Main and subordinate clauses

For grown-ups: this lesson in words

Years 3 to 6 · English

Main and subordinate clauses: I can find the main clause and the subordinate clause in a sentence, and join clauses with a conjunction.

1. A clause is a group of words with a verb in it. A verb is a doing or being word.

   Laughed is the verb, so Zara laughed loudly is a clause.

   It makes sense on its own. A clause that makes sense on its own is a main clause.

   Picture: The sentence "Zara laughed loudly.", with "laughed" labelled verb.

2. Not every group of words is a clause. Watch where each one goes.

   The dog barked has a verb, barked. It is a clause.

   Under the big tree has no verb. Nothing happens, so it is a phrase.

   We ate cake has the verb ate, so it is a clause. A red bike has no verb, so it is a phrase.

   Picture: Sorting into 2 groups: Clause: has a verb, Phrase: no verb. Clause: has a verb: the dog barked (dog), we ate cake (cake). Phrase: no verb: under the big tree (tree), a red bike (bike).

3. Your turn: Which of these is a clause? Look for the verb.

   Choose one:

   • the shiny red car
   • Mum sang
   • in the garden

   Answer

   The answer: Mum sang

   Mum sang is the clause. Sang is the verb. The other two have no verb, so they are phrases.

Words to know

clause:

A group of words with a verb in it.

main clause:

A clause that makes sense on its own. It could be a whole sentence.

subordinate clause:

A clause that leans on the main clause. It cannot stand alone.

phrase:

A group of words with no verb, like under the big tree.

conjunction:

A joining word. Because, when, although, until and if start a subordinate clause.