | whenever | however Read More »
Here are examples of negative non-finite clauses giving more information: I remember thinking very highly of Private Bell not wanting to see his record tarnished by a formal charge. listen Look into my eyes so you know what it‘s like to live a life not knowing what a normal life‘s like. listen C1 English Grammar Profile point 116 CLAUSES/subordinated is defined as: non-finite clause, introduced by ‘not’ + ‘-ing’, to give more information *This is hard to find any examples of online because there are many informally ellipted
not + verbING (subordinate clause) Read More »
C1 points: 114 in CLAUSES/conditional is defined as: subordinate conditional clauses with ‘if you should’, in polite, formal contexts *Most of the English Grammar Profile examples include: ‘if you should have any’ (questions|concerns|problems) + don’t hesitate…’ Therefore, this is offering help or giving advice. ‘should’ here gives a slight feeling of ‘it is unlikely’ or
if you should Read More »
C1 point 112 in CLAUSES/conditional is defined as: Conditional subordinate clauses with ‘if’ + the past perfect simple and modal verb + ‘have’ + ‘-ed’ in the main clause, to talk about imagined situations in the past, often with regret. *Note the same definition with ‘would‘ is listed at B1! Basically, this means that for
if + PAST PERFECT + MODAL VERBS Read More »
In the English Grammar Profile, point 107 in CLAUSES/subordinated is defined as: non-finite subordinate clause with an ‘-ed’ form, before a main clause, to give focus This is an overlapping grammar point for C1 point 7 FOCUS. A search in iWeb for . _VVN 1 . GONE ARE THE DAYS 5606 2 . MADE IN
non-finite subordinate clause Read More »
It -clefts consist of the pronoun it, a form of the verb to be, the focused element, and a relative-like dependant clause introduced by that, who/which or zero. grin.com In the English Vocabulary Profile (EVP), the pronoun ‘it’ is C2 when it emphasizes one part of a sentence. The example given in the EVP matches two C2 grammar points in the
it + BE (cleft) Read More »
In each of these examples, “in that” is used to introduce specific information or characteristics that further explain or define the subject or situation being discussed. It provides a deeper understanding or adds clarity to the preceding clause.
IN THAT (conjunction) Read More »
‘As if’ means ‘as would be the case if’. Here’s an example of the subordinators as if + Verb-ing clause. She studied the bracelet as if trying to estimate its fair market value. Listen ‘trying to estimate…’ is a manner clause, it describes how she studied. We could ask the question, How did she study it? C2 point 133 CLAUSES/comparatives is defined as: ‘as if’ +
as if + NON-FINITE CLAUSE Read More »
In the English Grammar Profile, C2 point 131 in CLAUSES/subordinated is defined as: non-finite clauses after subordinating conjunctions ‘(although, though)’, to express contrast. … although married, my mother decided not to leave… Although committed to her job she successfully maintains her social contacts… Jack, though disappointed, respects the result. The EGP examples above, use Past Participles, but the definition above does not mention them as being critical to this as a C2 structure. *The tagging might make mistakes
ALTHOUGH | THOUGH + non-finite clause Read More »
C2 INTRODUCE A CONDITION in a formal context ‘Were’ + pronoun + ‘to’ infinitive to introduce a condition, in formal contexts ‘were’ with an inverted subject + ‘to’ infinitive, to introduce conditions in formal contexts. Point 127 CLAUSES/conditional | Point 126 CLAUSES/subordinated
The English Grammar Profile
WERE + noun phrase + TO infinitive Read More »
Here are examples of ‘so long as’ and ‘on condition that’ meaning ‘only if’: So long as they keep to themselves, it makes no difference to me. Listen The house and grounds are left to the city of Gotham on condition that they never be demolished, altered or otherwise interfered with. Listen Here’s an example of ‘in the event that’ meaning ‘should something happen’: I’m here to protect you in the event that someone tries to access your mind through your dreams. Listen The English Grammar Profile C2 Point 122 in CLAUSES/conditional is defined as:
(complex conjunctions) so long as | on condition that | in the event that Read More »
In the English Grammar Profile, C1 point 7 in the category of FOCUS is defined as: non-finite subordinate clause with an ‘-ed’ form, before a main clause, for focus, often in formal, academic or business contexts. Also see Pearson’s 76 GSE C1: add information using appended clauses with ‘being’ and/or passive participles. Given enough time, she‘ll do
NON-FINITE past participle CLAUSES Read More »