Subordinate clauses in English are Subordinate clauses.

How often in our speech we assume, make plans, affirm the purpose for which we performed this or that action, regret the 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: someone is simple, and someone is complex. Let's find a common language with the second units of speech.

Complex Sentences or Compound Sentences already by their names they say that they consist of two parts. Their main difference is in the interaction of parts with each other. So, in the first type there is a main and subordinate, in the second all relations 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 that 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, the subordinate clause means a secondary action. Compare:

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

What he said was very important. What he said was very important. (subordinate clause is used)

Types of subordinate clauses

If we want to clarify subject, then we use unions or allied words “who” (who), “what” (what), “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 did he make a mistake is not clear to us. How he made a mistake, we do not know. (This is unclear?)

Explain English predicate You can use the same unions as the subject. But Predicative Clauses will answer the question what did you do?

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

Adnexal additions answer the question what?, whom? for what?. They are connected with the main proposal by all the same unions or in an allied way. Adnexal definitions answer what question? which? and are introduced using the unions "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 a girl who won the first prize.

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

• Adverbal Clauses of place(places) answer questions where? Where? where? and join unions "where", "from where", "wherever" (wherever, wherever). Adverbal Clauses of time can be recognized by the unions "when", "after", "till / untill", "while", "since", "by the time", "before", "whenever" (whenever). Adverbal Clauses of manner(mode of action) adjoin the main thought with the help of the unions “as if”, “as”, “as though” and answer the questions how? how?. The great language of exceptions, English, makes us think here too. Thus, the adverbial tenses have features in expressing the future tense.

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

I haven't written 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 seeing me for the first time.

• Adverbal Clauses of reason(causes) are introduced into a complex sentence by the unions “because”, “since” (meaning because), “as” (because) and answer the question why ?. Adverbal Clauses of purpose (goals) answer the question why? for what purpose? and are joined by the unions "that", "in order that", "so that" - in order to and the union "lest" - not to. Most often, the infinitive is 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 of result(consequences) express the result of an action from the main clause. Subordinate clauses of this type are adjacent to the main one with the help of the unions “so that”, “that”, “so” (so). This view is not as simple as the others. When connecting the main and secondary parts, do not forget about the timing.

He spoke for such a long time that we began to think that he never stops. He talked for so long that we started to think that he would never finish.

• Adverbal Clauses of concession(concessions) answer the question no matter what? and are joined by the unions "though", "however" (no matter how), "whoever" (whoever), "whatever" (whatever, whatever), "even if" (even if). Adverbal Clauses of 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, then he has a date.

Note: There are several types of conditionals that require careful study.

Despite the large number, 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 union - and you have found the answer.

Adverbial clauses perform the functions of 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 place suggestions,
3. adverbial sentences reasons,
4. circumstantial sentences of the investigation,
5. adverbial sentences of mode of action and comparison,
6. circumstantial offers concessive,
7. circumstantial sentences of purpose,
8. adverbial conditional sentences.

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

Adverbial clauses of time. Adverbial Clauses of Time

1. Adverbial 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 - yet;
• since - since and others;

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 circumstantial clause with a comma, as it comes before the main clause).

2. In adverbial clause of time the verb in the future tense is never used.
Remember: is replaced by , is replaced by , and is replaced by .

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

Adverbial clauses of place. Adverbial Clauses of Places

1. Relative clauses of place answer the following questions:

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

They will connect with 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 uptight.
This is the house where I live in. - This is the house where (in which) I live.

Adverbial clauses of reason. Adverbial Clauses of Cause

1. Relative clauses of reason answer the question:

• why? - Why?

They are connected to the main clause with the help of conjunctions:

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

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 camp there, as it was too dark to go further.

Adverbial clauses of mode of action and comparison. Adverbial Clauses of Manner and Comparison

1. Adverbial clauses of mode of action answer the question:

how? – how? / in what way?

They are connected to the main clause with the help of conjunctions:

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

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

2. In comparative sentences that are introduced by unions as if, as thought, Subjunctive II is used.

Examples: Heate 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 were there in person.

3. K adverbial clauses of mode of action relate comparative clauses, they are connected to the main clause using conjunctions:

• than - than;
• as ... as - the same ... as / the 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.

Adverbial clauses of the corollary. Adverbial Clauses of Result

1. Adverbial clauses of the corollary express a consequence that follows from the content of the main sentence. They are connected to the main clause with an alliance so that, such that, in colloquial speech the union is often used so.

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

Subordinate clauses are concessive. Adverbial Clauses of Concession

1. Concessive subordinate clauses indicate the circumstance in spite of which the action of the main clause is performed. They are connected with the main sentence by unions:

• thought (although) - although;
• in spite of the fact that - despite the fact that;
• however - no matter how;
• whoever - whoever;
• whatever - whatever;
• whichever - whatever;
• no matter what - whatever;
• 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 has no qualifications, he got a job.

Adverbial clauses of purpose. Adverbial Clause of Purpose

1. Purpose clauses indicate the fact for what purpose the action of the main clause is performed. Purpose clauses answer the following questions:

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

They are connected to the main clause with the help of conjunctions:

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

Union so that- the most common, and in colloquial speech the union is often used so.

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

Examples: He told us to get into the back of the car so we could talk. He 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 a key so that I could open the door.

Subordinate clauses of the condition. Adverbial Clauses of Condition

1. Condition clauses connect with the main clause using conjunctions:

• if - if (the most common union);
• in case - in case;
• supposing (that), suppose (that) - if, suppose (what);
• 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 that 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 in detail the subordinate clauses of the condition only in the context of everything. Detailed information about conditional offers can be viewed.

Types of subordinate clauses in English

I. Clause - subject
that - what
if, whether - whether
who - who
what - what, what
which - which
when - when
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 turned out to be correct. What she told me yesterday turned out to be true.
Who at that spoke meeting has escaped my memory. - Who spoke at this meeting, I can not remember.
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 currently hiding is unknown.
When he arrives is not mentioned. When he arrives is unknown.
Why did they have chosen that way was known only to their guide. - Why they chose this path was known only to their guide.
How do you manage to do it is very strange. It's very strange how you managed to do that.

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

This 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. adjective - addition
that
if, whether - whether
what - what, what
who - who
which - which
where
how - how
why - why

Tom asked if he could take that book. Tom asked if he could borrow this book.
We know that she is pretty. - We know she's beautiful.
I do not know what Jimmy should do now. - I don't know what Jimmy should do now.
I wonder why penguins don't fly. Why don't penguins 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. Adverbial - definitive
who - who
whose - whose
which - which
that - which
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 person 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 Mary I 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 dined is gone.

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

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

VI. Circumstances of 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 leave.

VII. cause circumstance
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 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. Purpose circumstance
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. - Eva 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

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

Classification of subordinate clauses

Adverbial clauses are divided into many types.

1. Subject clauses (Subject Clause). Perform the functions of the subject in the sentence and answer the questions who? What? Subject unions are connected that, whether, i f, who (whom), whose, what, which, when, where,how, why.

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

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

2. Predicative Clauses. These sentences perform the functions of the nominal part of the compound predicate. The predicates are connected by the same unions as the 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 perform the function of 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. (I've been told that I'm a strange person)

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

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

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

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

In English, sentences of this kind that perform the functions of circumstances are divided into 8 types according to their meaning:

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

time

Between themselves they are connected 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 morning)

Places

Unions are connected with the main sentence where, wherever.

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

Wherever I lived, I was always satisfied. (Wherever I live, I've always been satisfied)

Causes

With the main sentence they are connected by unions 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 may get some privileges)

Consequences

Connect with the main clause with an alliance 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've been a good boy so I can get sweets)

Mode of action and comparison

I'll think as you want to. (I will think the way I want)

Comparative sentences with the main 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)

concessions

Connected by alliances though, although, however, whoever and others.

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

Goals

Unions 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 another work)

Conditions

Unions 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'll be done by noon)

The subordinate clauses in English differ in their functions in the sentence and in their meaning.

This topic is one of the most serious in English grammar. Learning a language at the initial stage, you can do without this knowledge for some time. But the higher your level is, the more you will have a desire to diversify and complicate your speech, making it close to that which native speakers speak. At this point, it will be necessary to study the conditions: their meaning, varieties, methods of formation and examples of use. This article will help you.

Where are they used?

In English, as in Russian, all sentences are divided into simple and complex. And the latter, in turn, can be complex and complex. The first type does not create great difficulties in learning the grammar of a foreign language. But in the case of the second, there are some nuances.

Consider a typical one in English:

If (when) the weather is fine, I'll go for a walk - If (when) the weather is fine, I'll go for a walk.

In this case, you can easily see two components:

• I'll go for a walk main clause (main clause);
• if (when) the weather is fine - a condition clause or a time clause.

What do they mean?

In the example discussed above, the main clause expresses the thought: "What will happen?", and the subordinate clause - "Under what condition (or at what time, when) will this happen?"

In such sentences, the inextricable semantic and grammatical connection of the main and subordinate parts is expressed. In general, subordinate constructions can express a variety of meanings: mode of action and degrees, place, time, condition, cause, effect, goal, comparison, concession. But in this article we will focus only on two types, expressing situations of time and conditions.

In speech, such constructions express logical, spatio-temporal and causal relationships. Therefore, an advanced English learner needs to understand when to use the tenses and conditions.

Used unions

It is characteristic that in complex sentences the main part is invariably one, and there can be several subordinate clauses. All of them are directly dependent (logically and grammatically) on the main component and join it with the help of various conjunctions and allied expressions. Here are the most used ones:

• if - if;
• in case - in case;
• when - when;
• while - while, while;
• as soon as (as long as) - as soon as;
• until - until, before;
• after - after;
• before - before;
• unless (if not) - if not.

Please note that the conjunction used does not always help determine A, it is often necessary to do this in order to apply the grammatical rule, which is discussed later in the article. To accurately confirm that this is a sentence with a subordinate condition or time, you need to ask a question to the subordinate part.

Remember also that a sentence can begin with either a main clause or a clause. Is it hard not to get confused? Just pay attention to which part of the sentence the union is in (one or the other from the list above).

What is adventitious time?

This type includes a part that is subordinate to the main one, while answering the questions: “When?”, “How long?”, “How long ago?”, “Since when?”, “Until when?” and so on.

To attach clauses of time to the main part, unions are used: when, after, before, until and others with a similar meaning. However, in order to make sure that it is the value of time being expressed, and not some other, it is safest to ask a question.

What is a subordinate condition?

Such grammatical constructions answer the question: “Under what condition?”. They are quite diverse and are joined by unions if, in case, unless, etc. But it does not always guarantee that the meaning of the condition is realized in the sentence. Because in many cases, turnover, for example, with if, is translated not “if”, but “whether”. Compare:

• I'll come if they invite me - I will come if they invite me.
• I don't know if they will invite me - I don't know if they will invite me.

Subordinate clauses in English are found in sentences that take place in the past, present or future tense. In addition, the conditions put forward themselves have a gradation: real, unlikely and unreal. This is best understood with examples.

I type

The subordinate condition belonging to the first type describes a real fact. That is, what really took place in the past, present or future. At the same time, the tense forms of the verb-predicate in the main and subordinate parts usually coincide.

This is clearly seen in the examples.

• Past tense:

If the weather was fine, he went for a walk - If the weather was good, he went for a walk.

• Present tense:

If the weather is fine, he goes for a walk - If the weather is fine, he goes (goes) for a walk.

• Future tense:

If the weather is fine, he will go for a walk - If the weather is fine, he will go for a walk.

Only in the last example can you notice that the two parts of the complex sentence do not agree in time (the subordinate clause is in the form of the present, and the main one is in the future). This did not happen by chance, but as a result of a special grammatical rule to which the subordinate tenses and conditions obey. Details will be explained next.

In the meantime, consider the manifestations of the second and third types of subordinate conditions. They are no longer revealed in three grammatical tenses, but acquire the meaning "if, then ...". Moreover, such a hypothetical situation may be relevant both to the present day and to the past.

II type

When the speaker believes that the reality of the fulfillment of the condition is rather small, then a separate speech construction is used. Drawing an analogy with the Russian language, this is the subjunctive ("if only..."). Example:

If the weather was fine, I would go for a walk - If the weather was fine, I would go (went) for a walk.

Note that the situation being described is happening at the time the person is talking about it. This is not a regret about yesterday.

To construct a grammatically correct statement of this type, you need:

• in the subordinate part, put the verb-predicate in the Past Simple form;
• in the main part, use would + (but without the particle to).

III type

If the observance of this condition (and the performance of an action) is considered by the speaking person as completely impossible, a subordinate condition of a different type comes into play. The impossibility of realizing such a situation is due to the fact that the action has already taken place in the past, and the speaker cannot change its result. And therefore, a complex subordinate condition with a subordinate clause of this type usually expresses regret and lamentation about the circumstances.

If the weather had been fine yesterday, we wouldn't have stayed home. In that case we would have gone for a walk - If the weather had been fine yesterday, we would not have stayed at home. In that case, we would go for a walk.

But there may be another, opposite in meaning, situation. The person thinks about what could have happened, but does not feel regret about it. For example:

If I had overslept, I would have been late - If I overslept, I would be late.

Please note that the entire sentence refers to and expresses the impossibility of performing a certain action just then, in the past.

Such a grammatical structure is formed according to the following scheme:

• in the subordinate part, the verb-predicate is put in the Past Perfect form;
• in the main part, would + Perfect Infinitive is used.

What time is used in subordinate clauses?

This question is very serious. A little earlier in the article it was mentioned that it is important to determine the type of subordinate part. And moreover, in this matter it is necessary to focus not on alliances, but on the questions being asked.

The fact is that there is a certain grammatical rule. It is connected with the type of the subordinate clause and the use of the present/future tense in it.

If subordinate clauses answer the questions: “Under what condition will the action be performed?” or “At what time (when) will this happen?”, then they express, respectively, a condition or time. In such types of clauses, the future tense (with the verb will) cannot be used. Instead, the present is used. Even when the situation clearly refers to the future and it is at this time that it is translated into Russian.

Compare:

• She'll make a cake when you come - She'll make a cake when you come.
• If I get this job, I'll be happy.

As it is easy to see, in the latter case, the above example refers to a variety - a type I subordinate condition. This rule does not apply to the other two types of conditional clauses, since there are completely different constructions for expressing grammatical meaning.

In many situations, complex sentences allow you to better express the speaker's thoughts. Subordinate parts join with the help of special alliances. As the main varieties, adverbial time and adnexal conditions are distinguished.

The English language imposes certain grammatical rules on the use of such structures. To learn them reliably, you need to understand the theory well once, and then do as many exercises as possible so that the example of correct use is fixed in memory. Subsequently, when the need arises, it will automatically appear in speech.