what are subordinating clauses and how do i use them in sentences?

Answer 1

Here's a list of subordinate conjunctions. They begin a clause (which looks like a sentence but cannot stand on it's own) which is joined to a phrase (a sentence that CAN stand on its own) to make a full sentence.

after (AFTER WE FINISHED DINNER, we went for a walk)
although (ALTHOUGH SCHOOL SUCKS, the teacher is cool)
as (AS THE FISH RAN INTO THE WALL, it said Dam!)
because (BECAUSE WE LOVE ENGLISH, this is easy)
before (BEFORE THE WORLD BLEW UP, we left)
even if
even though
if
in order that
once
provided that
rather than
since
so that
than
that
though
unless
until
when
whenever
where
whereas
wherever
whether
while
why

Get it? :)

Answer 2

Please don't listen to lazlou....

"It was raining" is NOT a subordinate clause.

A subordinate clause (aka dependent clause) is basically *an incomplete sentence.*

You can link subordinate clauses with independent clauses using punctuation.

example:

I bought many things at the store: milk, eggs, skittles.

everything before the colon is an independent clause (it can stand by itself as a complete sentence.) the list following is a subordinate/dependent clause (it is not a complete sentence).

Once you grasp what constitutes a complete sentence, this concept should become clear.

You can link independent clauses with subordinate clauses using a : AFTER the I.clause but BEFORE the sub.clause.

A semicolon ; can only be used to link TWO INDEPENDENT (i.e. never subordinate) clauses.

If you want to link an independent and subordinate clause, you may use a comma.

If you use a comma instead of a semicolon to link two independent clauses, that is wrong--it's a comma splice. Always use ; or a period instead.

Answer 3

A subordinate clause is a second part to a sentence that needs the first part for it to make sense. The two are usually joined with a conjunction like 'because' ...

e.g. The boy wore his coat and wellies because it was raining.

In this sentence, 'it was raining' is the subordinate clause.

Have a look here http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/asguru/english/05languageframeworks/24syntax/syntax_14.shtml for a more precise deifinition.

Answer 4

I'd just give them a miss if I were you, sounds far too complicated!