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:

1. With dashes
2. With commas
3. 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

Back to SmartyPants Newsletter - June 2010 Edition
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