English · Stage 5
Main & Subordinate
Grammar & Punctuation — a main clause stands alone; a subordinate clause leans on it with when, because, although or if
✦ English📘 Stage 5 · S5⏱ ~12 min🧒 Ages 9–10★ Free to start
I can use main and subordinate clauses.
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Kavi's Clause Tree
"Some sentence parts stand tall on their own," said Kavi. "We played outside — that is a main clause; it makes complete sense alone. But because it was sunny leans on it, like a vine on a tree — that is a subordinate clause. It begins with a joining word: when, because, although, if. Join the two and you build a complex sentence. Let's build some with me!"
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What your child will learn
1when · because · although · ifTap each card to hear it. These words begin a subordinate clause — the part that leans.
2Main clause vs subordinate clause
3One main clause + one subordinate clauseFind the part that could be its own sentence — that is the main clause. The part that begins with when/because/although/if and leans on it is the subordinate clause.
4Can it stand alone?Read each part. If it makes complete sense on its own it is a main clause. If it leans on another it is a subordinate clause.
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A peek inside
In "We stayed inside because it was raining," which part is the main clause and which is the subordinate clause?
which part stands alone? → 'We stayed inside'. which part leans and starts with a joining word? → 'because it was raining'
Try this at home: Is 'We played outside' a main clause or a subordinate clause?
Ready to play and learn?
Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.
Part of English · Stage 5 · S5 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.