Subordinate and Main Clauses worksheet - Free Printable

Task Explanation:

The task involves identifying and underlining subordinate clauses and main clauses in the given sentences. Here's a brief explanation of each:

1. Subordinate Clause: A subordinate clause (also known as a dependent clause) is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It depends on the main clause to convey a complete thought. Subordinate clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions like "after," "unless," "where," "which," "even though," "because," etc.

2. Main Clause: A main clause (also known as an independent clause) is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence. It expresses a complete thought.

Solution:

#### Part 1: Underline the subordinate clause in each sentence below.
1. After we had lunch, we went back to work.
- Subordinate clause: After we had lunch

2. I am not cooking your dinner unless you do the washing up.
- Subordinate clause: unless you do the washing up

3. We first met in London, where I lived until I was nine.
- Subordinate clause: where I lived until I was nine

4. The car, which we bought last week, has broken down.
- Subordinate clause: which we bought last week

5. Even though it was midnight, the children were still awake.
- Subordinate clause: Even though it was midnight

6. They each drank a glass of lemonade after running around in the sun.
- Subordinate clause: after running around in the sun

7. If I win the game, we can celebrate with a party.
- Subordinate clause: If I win the game

8. The helicopter landed because it was too windy to fly.
- Subordinate clause: because it was too windy to fly

9. When they had retrieved the ball, they went inside.
- Subordinate clause: When they had retrieved the ball

#### Part 2: Underline the main clause in each sentence below.
1. Even though I had a bad night’s sleep, I am feeling energetic.
- Main clause: I am feeling energetic

2. Before I get out of bed, I like to think of my day ahead.
- Main clause: I like to think of my day ahead

3. Don’t run in the corridor because you might trip and fall.
- Main clause: Don’t run in the corridor

4. Although it was sunny, we still wore jumpers.
- Main clause: we still wore jumpers

Final Answer:

#### Part 1: Subordinate Clauses
1. After we had lunch
2. unless you do the washing up
3. where I lived until I was nine
4. which we bought last week
5. Even though it was midnight
6. after running around in the sun
7. If I win the game
8. because it was too windy to fly
9. When they had retrieved the ball

#### Part 2: Main Clauses
1. I am feeling energetic
2. I like to think of my day ahead
3. Don’t run in the corridor
4. we still wore jumpers

Final Answer Boxed:
\boxed{
\text{Part 1: Subordinate Clauses} \\
1. After we had lunch \\
2. unless you do the washing up \\
3. where I lived until I was nine \\
4. which we bought last week \\
5. Even though it was midnight \\
6. after running around in the sun \\
7. If I win the game \\
8. because it was too windy to fly \\
9. When they had retrieved the ball \\

\text{Part 2: Main Clauses} \\
1. I am feeling energetic \\
2. I like to think of my day ahead \\
3. Don’t run in the corridor \\
4. we still wore jumpers
}