What Are Main and Subordinate Clauses? | KS2 English Concept for Kids

Summary

This educational video script delves into the structure of main and subordinate clauses in English grammar. Main clauses, also known as independent clauses, are self-sufficient groups of words containing a subject and a verb that express a complete thought. Examples include 'We flew some colorful kites' and 'The sun was shining and I felt happy.' Subordinate clauses, or dependent clauses, contain a subject and a verb but require a main clause for full meaning and often start with subordinating conjunctions, remembered by the acronym I SAW A WABUB. The script guides viewers through exercises to identify these clauses in sentences, enhancing understanding of their roles in constructing sentences.

Takeaways

• 📝 A main clause is a group of words containing a subject and a verb that expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Main clauses are also known as independent clauses because they do not rely on other clauses for meaning.
• 🔍 To identify a main clause, look for a section of a sentence that includes both a subject and a verb and makes sense on its own.
• 📚 Examples of main clauses include 'We flew some colorful kites' and 'The dog chased the ball'.
• 📌 Main clauses can be expanded with additional clauses or phrases without changing the core structure that defines them as main clauses.
• ➕ A subordinate clause contains a subject and a verb but does not make sense on its own and depends on a main clause to form a complete sentence.
• 🔑 Subordinate clauses are also called dependent clauses and often begin with subordinating conjunctions, which can be remembered by the acronym I SAW A WABUB (if, since, as, when, although, while, after, before, until, because).
• 🔎 To find a subordinate clause, look for a part of a sentence that starts with a subordinating conjunction and does not convey a complete thought independently.
• 📖 Examples of subordinate clauses include 'After having a long nap' and 'Although the strange creatures were small', which depend on the main clause to form a complete sentence.
• 📝 The difference between main and subordinate clauses lies in their ability to stand alone (main clauses can, subordinate clauses cannot) and their role in sentence structure.

Q & A

What is a main clause?

A main clause is a group of words containing a subject and a verb that carries out the action. It expresses a complete thought and makes sense on its own as a sentence.

Why are main clauses also known as independent clauses?

Main clauses are called independent clauses because they can stand alone and express a complete thought without needing to be attached to another clause.

Can you provide an example of a main clause?

Yes, 'The dog chased the ball' is an example of a main clause because it contains a subject (the dog), a verb (chased), and makes sense on its own.

How can you identify a main clause in a sentence?

To identify a main clause, look for a part of the sentence that contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete thought.

What is the role of a subordinate clause in a sentence?

A subordinate clause contains a subject and a verb but does not make sense on its own. It depends on a main clause to form a complete sentence.

What is the acronym I SAW A WABUB used for?

The acronym I SAW A WABUB is used to remember the most common subordinating conjunctions: if, since, as, when, although, while, after, before, until, and because.

Can a sentence have more than one main clause?

Yes, a sentence can have multiple main clauses, as long as each expresses a complete thought and contains a subject and a verb.

How does a subordinate clause differ from a main clause?

A subordinate clause differs from a main clause in that it does not make sense on its own and requires a main clause to form a complete sentence.

What is the function of a subordinating conjunction in a sentence?

A subordinating conjunction functions to link a subordinate clause to a main clause, providing a connection that helps form a complete sentence.

Can you give an example of a sentence with both a main and a subordinate clause?

Yes, 'Although the strange creatures were small, they were incredibly fast.' Here, 'Although the strange creatures were small' is a subordinate clause, and 'they were incredibly fast' is the main clause.

How can you tell if a clause is a subordinate clause?

A clause is a subordinate clause if it begins with a subordinating conjunction and does not make sense on its own, needing a main clause to complete its meaning.