Many of you had difficulty last week distinguishing the main clause (basic sentence) from the subordinating clause. A subordinating clause gives added information to the sentence, but it cannot stand alone (it sounds like a fragment when you read it aloud). These clauses are USUALLY set off by commas. If it is at the beginning of a sentence, the comma comes after the clause. If it is at the end of a sentence, the comma comes before the clause. Finally, if it is in the middle of a sentence, it has commas on both sides. Can you identify the subordinating clauses? There are 12 sentences. Each is worth .25, equalling 3 points total.
EXAMPLE: Unless you get them all right, you will lose the competition.
The subordinate clause is "unless you get them all right."
1. Because she skinned her knee, she couldn't go swimming for the day.
2. He ran the mile even though it was hot.
3. Jill, before you go, please do your homework.
4. Since the storm was coming, we cancelled our plans.
5. You should probably go to sleep early, so that you won't be tired for the trip.
6. The group, while on the tour, learned many facts about the location.
7. You should say hello whenever you pass someone in the hall.
8. It is said, that when you smile, it can make you feel better.
9. As long as you have a few minutes, we can talk over coffee.
10. We can watch the movie, after we play Monopoly.
11. If you don't want to be late, you'll need to leave now.
12. Henry will have more responsibilities, now that he is eighteen.
