How often in our speech we assume, make plans, assert the purpose for which we took this or that action, and regret missed opportunities. If you do not learn the topic of subordinate clauses, then you will not be able to conquer all the peaks of the language.

Offer - it is not just a set of words, but an independent part of speech. Each of them has its own character: some are simple, some are complex. Let's find mutual language with the second units of speech.

Complex Sentences or Compound Sentences Their names already indicate that they consist of two parts. Their main difference is in the interaction of the parts with each other. So, in the first type there is a main and a subordinate, in the second all relationships are built on equality. Let's compare:

The music stopped and the couples took their places. — The music stopped and the couples took their places (equal).

I thought that he would return on Monday. — I thought he would return on Monday (main and dependent).

So, we are interested in complex phrases, namely, their dependent part. First of all, let's understand what is called subordinate clauses in English. In our speech, we often use phrases that explain the main action, reveal more information, giving us the opportunity to diversify our speech. In other words, a subordinate clause means a secondary action. Let's compare:

He said something. It was very important. - He said something. This was very important (two simple ones)

What he said was very important. “What he said was very important.” (using subordinate clause)

Types of subordinate clauses

If we want to clarify subject, then we use conjunctions or allied words “who” (who), “what” (that), “that” (that), “whose” (whose), “which” (which), “how” (how), “ wether"/"if" (if). To determine the type of offer, ask a question. So, Subject Clauses answer who? What?.

How he made a mistake is not clear to us. “We don’t understand how he made the mistake.” (This is unclear?)

Explain English predicate can be done using the same conjunctions as the subject. But Predicative Clauses will answer the question what did you do?

This is what has he done by 6 o'clock. - That's what he did at six o'clock.

Subordinate clauses additions answer the question what?, whom? for what?. The main sentence is connected through the same unions or in a non-union way. Subordinate clauses definitions answer what question? which? and are introduced using the conjunctions “who”, “whose”, “which”, “that”, “whom”, “when”, “how”.

She smiled at what I said . - She smiled at what I said.

I know the girl who has worn the prize . — I know the girl who won the first prize.

Subordinate clauses in English characterizing circumstances of the action, are the largest group.

• Adverbal Clauses place(places) answer questions where? Where? where? and are joined by the conjunctions “where”, “from where”, “wherever” (wherever, wherever). Adverbal Clauses time can be recognized by the conjunctions “when”, “after”, “till/untill”, “while”, “since”, “by the time”, “before”, “whenever” (whenever). Adverbal Clauses of manner(mode of action) adjoin the main idea using the conjunctions “as if”, “as”, “as though” and answer the questions how? how?. Great language exceptions - English - and here it makes us think. Thus, subordinate clauses have features when expressing the future tense.

They went to the street where the famous writer was killed . - They came to the place where famous writer was killed.

I haven't written to him since we left the school . “I haven’t written to him since we left school.”

He looked at me as if he saw me for the first time. “He looked at me as if he was seeing me for the first time.

• Adverbal Clauses reason(causes) are introduced into a complex sentence with the conjunctions “because”, “since” (meaning since), “as” (since) and answer the question why?. Adverbal Clauses purpose answer the question why? for what purpose? and are joined by the conjunctions “that”, “in order that”, “so that” - so that and the union “lest” - so as not to. The infinitive is most often used to explain the main action.

As we hadn’t any food we couldn’t continue our trip. — Since we had no more food, we could not continue our journey.

She went to England to learn English. — She went to England to study English.

She sent her children into the garden in order to work a little. — She sent the children to kindergarten to do some work.

• Adverbal Clauses result(consequences) express the result of an action from the main clause. Subordinate clauses of this type are adjacent to the main one using the conjunctions “so that”, “that”, “so” (so). This type is not as simple as the others. When connecting the main and minor parts Don't forget to coordinate times.

He spoke for such a long time that we began to think that he never stop. “He talked for so long that we began to think he would never finish.”

• Adverbal Clauses concession(concessions) answer the question no matter what? and are joined by the conjunctions “though”, “however” (no matter how), “whoever” (whoever), “whatever” (no matter what), “even if” (even if). Adverbal Clauses condition(conditions)- “if”, “unless”, “in case”.

However rich people are they always want to make more money. - No matter how rich people are, they still want to earn even more money.

If he cleans his shoes it means he is having a date. — If he shines his shoes, it means he has a date.

Note: Conditional sentences have several types that require careful study.

Despite a large number of, subordinate clauses in English are quite easy to understand and remember. Determine the main idea and explanatory circumstances, pose a question, look at the connecting conjunction - and you have found the answer.

Types of subordinate clauses in English

I. Subordinate clause - subject
that - what
if, whether
who - who
what - what, which
which - which
when - when
where - where
how - how
why - why

Whether we played there or not means nothing now. - Whether we played there or not, it doesn’t matter now.
That she understands his fault is clear. - It is clear that she understands her guilt.
What she told me yesterday proved to be correct. “What she told me yesterday turned out to be true.”
Who spoke at that meeting has escaped my memory. - I can’t remember who spoke at this meeting.
Which of the knives is good for our kitchen has to be decided yet. - Which knife is suitable for our kitchen will still be decided.
Where she is hiding now is not known. - Where she is hiding now is unknown.
When he arrives is not mentioned. - When he arrives is unknown.
Why they have chosen that way was known only to their guide. - Why they chose this path was known only to their guide.
How you have managed to do it is very strange. - It’s very strange how you managed to do this.

II. Subordinate clause - predicate (is the nominal part of the predicate) the same as for the subordinate subject

This is what I told you about. - What I told you about.
The question is whether the weather is sunny. - The question is whether the weather will be sunny.

III. Subordinate clause - addition
that—that
if, whether
what - what, which
who - who
which - which
where - where
how - how
why - why

Tom asked if he could take that book. - Tom asked if he could take this book.
We know that she is pretty. - We know that she is beautiful.
I don't know what Jimmy should do now. - I don't know what Jimmy should do now.
I wonder why penguins don’t fly. - I wonder why penguins don’t fly?
The secretary told us how we can arrange our offers. - The secretary told us how we can prepare our proposals.
…where to sleep. -...where to sleep.
… which bag to buy. - ... which bag to buy.

IV. Subordinate clause - attributive
who - which
whose - whose
which - which
that - which
where - where
why - why

The room has a stove which faces the door. - The room has a stove, which is located opposite the door.
It is the same person whom we saw last month. - This is the same man we saw a month ago.
Do you know the reason why Maria was late? - Do you know the reason why Maria was late?
The time when MaryI was young has long passed. - The time when Mary was young is long gone.
The castle where we once had dinner has disappeared. - The castle where we once had lunch has disappeared.

V. Circumstances of the place
where - where
wherever - wherever, wherever.

Put the vase where it belongs. - Put the vase in place.
Wherever you go, you should be careful. - Wherever you go, you must be careful.

VI. Circumstances of the time
when - when
after - after that
before - before
till - until
while - while
since - since
as soon as - as soon as

After you go there, you can call on me. - When you go there, you can visit me.
When summer comes, we'll go to the country. - When summer comes, we will go to the village.
By the time Amy arrives, I’ll be ready. - By the time Amy arrives, I'll be ready.
Let me smoke a cigar before I go. - Let me smoke a cigar before I go.

VII. Circumstance of the reason
because - because
as - since
since - since

Tim can’t go to the concert because he is busy. - Tim can't go to the concert because he's busy.

VIII. Circumstance of the course of action
as - how
that - what
as if = as though - as if

She chews so loudly that everyone can hear her. - She chews so loudly that everyone can hear her.

IX. Circumstance of the goal
that - to
so that or in order to - in order to
lest - so as not to...

Eva had to talk louder, so that everyone could hear her. -Eve had to speak louder so that everyone could hear her.

X. Circumstances of the condition.
if - if
provided that = on condition that - provided that

If she is free today, he might be at the conference. - If she is free today, she should be at the conference.
I will read you an

Adverbial clauses perform functions in various circumstances. They answer the following questions when?- When?, why?- Why?, where?– where?, where?, how?- How?

By meaning, subordinate clauses are divided into:

1. adverbial sentences of time,
2. adverbial clauses of place,
3. adverbial clauses of reason,
4. circumstantial sentences of investigation,
5. adverbial sentences of manner of action and comparison,
6. adverbial concessive offers,
7. adverbial sentences of purpose,
8. adverbial clauses conditions.

note that adverbial clauses are separated by a comma only if they stand before the main clause.

Subordinate clauses of time. Adverbial Clauses of Time

1. Subordinate clauses of time

• when? - When?
• since when? – since when?
• how long? - how long?

• when - when;
• whenever - whenever;
• while – while, when, while;
• as – when, while;
• after – after;
• before - before;
• till, until – until, until... not;
• as soon as - for now;
• since – since then, etc.;

Examples: I learned to read when I was about 5 years old.– I learned to read when I was about 5 years old.
Before it grew dark, we had reached home. “Before it got dark, we got home. (We separated the adverbial clause with a comma, since it comes before the main clause.)

2. B subordinate clause of time The verb in the future tense is never used.
Remember: replaced by , replaced by , and replaced by .

Examples:When they return home, she'll tell them the news. “When they return home, she will tell them the news.”

Subordinate clauses of place. Adverbial Clauses of Places

1. Subordinate clauses of place answer the following questions:

• where? – where?/where?
• from where - where from?

They are connected to the main sentence using conjunctions:

• where – where, where;
• wherever – wherever, wherever;

Examples:Wherever I meet his brother, he is always troubled. – Wherever I meet his brother, he is always worried.
This is the house where I live in. - This is the house where (in which) I live.

Subordinate clauses of reason. Adverbial Clauses of Cause

1. Subordinate clauses of reason answer the question:

• why? - Why?

They are connected to the main sentence using conjunctions:

• because – because;
• as – since;
• fore – since;
• now that – now when, since.

Examples: There were many people in the streets because it was a holiday. – There were a lot of people on the street because it was a holiday.
We decided to camp there as it was too dark to go on. “We decided to set up camp there because it was too dark to go any further.

Subordinate clauses of manner of action and comparison. Adverbial Clauses of Manner and Comparison

1. Subordinate clauses of manner of action answer the question:

How? – how?/in what way?

They are connected to the main sentence using conjunctions:

• as – how;
• as if (as though) – as if, as if;
• that - what.

Examples: Pronounce the word as I do. - Say the word as I (do it).

2. In comparative sentences introduced by conjunctions as if, as though, used Subjunctive II.

Examples: Hey as if he were starving for months. “He ate as if he had been starving for months.”
She talks about Paris as though she had been there herself. – She talks about Paris as if she had been there in person.

3. K subordinate clauses of manner of action relate subordinate clauses of comparison, they are connected to the main sentence using conjunctions:

• than - than;
• as...as – just...as/same...as;
• not so…as – (not) so/such…as;

Examples: It's not so bad as her mother thinks it is. “It’s not as bad as her mother thinks.”

Subordinate clauses of consequence. Adverbial Clauses of Result

1. Subordinate clauses of consequence express a consequence arising from the content of the main sentence. They are connected to the main sentence with a conjunction so that, such that - so, in colloquial speech the conjunction is often used so.

Examples: They had such a fierce dog that no one dared to go near their house. “They had such a fierce dog that no one dared to pass by their house.
The weather was so warm that I did not wear a jacket. – The weather was so warm that I didn’t wear a jacket.

Subordinate clauses are concessive. Adverbial Clauses of Concession

1. Concessive subordinate clauses indicate the circumstance contrary to which the action of the main sentence is performed. They are connected to the main sentence by conjunctions:

• thought (although) – although;
• in spite of the fact that - despite the fact that;
• however - no matter how;
• whoever – whoever;
• whatever - whatever;
• whichever – whichever;
• no matter what - no matter what;
• no matter how - no matter how, etc.

Examples: Don't change your plans whatever happens. – Don’t change your plans, no matter what happens.
Although I like insects, I do not wish to study entomology. – Although I love insects, I don't want to study entomology.
In spite of having no qualifications, he got the job. Despite the fact that he had no qualifications, he got the job.

Subordinate clauses of purpose. Adverbial Clause of Purpose

1. Subordinate clauses of purpose indicate the purpose for which the action of the main sentence is performed. Subordinate clauses of purpose answer the following questions:

• what for? - Why? What for?
• for what purpose? -for what purpose?

They are connected to the main sentence using conjunctions:

• so that, so, in order that - so that, in order to;
• in order that – (in order) to.

Union so that– the most common, and in colloquial speech the conjunction is often used so.

The predicate of these sentences is expressed by verbs may (might) and should + infinitive without to. This construction is translated.
May (might) used when the predicate of the subordinate clause has a connotation of possibility. Should used when the shade of possibility is absent.

Examples: He told us to get into the back of the car so that we could talk. “She told us to sit in the back seat of the car so we could talk.”

She gave me the key so that I could open the door. “She gave me the key so I could open the door.”

Subordinate clauses conditions. Adverbial Clauses of Condition

1. Subordinate clauses conditions connected to the main sentence using conjunctions:

• if – if (the most common conjunction);
• in case - in case;
• supposing (that), suppose (that) - if, suppose (that);
• unless - if... not;
• provided (that), providing (that), on condition (that) – provided that, provided that.

Examples: I wouldn't do it if I were you. “I wouldn’t do this if I were you.”
I'll be at the flat all evening in case you should change your mind. “I’ll be at my house all evening in case you change your mind.”

Please note that it is possible to consider subordinate clauses in detail only in the context of the whole. Detailed information You can see about conditional sentences.

In a complex sentence, the subordinate clause performs a number of functions: adverbial clause, nominal part of the compound predicate, subject, determiner and complement. Subordinate clauses in English are introduced into complex sentences. Conjunctions are used for this that, if, before, because, as, unless, though till, when, since, after etc.

Classification of subordinate clauses

Subordinate clauses are divided into many types.

1. Subordinate clauses (Subject Clause). They act as the subject of a sentence and answer the questions who? What? Subjects are connected by conjunctions that, whether, i f, who (whom), whose, what, which, when, where,how, why.

Where I live is a wonderful place. (Where I live is wonderful)

How he behaves drives me mad. (His behavior is driving me crazy).

2. Predicative clauses. These sentences perform the functions of the nominal part of a compound predicate. Predicates are connected by the same conjunctions as subjects, and answer the question: what is the subject? (what is it? what is the subject?).

The problem is whether they are able to study. (The problem is whether they can learn)

The result was that we hadn’t got any presents. (As a result, we did not receive any gifts)

3. Additions (Object Clause). In a sentence they serve as a direct or prepositional indirect object. These sentences answer the question what?

They said that they did all the tasks. (They said they did all the tasks)

I was told that I was a strange person. (They told me I'm a strange person)

4. Definitions (Attributive Clause). In a sentence, they perform the functions of definition and answer the questions: what? which? whose? In turn, they are connected by unions who, whose, which, that, where, when, why.

I like the song that I heard in the club. (I like the song I heard in the club)

He wears the coat which he bought long ago. (He is wearing a coat that he bought a long time ago)

5. Circumstances (Adverbial Clause). These sentences perform the functions of various circumstances. When do they answer questions? Where? Where? Why? How? and etc.

In English, this kind of sentence, which performs the functions of adverbials, is divided into 8 types according to their meaning:

• time;
• places;
• causes;
• consequences;
• mode of action and comparison;
• concessionary;
• goals;
• conditions.

Time

They are connected to each other by alliances when, while, as, as soon as, since, till, untill, after and others.

I won’t eat until you join me. (I won't eat until you join me)

You haven’t slept since morning. (You haven't slept since this morning)

Places

The main clause is connected with conjunctions where, wherever.

She leaves where the forest grows the biggest. (She lives where the thickest forest grows)

Wherever I lived, I was always satisfied. (Wherever I lived, I was always happy)

Causes

They are connected to the main clause by conjunctions because, since, as, now, for.

I caught a cold because I was reckless. (I caught a cold because I was careless)

Since you study well, you may get some privileges. (Since you are a good student, you can get some privileges)

Consequences

Connect with the main clause with a conjunction so that(so... that), instead of which so is often used in colloquial speech.

I was a good boy so I can get sweets. (I was a good boy so I can get sweets)

Mode of action and comparison

I'll think like want to. (I'll think the way I want)

Comparative clauses with the main clause are connected by conjunctions than, as…as, not so…as, the...the.

He is as handsome as his father. (He is as handsome as his father)

Concessive

United by unions though, although, however, whoever and others.

She was never in love though many boys like her. (She never fell in love, although many guys liked her)

Goals

Conjunctions are used so that, in order that, lest.

Do this work right now so that we may start another work. (Do this work now so we can start other work)

Conditions

Conjunctions are used if, in case, unless, provided (that) and others.

If we try better, we’ll finish the work by noon. (If we try harder, we will finish the work by noon)

Subordinate clauses in English differ in their functions in a sentence and meaning.

An English sentence can be compared with a Russian one in that their structure is partially similar, and we are not talking about sentence members, but about parts of one phrase. So, they are found in the language. The second ones, which will be discussed in this article, in turn, are complex, where all parts are equal and independent, and complex. A complex sentence is so called because one or more of its parts are subordinate to another, and these subordinate parts themselves can answer different questions and act as different components of a phrase. These features led to the emergence of such a concept as clauses, and determined the classification of types of clauses in accordance with their role in the sentence. This will be discussed in this article. We will look at what subordinate clauses are in English, what types of them are distinguished and how they differ from each other.

General information about subordinate parts

The translation of the word clause is “part”, and further we are talking about those parts of a complex sentence that can convey different meanings and answer different questions. In general, there are main / principal - main and subordinate clauses - subordinate clauses in English (parts). This division is very clearly visible in subjunctive mood, because conditional sentences in English consist directly of the following components: the main sentence carries the main essence, and the subordinate part contains the condition.

It is worth noting that parts of a complex sentence can be connected either through conjunctions or other connecting words, or not have any connecting units. Example of a union connection:
She was sure that nobody would come to see her off“She was sure that no one would come to see her off.”

An example of a non-union connection:
I wish I had been there a few days before– It’s a pity that I wasn’t there a few days before.

It is also impossible not to note the fact that subordinate clauses do not have any specific place, i.e. they can either precede the main parts or come after them:

· It was hard to overcome the problem because the task was too difficult– It was difficult to overcome the problem because the task was too difficult

· When he phoned in the evening, I was watching my favorite TV program – When he called in the evening, I was watching my favorite program

The translation of clauses today can also be considered all subordinate clauses, including those that contain the main members of the sentence. This is perhaps due to the fact that the types of subordinate clauses are very numerous, and when talking about parts of a complex sentence, it is important to emphasize all fragments of the phrase without exception. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the types of clauses in more detail, give examples from different categories, and determine what questions each type answers.

Main types of subordinate parts

It is customary to distinguish the following types of subordinate clauses in English:

1. Subject clause

or, more simply put, a part that contains a subject. It shows the relationship of this clause to the predicate and can appear either at the beginning or at the end and be preceded by various conjunctions or connecting words (who, what, which, where, that, etc.):

What does he want to do is to go away right now – What he wants to do is leave right now

2. Predicative clause - subordinate predicates

They are in many ways reminiscent of the previously described subject clauses, since they also contain one of two main members. In addition, approximately the same conjunctions and connecting elements are also used before them - who, what, that, how, why, etc. The only difference is that those subordinate clauses in English that have a predicative usually appear in the second half:

The problem was how the boys could reach that place- The problem was how the boys could get to that place

3. Object clause - additional clauses

In fact, they serve as a full-fledged supplement. Additional subordinate clauses can be connected to the main part through the most different unions and connecting elements - that, is, what, who, whatever, whoever, etc. Such parts are also called explanatory and answer the questions of indirect cases: what? about whom? etc.:

He always does what his mother tells him to do– He always does what his mother tells him to do.

4. Attributive clauses

They act as definitions and are associated with either nouns or pronouns that appear in the main clause. Definitive sentences in English can be associated with main clauses through different elements: these can be relative pronouns(who, that, which, etc.), relative adverbs (when, where), and also the method can be non-union. Complex sentences with attributive clauses are quite popular because of the possibility different ways coordination with the main part; Usually the attributive clause answers the question which? and may look like this:

He started in the hope that everyone would support him– He started in the hope that everyone would support him

5. Adverbial clauses

which constitute perhaps the largest subgroup. Complex sentences with adverbial clauses are very common, since they convey a lot of meaning and have several separate subtypes. It is logical to assume that SPPs with adverbial clauses have a part within them in the adverbial function, which can have different meanings and be used to display different situations. So, any table with these types will offer the following options:

a) Adverbial clause of time - subordinate time in English

Quite often, parts of time and conditions stand together, since both subordinate conditions and time are clearly reflected in the subjunctive mood, where they have special grammatical norms for the formation of time. Temporal clauses have conjunctions that precede them - as, as soon as, till, until, when, etc.:
As soon as I saw her, I called my friends to tell them this news – As soon as I saw her, I called my friends to tell them this news

b) Adverbial clauses of place

There is usually nothing complicated in them, and the words that precede them are somehow connected with the place - where, wherever:
I feel good where I live– I feel good where I live

c) Adverbial clauses of purpose

Their essence lies in the name itself: they convey the purpose for which the action is performed. They are preceded by such well-known structures as in order, so that, etc.:

I looked at him so that he could understand the seriousness of my intention– I looked at him so that he could understand the seriousness of my intentions

d) Of cause - reasons

This part is designed to show one reason or another in relation to the main part. May begin with conjunctions because, for, since, as, etc.:

I decided not to go there since I didn't know anyone at that party– I decided not to go there because I didn’t know anyone at that party.

e) Of condition – subordinate clauses of condition

They are quite familiar to those who remember Subjunctive Mood and conditionals. Conditional clauses usually begin with conjunctions such as if (whether), unless, in case, etc.:

In case she comes, nobody will meet her – If she comes, no one will meet her

f) Of comparison

Their essence is quite simple: their translation begins with the words “as if”, “as if”, which are usually expressed through identical conjunctions as if/as though or other structures: as – as, so – as, etc.:

He looked as if nothing could frighten him“He looked like nothing could scare him.”

g) Of result – result or, as they are also called, consequences

The translation of such constructions is “so much that...”, “such that...”. Such clauses are usually expressed through the so that structure, but this case of its use should not be confused with an adverbial clause of purpose, where the essence will be completely different. Here's what a corollary clause looks like:

We were deeply involved in working on the project, so that we didn’t hear he come– We were so involved in working on the project that we didn’t hear it arrive

h) Of manner - way of action

The conjunction as usually shows how an action is performed, that is, the way it is performed. For example:
He did everything as you ordered him- He did everything as you ordered him

i) Adverbial clause of concession - concessions

A typical translation with which such a part will begin is “although”, “despite”, etc. The following meanings are expressed through the conjunctions although, though, however, despite, etc.:

Though he was free, he refused to help us – Although he was free, he refused to help us

As can be seen from all of the above information, there are quite a few types of subordinate parts of a sentence, but each of them has individual distinctive features in the form of unions that introduce them, so studying this extensive topic usually does not cause major problems and difficulties.