ELA 9A Grammar PracticeMain and Subordinate Clauses

Take notes in Cornell Format, keep in your notebook

Main and Subordinate Clauses

• There are two types of clauses: main and subordinate.

• Definition: A main clause contains a subject and a predicate. It is also independent, because it can stand alone as a sentence.– The baby cried.

Main and Subordinate Clauses

• A subordinate, or dependent clause, contains a subject and predicate but it cannot stand alone.

– The baby cried when the dog barked loudly.

Subordinate Clauses

• An easy way to spot a subordinate clause is to look for a subordinating conjunction, such as:

After, although, as, as if, because, if, since, so that, than, unless, until, when, where, while.

Video!

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTZifhX5AQs

Practice

Copy the sentence. Draw one line under the dependent or subordinate clause or clauses.

Example: While I hem the skirt, will you hem the blouse?

1. After the storm cleared, the flight took off.2. You will learn to speak Spanish if you practice.3. When we arrived at the hotel, we discovered that our

reservation had been cancelled. 4. Although English is my favorite subject, I also like

algebra.5. We can go to the mall unless you are too busy.

Main and Subordinate Clause Practice #2

Copy the sentence. Draw one line under the dependent or subordinate clause or clauses.

• Madeline is from a part of France where few people speak English.

• Though many of us stood in line, only a few people bought concert tickets.

• The restaurant where we used to eat dinner went out of business.

Main and Subordinate Clause Practice #3

Copy the sentence. Draw one line under the dependent or subordinate clause or clauses.

Example: While I hem the skirt, will you hem the blouse?

1) I peeled the potatoes while mother shred the carrots.

2) Because the subject was complicated, Brad studied very hard.

3) Whenever we visit the zoo, Emma and I look for the giraffes first.