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Subordinate Clauses – Quiz 1
Subordinate Clauses Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of subordinate clauses and their functions, including conditional and temporal relationships, identifying adverbial, attributive, and object clauses, and recognizing different types of subordinating conjunctions. It also tests the ability to identify dependent and independent clauses in complex sentences.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Define the type of the subordinate clause in the following sentence:We hailed them and they halted while we hurried towards them.
A) The object clause.
B) The attributive clause.
C) The adverbial clause.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subordinate clause "while we hurried towards them" functions as an adverbial in the sentence, modifying the verb phrase "halted." It provides additional information about when the action of halting occurred relative to the action of hurrying. This type of clause is used to indicate time or manner.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The subordinate clause does not function as an object.
Option B:
Incorrect. The subordinate clause is not a relative clause that modifies a noun.
Option C:
Correct. The subordinate clause "while we hurried towards them" acts as an adverbial, providing additional information about the timing or manner of the action in the main clause.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
2.
Which subordinate clause does the following sentence contain? Rosa Parks, whom I admire greatly, was born in Tuskegee, Alabama.
A) Adjective.
B) Adverb.
C) Noun.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subordinate clause in the sentence "Rosa Parks, whom I admire greatly, was born in Tuskegee, Alabama" is "whom I admire greatly." This clause modifies Rosa Parks and provides additional information about her, functioning as an adjective.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The subordinate clause serves to describe or modify Rosa Parks, acting as an adjective.
Option B:
Incorrect. Adverbial clauses modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, not nouns directly in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. Noun clauses function as the subject or object of a sentence and do not describe Rosa Parks here.
Option D:
Incorrect. The subordinate clause is present and serves an adjective function.
3.
Identify the following sentence as simple, compound, or complex. John retired when he turned 65.
A) Simple.
B) Complex.
C) Compund.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "John retired when he turned 65" is a simple sentence because it contains only one independent clause with no subordinate clauses present.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Simple. Correct for the given sentence structure.
Option B:
Complex. Incorrect as there are no dependent clauses.
Option C:
Compound. Incorrect, as it consists of one independent clause only.
Option D:
None of above. Incorrect since Option A is correct.
4.
Identify the subordinate clause in the sentence:Whenever I fail a test, I cry and scream.
A) Whenever I fail a test.
B) Whenever I fail.
C) I cry and scream.
D) Cry and scream.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subordinate clause in the sentence "Whenever I fail a test, I cry and scream" is "Whenever I fail a test." This clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence; it provides additional information that modifies the main clause "I cry and scream."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. It introduces a condition or time when the action in the main clause occurs.
Option B:
Incorrect. This is not a complete subordinate clause as it lacks an object or verb to form a full idea.
Option C:
Incorrect. This is the main clause of the sentence, which can stand alone and does not depend on any other part for its meaning.
Option D:
Incorrect. This is not a subordinate clause as it lacks the necessary subordinating conjunction to function as one.
5.
The seven dwarves came home when they had finished work. Which word is a conjunction?
A) The seven dwarves.
B) Home.
C) Came.
D) When.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"When" in the sentence "The seven dwarves came home when they had finished work." introduces a subordinate clause, making it a conjunction (specifically, a subordinating conjunction). This conjunction connects the main clause ("The seven dwarves came home") with the dependent clause ("when they had finished work").
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Noun phrase; does not introduce a subordinate clause.
Option B:
Noun; does not introduce a subordinate clause.
Option C:
Verb; does not introduce a subordinate clause.
Option D:
Subordinating conjunction that introduces the subordinate clause.
6.
Amy stopped screaming once Adam smashed the spider.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Amy stopped screaming once Adam smashed the spider" contains a subordinate clause: "once Adam smashed the spider." This clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and provides additional information to the main clause, "Amy stopped screaming."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The subordinate clause modifies when Amy stopped screaming.
Option B:
Incorrect. This option does not describe the structure of the sentence accurately.
7.
Identify the subordinate clause in the following sentence:He couldn't go to the party because he had to work.a) He couldn't go to the partyb) because he had to workc) he had to workd) to the party
A) He couldn't go to the party.
B) He had to work.
C) Because he had to work.
D) To the party.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subordinate clause in the sentence "He couldn't go to the party because he had to work" is
because he had to work
. This clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and it provides additional information (the reason) why the main clause ("He couldn't go to the party") is true.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"He couldn't go to the party" is the main clause. It stands alone as a complete thought.
Option B:
"because he had to work" is the subordinate clause, providing the reason for the action in the main clause.
Option C:
"he had to work" is part of the subordinate clause but not the entire subordinate clause. It needs "because" to be complete.
Option D:
"to the party" is a prepositional phrase, not a subordinate clause.
8.
Identify the type of clause:Although my brother is a talented musician.
A) Independent.
B) Subordinate.
C) Relative.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A subordinate clause is a dependent clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and must be connected to an independent clause. The given clause "Although my brother is a talented musician" contains a subordinating conjunction ("although") which introduces the dependent clause, making it unable to function independently.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Independent clauses can stand alone as complete sentences and do not require other clauses for meaning. This option is incorrect.
Option B:
Correct. The given clause is a dependent clause introduced by the subordinating conjunction "although," making it subordinate to an implied main clause.
Option C:
Relative clauses modify nouns and begin with relative pronouns (who, which, that) or adverbs (where, when). This option is incorrect as there are no such elements in the given clause.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
9.
The Queen didn't like Snow White because she was fairer than her. Which clause is a subordinate clause?
A) Because she was fairer than her.
B) The Queen didn't like Snow White.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A subordinate clause is a dependent clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and must be connected to an independent clause. In the given sentence, "Because she was fairer than her" is a subordinate clause because it provides a reason but cannot stand alone.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This is correct. The clause "Because she was fairer than her" is a subordinate clause as it introduces the reason for the Queen's dislike.
Option B:
This is an independent clause because it can stand alone as a complete sentence, expressing a full thought without needing any additional information or connection to another clause.
10.
Are you serious?
A) Sentence fragment.
B) Complete sentence.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A sentence fragment is an incomplete thought that does not express a complete idea, while a complete sentence contains a subject and a predicate. The phrase "Are you serious?" expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a statement or question.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Sentence fragment - This is incorrect because the given phrase does express a complete idea.
Option B:
Complete sentence - This is correct because "Are you serious?" contains both a subject (implied "you") and a predicate ("are serious").
11.
Maybe they should try to figure out what does the baby want.
A) Incorrect.
B) Correct.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Maybe they should try to figure out what does the baby want" contains a subordinate clause that is incorrectly formed. The correct form would be "what the baby wants," using an infinitive verb after "figure out." Therefore, Option A (Incorrect) is the correct answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option correctly identifies the grammatical error in the sentence.
Option B:
This option incorrectly assumes there are no errors in the sentence structure.
12.
Even though they are best friends, they fought In this sentence 'they fought' is ..... clause
Show Answer
Explanations:
In the sentence "Even though they are best friends, they fought," the clause "they fought" is a main clause because it can stand alone as a complete thought and does not modify or depend on any other part of the sentence to convey its meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Main. This is correct because "they fought" functions independently as a complete idea.
Option B:
Subordinate. This is incorrect because subordinate clauses cannot stand alone and require a main clause to provide context for their meaning, which is not the case here.
13.
What kind of dependent clause is in red? The people waiting all night outside the Apple store are trying to purchase a new iPhone.
A) Noun (Nominal).
B) Adjective (Adjectival).
C) It is not a dependent clause.
D) Adverb (Adverbial).
Show Answer
Explanations:
The clause "waiting all night outside the Apple store" is a dependent clause that modifies "the people." It functions as an adjective, providing additional information about who the people are. This type of clause is known as an adjectival clause because it acts to describe or modify the noun "people."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Noun (Nominal). Incorrect; this clause does not function as a noun.
Option B:
Adjective (Adjectival). Correct; it modifies the noun by providing additional descriptive information.
Option C:
It is not a dependent clause. Incorrect; it clearly depends on "the people" to form a complete thought.
Option D:
Adverb (Adverbial). Incorrect; this clause modifies the noun, not an adverb.
14.
Which example is a subordinate clause?
A) The mirror only told the truth.
B) When asked who was the fairest.
C) The queen dresses as an old woman.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Subordinate clauses are dependent on the main clause and cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Option B, "When asked who was the fairest," is a subordinate clause because it begins with a subordinating conjunction ("when") and provides additional information that depends on the main clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This is an independent clause as it can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Option B:
Correct. It is a subordinate clause due to its use of "when" and dependency on the main clause.
Option C:
This is an independent clause describing an action that can be stated separately.
Option D:
Not applicable since option B is correct.
15.
How is the conjunction 'nor' being used in the following sentence:Neither Paul nor Mary understood the math assignment.
A) Coordinating conjunction.
B) Correlative subordinating conjunctions.
C) Subordinating conjunction.
D) Correlative coordinating conjunction.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The conjunction 'nor' in the sentence "Neither Paul nor Mary understood the math assignment" is used as a correlative coordinating conjunction. Correlative coordinating conjunctions are pairs of words that work together to connect elements of equal importance, such as 'neither...nor', 'either...or', and 'both...and'. In this case, 'neither' and 'nor' function as a pair to link the subjects Paul and Mary.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. 'Nor' is not a coordinating conjunction alone; it must be paired with another word like 'neither'.
Option B:
Incorrect. Correlative subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses, which is not the case here.
Option C:
Incorrect. 'Nor' is a coordinating conjunction when used in pairs with words like 'neither'.
Option D:
Correct. 'Neither...nor' are correlative coordinating conjunctions that connect two subjects of equal importance.
16.
Unless Carlota finishes her maths homework, she will have to suffer Pedro's ire in class tomorrow.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Unless Carlota finishes her maths homework, she will have to suffer Pedro's ire in class tomorrow" contains a subordinate clause: "Unless Carlota finishes her maths homework." This clause cannot stand alone as a complete thought and is dependent on the main clause for its meaning. Therefore, it is classified as a subordinate clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Main.
Option B:
Subordinate.
17.
Hollering at a funeral is a cultural trait. It is a way that relatives and friends of the deceased display grief for their loss. The first sentence begins with
A) A word that has the suffix-ing.
B) An adverb.
C) An adjective.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The first sentence "Hollering at a funeral is a cultural trait." begins with the verb "Hollering," which has the suffix "-ing" and functions as a gerund (a verb form used as a noun). This makes option A correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The word "hollering" is a verb in -ing form, functioning as a noun.
Option B:
Incorrect. An adverb modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs; it does not begin the sentence here.
Option C:
Incorrect. An adjective describes nouns or pronouns and is not present at the beginning of this sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. At least one option (A) is correct, so "None of above" cannot be true.
18.
She had got some money, ..... she decided to travel around the country.
A) So.
B) But.
C) Although.
D) None.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because "So" indicates a result, showing that the money she got led to her decision to travel. This fits well with the context of the sentence, where getting some money resulted in a specific action (traveling).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Indicates a result from an action or condition.
Option B:
Contrasts two ideas; not applicable here.
Option C:
Introduces a contrast, which doesn't fit the context of the sentence.
Option D:
No conjunction is needed in this case to connect clauses properly.
19.
He and I were best friends
A) Subordinate.
B) Independent.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "He and I were best friends" is a simple statement expressing a relationship between two people. It does not contain any subordinate clause, which is defined as a dependent clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and must be connected to an independent clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Subordinate - Incorrect. The given sentence is not a subordinate clause.
Option B:
Independent - Correct. The sentence "He and I were best friends" can stand alone as a complete thought, making it an independent clause.
20.
Please identify the subordinating conjunction in this passage:I went to the doctor today. Although he claimed I did not have strep, I think he is wrong. How else can I explain how much my throat hurts?
A) Is.
B) How.
C) Not.
D) Although.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subordinating conjunction in the passage is "Although." It introduces a subordinate clause that provides additional information, contrasting with the main clause about the speaker's belief.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Is not relevant to identifying the subordinating conjunction.
Option B:
How is used as an interrogative adverb and does not introduce a subordinate clause in this context.
Option C:
Not is part of the negation but does not function as a subordinating conjunction here.
Option D:
Although correctly introduces the subordinate clause "he claimed I did not have strep," thus it is the correct answer.
21.
True or False:a phrase is a complete sentence
Show Answer
Explanations:
A phrase is a group of words that functions as a single unit but does not contain both a subject and a predicate, which are necessary components for a sentence. Therefore, it cannot be considered a complete sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because a phrase lacks the essential elements (subject and predicate) of a complete sentence.
Option B:
Correct as explained above.
22.
I knew this was going to be an exciting game when Andrew took his first swing.
A) Independent Clause.
B) Subordinate Clause.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A subordinate clause is a dependent clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and must be connected to an independent clause. In the given sentence, "I knew this was going to be an exciting game" is the main or independent clause. The phrase "when Andrew took his first swing" is a subordinate clause because it provides additional information but cannot stand alone.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Independent Clause - Incorrect, as the given phrase cannot function as a complete sentence on its own.
Option B:
Subordinate Clause - Correct, as the phrase provides additional information but is dependent on the main clause to form a complete thought.
23.
Find the main clause:Before the party started, the guests started to get ready
A) The guests started to get ready.
B) Before the party started.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The main clause is "The guests started to get ready." This sentence can be broken down into a subordinate clause and a main clause: "Before the party started," which is dependent on the main clause, modifies when the action of getting ready occurred.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
The main clause as it contains the subject ("The guests") and predicate ("started to get ready").
Option B:
This is a subordinate clause introduced by "Before," which cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
24.
Identify the main clause in the following sentence:'I will go to the store if it stops raining.'
A) I will go to the store.
B) To the store if it stops raining.
C) I will go to the store if.
D) If it stops raining.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The main clause in the sentence 'I will go to the store if it stops raining' is "I will go to the store." This is because it can stand alone as a complete thought and contains both a subject ("I") and a predicate verb phrase ("will go to the store").
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. It is the main clause.
Option B:
Incorrect. This option includes only part of the sentence and lacks a complete thought.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option starts with "I will go to the store if," which introduces the conditional clause, not the main clause.
Option D:
Incorrect. This is the subordinate clause that provides the condition for the action in the main clause.
25.
I'll use my own hat, ..... you please.
A) So.
B) While.
C) If.
D) When.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I'll use my own hat,
If
you please." is a complex sentence that includes a subordinate clause introduced by the conjunction "if". The word "if" here indicates a condition or a polite request. It is used to make a suggestion or ask for permission in a courteous manner.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
So - This option does not introduce a subordinate clause and would be incorrect.
Option B:
While - This conjunction indicates a contrast or simultaneous action, which is not applicable here.
Option C:
If - Correct. It introduces the subordinate clause "you please", indicating a polite request or condition.
Option D:
When - This would imply a specific time, which does not fit the context of politeness or suggestion in this sentence.
26.
They have been saving money, ..... they can take vacations.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B) So is correct because it indicates a result or consequence of the action described in the first part of the sentence ("They have been saving money"). "So" is used to show that one event leads directly to another, making the sentence coherent.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Because introduces a reason or explanation for the action but does not indicate a direct result. It would be more appropriate if the sentence were explaining why they save money.
Option B:
So correctly shows that saving money results in being able to take vacations, indicating a logical consequence.
27.
Which conjunction is used in the following subordinate clause:'She couldn't attend the party since she was sick'?
A) Because.
B) Although.
C) Since.
D) While.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The conjunction "since" is used in the subordinate clause 'she was sick' to indicate a reason for the main clause action, which is 'She couldn't attend the party'. This usage of "since" introduces an explanatory reason that logically precedes and justifies the event described in the main clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Because - While "because" can also introduce a reason, it is less formal than "since" in this context.
Option B:
Although - This conjunction introduces a contrast or contradiction, which does not fit the given sentence structure.
Option C:
Since - Correct. It indicates a reason for the action in the main clause.
Option D:
While - This conjunction is used to indicate simultaneous actions and does not fit here as there is no indication of simultaneity.
28.
I will go abroad ..... I have enough money.
A) When.
B) Unless.
C) Until.
D) Before.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I will go abroad
When
I have enough money." uses a subordinate clause introduced by the subordinating conjunction "when," which indicates a condition or timing relationship. This fits grammatically and contextually, making "A) When" the correct answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Introduces a conditional or temporal relationship.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Unless" introduces an exception or negation, not a condition for going abroad.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Until" indicates a duration up to a point in the future, not a specific condition.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Before" suggests an action must occur prior to another, not a current or ongoing condition.
29.
Which of the following is a subordinate clause?
A) After I went to the store.
B) I went to the store and bought some groceries.
C) I needed to buy some groceries.
D) I went to the store because I needed to buy some groceries.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A subordinate clause is a dependent clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and must be connected to an independent clause. In option D, "I went to the store because I needed to buy some groceries," the clause "because I needed to buy some groceries" is a subordinate clause because it provides a reason for the action in the main clause "I went to the store."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This is a prepositional phrase, not a subordinate clause.
Option B:
Both clauses are independent and can stand alone as sentences.
Option C:
This is an independent clause that could be a complete sentence on its own.
Option D:
This contains a subordinate clause providing a reason for the action in the main clause.
30.
What is the difference between an adverbial phrase and a subordinate clause used at the beginning of a sentence?
A) Adverbial phrases need a comma.
B) Adverbial phrases tell us where something is and the subordinate clause doesn't.
C) The subordinate clause contains a subject AND a verb and the adverbial phrase does not.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is C) The subordinate clause contains a subject AND a verb and the adverbial phrase does not.
A subordinate clause, when used at the beginning of a sentence, typically includes both a subject and a verb. This structure makes it function as an independent clause that can stand alone but here acts as a dependent element in the main sentence. In contrast, an adverbial phrase, even if placed at the start of a sentence, does not necessarily contain a complete subject-verb combination; instead, it provides additional information such as time, place, or manner.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Adverbial phrases do not always require a comma. Commas are used based on the context and structure of the sentence.
Option B:
While adverbial phrases can indicate location, they can also convey other types of information such as time or manner. Subordinate clauses, however, must include both a subject and a verb to be considered complete.
Option C:
Correct. A subordinate clause contains a subject AND a verb, whereas an adverbial phrase does not necessarily have these components.
Option D:
Option C is correct; hence this option is incorrect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are subordinate clauses, and how do they function in a sentence?
Subordinate clauses are dependent parts of a sentence that contain both a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as complete thoughts. They provide additional information such as time, place, reason, or manner, and typically begin with subordinating conjunctions like "although," "because," or relative pronouns like "that" or "which."
How do subordinate clauses differ from adverbial phrases?
Subordinate clauses, unlike adverbial phrases, contain both a subject and a verb. Adverbial phrases, on the other hand, are shorter and typically consist of just an adjective or adverb along with any accompanying words that modify the main clause.
Can subordinate clauses be used to modify nouns?
Yes, subordinate clauses can function as adjectival clauses, providing additional information about a noun in the sentence. For example, "The book that I read last night was fascinating."
What is the difference between correlative coordinating conjunctions and subordinate clauses?
Correlative coordinating conjunctions, such as "either...or" or "neither...nor," are used to connect words of equal importance. Subordinate clauses, however, introduce dependent parts of a sentence that cannot stand alone and require an independent clause for the sentence to make sense.
How do subordinate clauses indicate reasons in sentences?
Subordinate clauses can be used to provide reasons or causes, often starting with conjunctions like "because" or "since." For example, "I will go to the party because my friends are there."