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Cup cake Posted 7 years ago
Grammar

Phrase versus subordinate clause

Hi Everyone,

I know what a phrase is and I know what a subordinate clause is. However, I still grapple with trying to explain the difference between a phrase and a subordinate clause.

I know phrases are prepositional, verb, noun, gerund etc. Is it correct that a subordinate clause simply begins with a subordinate conjunction?

Thanks

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Top answer

I think you're teaching traditional grammar, aren't you? ) In that case I would say yes, a subordinate clause (at least 99% of them) starts with a subordinate conjunction. Typical examples: if you would like to take a vacation when the rest of the students arrive unless Robert doesn't want to go although Wendy is never late CJ

— CalifJim

  • I think you're teaching traditional grammar, aren't you?
  • ) In that case I would say yes, a subordinate clause (at least 99% of them) starts with a subordinate conjunction.
  • Typical examples: if you would like to take a vacation when the rest of the students arrive unless Robert doesn't want to go although Wendy is never late CJ
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2 Answers
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I think you're teaching traditional grammar, aren't you? (As opposed to modern grammar as presented in CGEL?)

In that case I would say yes, a subordinate clause (at least 99% of them) starts with a subordinate conjunction. Typical examples:

if you would like to take a vacation
when the rest of the students arrive
unless Robert doesn't

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Cup cakeIs it correct that a subordinate clause simply begins with a subordinate conjunction?

No, it's not. Many do but quite a few don't:


[1] This is the book he was looking at. [relative clause]

[2] I left before Ed arrived. [declarative content clause]

[3] I know who stole the painting. [

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