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Academy11+

11+ English · Topic explained

Main and subordinate clauses

Can "because it was raining" be a whole sentence?

The big idea

A main clause makes sense on its own; a subordinate clause needs a main clause to lean on.

Picture it

A subordinate clause is like a sidecar: it can't go anywhere unless it's attached to the motorbike, the main clause.

Key words

main clause
A clause that makes sense on its own as a sentence.
subordinate clause
A clause that doesn't make sense on its own; it adds to the main clause.
subordinating conjunction
The word that often starts a subordinate clause: because, if, when, although, until.

Worked examples

  1. 1Warm-up

    We stayed inside because it was raining.

    • "We stayed inside" makes sense alone: main clause.
    • "because it was raining" doesn't: subordinate clause.
  2. 211+ standard

    When the bell rang, everyone rushed out.

    • The subordinate clause comes first here.
    • A comma marks where the main clause starts.
  3. 311+ standard

    Grandad, who is ninety, ran the race.

    • A relative clause is a kind of subordinate clause.
    • This one sits in the middle of the main clause, between commas.
  4. 411+ standard

    If you finish early, you can read quietly.

    • Find the main clause: the part that makes sense alone.
    • "you can read quietly" is the main clause.

The common mistake

The mistake

The main clause always comes first.

Instead

It can come second: Although I was tired, I finished the race.

Why: Find the part that makes sense on its own, wherever it is.

Where it comes up in the 11+

Underline the main clause, find the subordinate clause, or add the missing comma: all classic SPaG questions.

The video

Video coming soon

We're making a short video that explains main and subordinate clauses step by step. Until then, everything it covers is on this page.

Free printable

Main and subordinate clauses worksheet

Practice questions on this topic to print and try on paper, at home or on the way to school.

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Quick quiz

Have a go first, then tap to see the answer.

  1. 1. Which is the subordinate clause? "I'll help you if you ask nicely."

    • I'll help you
    • if you ask nicely
    • help you
    • ask nicely
    Show the answer

    if you ask nicely

    "if you ask nicely" doesn't make sense on its own.

  2. 2. Which of these is a main clause?

    • until the film ended
    • the film ended
    • because the film ended
    • while the film was ending
    Show the answer

    the film ended

    It makes sense on its own; the others start with a subordinating conjunction.

  3. 3. Where should the comma go? "As soon as we arrived the rain stopped."

    • after soon
    • after arrived
    • after rain
    Show the answer

    after arrived

    The comma goes at the end of the subordinate clause "As soon as we arrived".