Relative Clause vs. Subordinate Clause

Attribute	Relative Clause	Subordinate Clause
Definition	A clause that provides additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause.	A clause that functions as a part of a sentence but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
Placement	Can be placed immediately after the noun it modifies or at the end of the sentence.	Can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
Function	Provides additional information, often describing or identifying the noun it modifies.	Functions as an adverb, adjective, or noun within the sentence.
Introduction	Introduced by relative pronouns (e.g., who, which, that) or relative adverbs (e.g., where, when).	Introduced by subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, although, if).
Dependence	Depends on the main clause for its meaning and cannot stand alone.	Depends on the main clause for its meaning and cannot stand alone.
Examples	The bookthat I borrowed from the library is very interesting.	I will go to the parkif it stops raining.

Introduction

When it comes to understanding the structure and complexity of sentences, two important components to consider are relative clauses and subordinate clauses. Both types of clauses play a crucial role in providing additional information and expanding the meaning of a sentence. In this article, we will explore the attributes of relative clauses and subordinate clauses, highlighting their similarities and differences.

Relative Clauses

Relative clauses, also known as adjective clauses, are dependent clauses that modify a noun or pronoun in the main clause. They provide additional information about the noun or pronoun they are attached to. Relative clauses are introduced by relative pronouns such as "who," "whom," "whose," "which," and "that." These pronouns connect the relative clause to the main clause and establish the relationship between the two.

One key attribute of relative clauses is that they cannot stand alone as complete sentences. They are always attached to a main clause and function as a part of it. For example, in the sentence "The book that I borrowed from the library is fascinating," the relative clause "that I borrowed from the library" modifies the noun "book" and provides additional information about it. Without the main clause, the relative clause would be incomplete and lack meaning.

Another important characteristic of relative clauses is that they can be restrictive or non-restrictive. A restrictive relative clause provides essential information about the noun or pronoun it modifies, and without it, the meaning of the sentence would change. On the other hand, a non-restrictive relative clause provides additional, non-essential information, and its removal does not alter the core meaning of the sentence. Restrictive relative clauses are not set off by commas, while non-restrictive relative clauses are enclosed in commas.

Relative clauses offer a way to add descriptive details, clarify meaning, and provide essential or non-essential information within a sentence. They enhance the overall complexity and richness of the language used.

Subordinate Clauses

Subordinate clauses, also known as dependent clauses, are clauses that cannot stand alone as complete sentences. They rely on the main clause to provide a complete thought. Subordinate clauses function as adverbial, adjectival, or nominal clauses, depending on their role in the sentence. They are introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as "although," "because," "since," "when," and "while."

One significant attribute of subordinate clauses is that they provide additional information, often expressing time, cause and effect, condition, concession, or manner. For example, in the sentence "Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk," the subordinate clause "Although it was raining" provides the condition under which the main clause "we decided to go for a walk" takes place.

Unlike relative clauses, subordinate clauses can function independently as complete sentences. However, when used in a complex sentence, they serve to expand the meaning and provide more context. Subordinate clauses can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, depending on the desired emphasis and flow of the sentence.

Another important characteristic of subordinate clauses is that they are always connected to the main clause, and their presence affects the overall structure and meaning of the sentence. They cannot exist on their own and rely on the main clause for completeness. Subordinate clauses add depth and complexity to sentences, allowing for more nuanced expressions and conveying a range of relationships between ideas.

Similarities

While relative clauses and subordinate clauses have distinct characteristics, they also share some similarities in terms of their function and purpose within a sentence.

• Both relative clauses and subordinate clauses provide additional information and modify other elements in the sentence.
• They both rely on a main clause to form a complete thought and cannot stand alone as independent sentences.
• Relative clauses and subordinate clauses enhance the complexity and richness of a sentence, allowing for more descriptive and nuanced expressions.
• Both types of clauses contribute to the overall coherence and cohesion of a text, helping to connect ideas and provide a logical flow.
• Relative clauses and subordinate clauses are introduced by specific words (relative pronouns and subordinating conjunctions) that establish their connection to the main clause.

Differences

While there are similarities between relative clauses and subordinate clauses, there are also notable differences that set them apart.

• Relative clauses modify nouns or pronouns, while subordinate clauses can function as adverbial, adjectival, or nominal clauses, modifying verbs, adjectives, or nouns, respectively.
• Relative clauses are always connected to the main clause and cannot exist independently, whereas subordinate clauses can function as independent sentences.
• Relative clauses can be restrictive or non-restrictive, while subordinate clauses do not have this distinction.
• Relative clauses are introduced by relative pronouns, while subordinate clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions.
• Relative clauses often provide descriptive details and additional information about a specific noun or pronoun, while subordinate clauses express relationships, conditions, or circumstances.

Conclusion

Relative clauses and subordinate clauses are essential components of sentence structure, providing additional information and expanding the meaning of sentences. While relative clauses modify nouns or pronouns and cannot stand alone, subordinate clauses can function independently and modify verbs, adjectives, or nouns. Both types of clauses contribute to the complexity and richness of language, enhancing the overall coherence and cohesion of a text. Understanding the attributes and differences between relative clauses and subordinate clauses allows for more precise and effective communication in writing and speaking.