Learning grammar can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, grammar is just a tool to help us communicate more clearly. One of the most useful tools in any language is the subordinate clause. If you’ve ever wondered why some sentences feel more complete and rich than others, the answer is often hidden inside these little structures.
In this article, I’ll explain what subordinate clauses are, how they work, and why they matter. Don’t worry if grammar has always seemed complicated to you — I’ll explain it as if we were having a friendly chat over coffee. You’ll see simple examples in English and Portuguese (since many learners are curious about the language of Portugal, its grammar, and what language is spoken in Portugal).
By the end, you’ll not only understand subordinate clauses but also feel confident using them in everyday conversations, writing, and even exams.
What Is a Subordinate Clause?
Let’s start simple.
A subordinate clause (in Portuguese, oração subordinada) is a part of a sentence that cannot stand alone. It needs another clause (usually called the main clause) to make sense.
Think of it like a child holding a parent’s hand — the child can’t cross the street alone. In the same way, the subordinate clause needs the main clause to be complete.
Example in English:
- Main clause: I stayed home
- Subordinate clause: because it was raining.
When we put them together:
- I stayed home because it was raining.
The subordinate clause (because it was raining) gives more meaning to the main clause, but if you try to use it alone, it feels incomplete: “Because it was raining.” → It sounds unfinished.
Example in Portuguese:
- Main clause: Eu fiquei em casa
- Subordinate clause: porque estava a chover.
- Together: Eu fiquei em casa porque estava a chover.
Why Are Subordinate Clauses Important?
You might be wondering: Why should I care?
Well, subordinate clauses are everywhere. They help us:
- Explain reasons → I left early because I was tired.
- Express conditions → If it rains, we’ll stay inside.
- Add details → The book that I bought yesterday is fantastic.
- Show time → I’ll call you when I arrive.
Without subordinate clauses, our communication would be short and flat. With them, our sentences become richer, clearer, and more natural.
Types of Subordinate Clauses
In both English and Portuguese, subordinate clauses are usually divided into three main groups:
- Adverbial Clauses → They work like adverbs, explaining time, cause, condition, purpose, etc.
- Adjective (Relative) Clauses → They work like adjectives, describing nouns.
- Noun Clauses → They work like nouns, acting as the subject or object of a sentence.
Let’s explore each type with examples.
1. Adverbial Clauses
These clauses give extra information about the verb in the sentence, just like an adverb would.
English examples:
- I stayed in bed because I was sick. (reason)
- She smiled when he arrived. (time)
- We won’t go out if it rains. (condition)
👉 Portuguese examples:
- Fiquei na cama porque estava doente. (reason)
- Ela sorriu quando ele chegou. (time)
- Não sairemos se chover. (condition)
2. Adjective (Relative) Clauses
These clauses describe a noun in the sentence, adding more details. They usually start with who, which, that in English or que, quem, o qual in Portuguese.
English examples:
- The man who helped me was very kind.
- This is the house that I bought.
Portuguese examples:
- O homem que me ajudou foi muito simpático.
- Esta é a casa que comprei.
3. Noun Clauses
These clauses act like nouns. They can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.
English examples:
- I know that she is smart. (object)
- What you said made me happy. (subject)
Portuguese examples:
- Eu sei que ela é inteligente. (object)
- O que disseste deixou-me feliz. (subject)
How to Identify a Subordinate Clause
Here’s a simple trick:
- Look for a connector word (like because, if, when, that, who, although, etc.).
- Check if the clause makes sense alone. If it doesn’t, it’s subordinate.
Try it:
- Although she was tired → Does it make sense alone? ❌ No.
- She went to bed early → Does it make sense alone? ✅ Yes (that’s the main clause).
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Using subordinate clauses alone
- ❌ Because I was late.
- ✅ I missed the bus because I was late.
- Forgetting commas in long sentences (especially in English)
- ✅ When the movie ended, we went home.
- Mixing up connectors
- Although vs. because have different meanings. Be careful!
Subordinate Clauses in Portuguese Grammar
If you’re learning Portuguese — or just curious about the language of Portugal and its structure — subordinate clauses are an important part of grammar.
In Portugal, Portuguese is the only official language (portugal official languages = Portuguese). If you ever wonder what language is spoken in Portugal, the answer is simple: Portuguese. However, there are also regional languages and dialects, such as Mirandese, spoken in the northeast.
More about this topic here: Learn Languages of Portugal.
Subordinate clauses are taught early in Portuguese schools because they help students build more sophisticated sentences.
Comparison: English vs. Portuguese
Both languages use subordinate clauses, but word order and connectors may differ.
👉 Example:
- English: I left early because I was tired.
- Portuguese: Saí cedo porque estava cansado.
Notice how the structure is almost identical. That’s why learners often find it easy to transfer knowledge from one language to the other.
Practical Exercises
Try these simple tasks.
Exercise 1: Complete the Sentences
Fill in the blank with a subordinate clause.
- I stayed home ________
(Example: because it was raining.) - She was happy ________
- Eu fiquei em casa ________
- Ele não saiu ________
Exercise 2: Identify the Clauses
Underline the subordinate clause in each sentence.
- I’ll call you when I get there.
- The girl who lives next door is my friend.
- I know that you are tired.
FAQs About Subordinate Clauses
1. Can a sentence have more than one subordinate clause?
Yes! Example: I stayed home because it was raining and because I was tired.
2. Are subordinate clauses the same in English and Portuguese?
Not exactly. The idea is the same, but the connectors and word order can change.
3. Is it hard to use them correctly?
Not if you practice! Start with simple connectors like because, if, when and then add more as you grow confident.
Related Topics
- Simple vs. Complex Sentences: What’s the Difference?
- Adverbs and How They Work in English
- Learn Portuguese Grammar Basics
External Resources
Conclusion
Subordinate clauses may sound complicated, but they’re simply parts of a sentence that add more meaning to the main idea. They can express time, reason, condition, purpose, or describe something in detail.
Whether you’re studying English or curious about the language in Portugal, understanding subordinate clauses will make your communication clearer, richer, and more natural.
Remember:
- They cannot stand alone.
- They often start with connectors like because, when, if, that, who.
- Practice makes perfect — the more you use them, the easier they get.
So next time you write or speak, try adding a subordinate clause. You’ll notice how much better your sentences sound!