Revising subordinate clause fragments

A subordinate clause is patterned like a sentence, with both a subject and a verb, but it begins with a word that marks it as subordinate. The following words commonly introduce subordinate clauses.

after

before

so that

until

while

although

even though

than

when

who

as

how

that

where

whom

as if

if

though

whether

whose

because

since

unless

which

why

Subordinate clauses function within sentences as adjectives, as adverbs, or as nouns. They cannot stand alone.

Most fragmented clauses beg to be pulled into a sentence nearby.

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Because introduces a subordinate clause, so it cannot stand alone.

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Although introduces a subordinate clause, so it cannot stand alone.

If a fragmented clause cannot be attached to a nearby sentence or if you feel that attaching it would be awkward, try turning the clause into a sentence. The simplest way to do this is to delete the opening word or words that mark it as subordinate.

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