Theme 2
Formal Indicators of Subordination
Structural Classification of Subordinate Clauses
Structure
Clauses joined by subordination are not equal in rank. A main clause can stand alone, a subordinate clause cannot stand alone or form a simple sentence – due to the presence of a subordinator which is either expressed or understood (zero marker).
A subordinate clause is introduced by typical markers of subordination:
subordinating conjunctions
wh-pronouns and adverbs
a zero marker
inversion
Subordinating Conjunctions join the subordinate clause with the main clause or with a clause of a higher degree of subordination:
after, although, as, as soon as, before, because, if, as if, even though, in order that, lest, on condition that, that, providing, seeing, since, so that, supposing, that, in that, than, till, unless, until
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According to morphemic structure they are divided into:
simple |
as if, that, though, till |
compound |
although, unless, until, notwithstanding |
phrasal |
as if, as long as, as soon as, in order to, on condition that |
participial |
providing, provided that, seeing, supposing |
Most subordinating conjunctions introduce adverbial clauses.
Subordinating conjunctions have different syntactical characteristics from co-ordinating conjunctions. They are always placed in initial position in the clause they introduce. Subordinator can come at the beginning of the complex sentence, which is never the case with co-ordinating conjunctions and the clauses they introduce.
They soon settled down because they liked the place.
vs.
Because they liked the place, they soon settled down.
Wh-Pronouns and Adverbs as Subordinators – function as markers of subordination.
pronouns |
who, whom, which, what, whose |
adverbs |
where, when, why, how, wherever, whenever |
Wh-pronouns and adverbs perform a syntactical function also in the subordinate clause they introduce. Two functions:
that of subordinating conjunction joining the subordinate to the main clause;
that of subject (who), direct object (whom), and adjunct (where) in the subordinate clauses they introduce Tell me who did it. Tell me where he works.
Zero –Marker – the Marker of subordination
the subordinating conjunction that |
You know you can rely on him. (That you can rely on him)
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a relative pronoun in the objective case |
John does not like the girls Mary shares the flat with. (with whom Mary shares the flat) |
Position of Subordinate Clauses:
Final position → subordinate clauses are not separated from the main clause by commas |
He didn’t miss the train because it was 20 minutes late. |
Initial position → they often sound emphatic with the exception of subject clauses – normally separated from the main clause by a comma |
Since the train was 20 minutes late, he didn’t miss it.
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Medial position → subordinate clause is usually separated from the rest by commas |
On Tuesday, as he came home from school, his brother broke the news to him.
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Relative clauses introduced by the independent relatives whoever, whatever, whichever, whenever normally occur in initial position |
Whoever you are, be honest.
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Structural Classification of Subordinate Clauses
Finite clauses contain a predicate expressed by a finite verb form (speaks, have spoken...)
Non-finite clauses are those whose predicate consists of a non-finite verbal phrase:
Infinitive Clauses |
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Bare infinitive without subject |
All I did was take French leave |
Bare infinitive with subject |
I saw her take the change from the counter. |
Gerundial Clauses |
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Without subject |
I like driving a fast car |
With subject |
I don’t mind your brother coming to our party. |
Participial Clauses |
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Present Participial Clauses |
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Without subject |
Nearing the entrance I shook hands with my friends. |
With subject |
The bus being crowded, I had to stand. |
Past Participial Clauses |
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Without subject |
Once published, the book proved a bestseller. |
With subject |
The choice made, she rang her father up. |
A verbless clause |
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It is a sort of elliptical adverbial clause without a predicator and usually without a subject as well – usually introduced by subordinators when, while, though, if, as if, unless |
When in doubt, consult a reference book.
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Grammar Theme for self-study: Functional Classification of Subordinate Clauses.