Section 1 of 3
Subordinate Clauses (Adverbial Clauses)
These clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions and add meaning (reason, condition, contrast, time) to the main clause.
✓ Rules
6- 1
REASON: because, since, as, given that, due to the fact that
- 2
CONTRAST: although, even though, while, whereas, despite the fact that
- 3
CONDITION: if, unless, provided that, as long as, on the condition that
- 4
TIME: when, while, as, after, before, once, by the time, since
- 5
PURPOSE: so that, in order to, in order that, so as to
- 6
When the subordinate clause comes first, use a comma before the main clause
Examples
3Correct
Although the government has invested heavily in public transport, traffic congestion continues to worsen.
Contrast clause first → comma
Correct
Since young people spend more time on social media, they are more exposed to unrealistic expectations.
Reason clause first → comma
Correct
Cities will become uninhabitable unless urgent action is taken to reduce carbon emissions.
Condition clause after main clause → no comma needed