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Pimp my English | Subordinate clauses in sentences
By Anna Malczyk
The lesson on commas and semicolons explained that a subordinate (or dependant) clause is a part of a sentence that cannot exist on its own. Have a look at the following sentence fragments:
- who was too young
- where we first met
- although I didn’t know the answer
Without being attached to a full sentence, none of them can function on their own. They simply don’t make sense.
Subordinate clauses give us more information about the main sentence.
- My brother couldn’t go to the concert.
- My brother, who was too young, couldn’t go to the concert.
- I tried anyway.
- Although I didn’t know the answer, I tried anyway.
Sometimes this extra information is very important, and sometimes it is only a minor, insignificant addition. How do you distinguish these?
Subordinate clauses are always separated from the main sentence. They can be separated in three ways:
- With dashes
- With commas
- With parentheses
Each of these ways indicates a different level importance for the subordinate clause.
1. Dashes
Dashes indicate that the subordinate clause is of great importance, interest or value.
- The old farmhouse – the place where we first met – was bulldozed.
Here, the subordinate clause indicates why the main sentence is significant to the writer. Dashes can also indicate a sudden interruption or outburst.
- John – that idiot – always forgot his lunch.
2. Commas
Commas generally indicate a neutral tone: the subordinate clause is not particularly important, but nor is it insignificant.
- Our high school reunion, which was held at the Boschendal restaurant, was a lot of fun.
The subordinate clause is merely informing. It’s not highlighting or minimising the fact.
3. Parentheses
Parentheses are generally used to separate a subordinate clause that is of little importance or note, but that may nevertheless still be necessary to explain to main sentence.
- My brother (who was too young) made a big fuss about not being able to go to the concert.
Here, the parentheses de-emphasise the information. They can also be used to add out-of-context comments.
Context
Looking at the context is the best way to judge whether you want to use commas, dashes or parentheses. The same sentence can covey a different tone depending on which of the three types of punctuation is used.
- The hotel we stayed at – the Ritz – was close to the centre of town. (emphasises the hotel)
- The hotel we stayed at, the Ritz, was close to the centre of town. (informs in a neutral tone)
- The hotel we stayed at (the Ritz) was close to the centre of town. (de-emphasises the hotel)
Related articles
Commas and semicolons
Hyphenating adjectives
Writing simply
Using capital letters
Anna Malczyk is the communications executive at GetSmarter.
Click here to learn more about the University of Cape Town (Law@Work) Business Writing and Legal Documents Course.
Back to SmartyPants Newsletter - June 2010 Edition
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