What is the Difference Between Relative Clause and Subordinate Clause?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a relative clause and a subordinate clause lies in their role within a sentence and how they are introduced.
A relative clause is a type of subordinate clause that modifies a noun or pronoun and begins with a relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, which, or that) or a relative adverb (when, where, or why). Relative clauses can be either defining or non-defining. Defining relative clauses provide essential information about the noun or pronoun, while non-defining relative clauses provide extra information that is not necessary for the main idea of the sentence. For example:
- Defining relative clause: "The person who called was my sister." (The clause provides essential information about the person.)
- Non-defining relative clause: "My sister, who has red hair, is a talented musician." (The clause provides extra information about my sister.)
A subordinate clause is a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and needs to be attached to an independent clause. Subordinate clauses can function as an adverb, adjective, or noun within a sentence. They are often introduced by subordinating conjunctions, such as "because," "if," or "that". For example:
- Adverb clause: "I went to the store so that I could buy food." (The clause modifies the verb "went" and is introduced by "so.")
- Adjective clause: "She is the person whom I told you about." (The clause modifies the noun phrase "the person" and is introduced by "whom.")
- Noun clause: "What he said was amazing." (The clause functions as a noun and is introduced by "what.")
In summary, a relative clause is a specific type of subordinate clause that modifies a noun or pronoun and begins with a relative pronoun or adverb, while a subordinate clause can function as an adverb, adjective, or noun within a sentence and is introduced by a subordinating conjunction.
Comparative Table: Relative Clause vs Subordinate Clause
The main difference between a relative clause and a subordinate clause lies in their beginnings and functions. Here is a comparison table highlighting their differences:
| Feature | Relative Clause | Subordinate Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Begins with | Relative pronoun (e.g., who, which, that) | Subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun |
| Function | Acts as an adjective, providing additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause | Can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb, and cannot stand alone as a complete sentence |
In summary, a relative clause is a type of subordinate clause that begins with a relative pronoun and acts as an adjective, while a subordinate clause is more general and can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb. A subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
- Main Clause vs Subordinate Clause
- Coordinate vs Subordinate Clause
- Where vs Which in Relative Clauses
- Sentence vs Clause
- Conjunction Coordinating Conjunction vs Subordinating Conjunction
- a Phrase vs a Clause
- Noun Clause vs Adjective Clause
- Noun Clause vs Noun Phrase
- Absolute vs Relative
- Conditional vs Subjunctive
- Simple vs Complex Sentence
- Subjunctive vs Indicative
- Branch vs Subsidiary
- Prepositional Phrase vs Adverbial Phrase
- Affiliate vs Subsidiary
- Phrase vs Sentence
- Cloning vs Subcloning
- Noun vs Subject
- Restrictive vs Nonrestrictive Clause