Sentences structure meaning by combining independent and dependent ideas through clauses. These constituent parts contain a subject and verb while subordinate clauses also require context from main clauses to stand alone logically. Distinguishing between them based on completeness and independence shapes complex English sentences adding depth.
Characteristics of Main Clauses
A main or independent clause demonstrates these traits:
– Expresses a complete thought
– Can logically function as its own standalone sentence
– Features a subject and predicate verb
For example: “She quickly ran up the staircase.”
If this group of words makes coherent sense as a full sentence, removing need for supplemental context, you have a main clause.
Properties of Subordinate Clauses
In contrast, subordinate clauses depend syntactically on anchoring to a main clause to illustrate the full, desired meaning. Examples include:
– After she heard the noise upstairs
– As I was brushing my teeth
– Because her elderly dog struggled with the stairs
These lack decisive context absent a main anchoring clause. Subordinate clauses commonly get inserted mid-main clause or appended to the start or end.
Turning Subordinate Clauses Main
Some subordinate clauses do express a complete conceptual thought independent of another clause. We call these noun clauses. For example:
“What she forgot at the store is critical for baking her favorite recipe.”
Here “What she forgot…” functions as a standalone statement with a subject (what) and a predicate (forgot). This means it could be revised as:
“She forgot something critical for baking her favorite recipe at the store.”
Reduced clauses now act as concise yet complete main clauses directly. Nouns clauses as full statements spotlight their inherent logical completeness ready to anchor other descriptive phrases through subordination.
Punctuate Appropriately
Main clauses feature no introductory comma. Subordinate clauses benefit commas, dashes, brackets or semi-colons ahead of them:
Main: Susan crept carefully across the creaky floorboards.
Subordinate: As the clock struck midnight, Susan crept carefully across the creaky floorboards.
Distinguishing main ideas from dependent descriptors allows writers to construct intricate, multi-dimensional English sentences.
