| subordinate clause |
| Definition: A clause that doesn't express a complete thought. It is also called a dependent clause. |
| Example: Because it was Tuesday |
| Usage:
1. When a subordinate clause precedes an independent clause, put a comma between them. Because we were bored, we decided to go to the movies. 2. But don't use comma when the subordinate clause comes after the independent clause. We decided to go to the movies because we were bored. |
| Etymology: The word subordinate derives from the Latin sub, under + ordinare, arrange. |