Understanding verb forms in subordinate clauses is crucial for mastering the intricacies of English grammar. Subordinate clauses, also known as dependent clauses, cannot stand alone as complete sentences and typically provide additional information to the main clause. They are usually introduced by subordinating conjunctions like “because,” “although,” “if,” “when,” and “while.” In this article, we will delve into the different verb forms that can appear in subordinate clauses, providing clear explanations and examples to enhance your understanding.
Types of Subordinate Clauses
Before we dive into the verb forms, it’s essential to grasp the different types of subordinate clauses. Subordinate clauses generally fall into three categories: adverbial, relative, and noun clauses. Each type serves a unique function and has different rules regarding verb forms.
Adverbial Clauses
Adverbial clauses modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs in the main clause. They often answer questions like “when,” “where,” “why,” “how,” and “to what extent.” For instance, in the sentence “She left the party because she was tired,” the adverbial clause “because she was tired” explains why she left the party.
Relative Clauses
Relative clauses provide additional information about a noun in the main clause. They are typically introduced by relative pronouns such as “who,” “whom,” “whose,” “which,” and “that.” For example, in the sentence “The book that you lent me was fascinating,” the relative clause “that you lent me” gives more information about the book.
Noun Clauses
Noun clauses function as nouns within the sentence and can act as the subject, object, or complement. They are often introduced by words like “that,” “if,” and “whether.” For instance, in the sentence “I believe that she will succeed,” the noun clause “that she will succeed” acts as the object of the verb “believe.”
Verb Forms in Subordinate Clauses
Now that we have a basic understanding of the types of subordinate clauses, let’s explore the various verb forms that can appear within them. The verb form in a subordinate clause is largely determined by the tense, mood, and aspect of the main clause. Here are some key considerations:
Consistency in Tense
One of the most important rules to remember is that the tense of the verb in the subordinate clause should generally be consistent with the tense of the verb in the main clause. For example:
– Main Clause (Present Tense): “I think (present) that he is (present) honest.”
– Main Clause (Past Tense): “I thought (past) that he was (past) honest.”
However, there are exceptions to this rule, especially when the subordinate clause refers to a universal truth or an event that occurred independently of the action in the main clause. For example:
– “Galileo proved (past) that the earth revolves (present) around the sun.”
Subjunctive Mood
The subjunctive mood is used to express wishes, demands, suggestions, or hypothetical situations. In subordinate clauses, the subjunctive form is often used after certain verbs and expressions. For example:
– Wishes: “I wish (main clause) that he were (subjunctive) here.”
– Demands: “The teacher demands (main clause) that she submit (subjunctive) her assignment on time.”
– Suggestions: “I suggest (main clause) that he study (subjunctive) harder.”
Note that the subjunctive form of the verb “to be” is “be” for all subjects in the present and “were” for all subjects in the past.
Infinitive and Gerund Forms
Sometimes, subordinate clauses can take the form of infinitive or gerund phrases. These forms are often used to express purpose, reason, or result. For example:
– Infinitive: “She went to the store (main clause) to buy (infinitive) some groceries.”
– Gerund: “I am looking forward to (main clause) meeting (gerund) you.”
Infinitive and gerund forms can simplify sentences and make them more concise, but it’s essential to use them correctly to avoid ambiguity.
Perfect Tenses
Perfect tenses in subordinate clauses indicate actions that were completed before the action in the main clause. They are formed using “have” followed by the past participle of the verb. For example:
– Present Perfect: “I am happy (main clause) that she has finished (present perfect) her project.”
– Past Perfect: “He was relieved (main clause) that they had found (past perfect) the missing keys.”
Perfect tenses help clarify the sequence of events and ensure that the timeline of actions is clear.
Modal Verbs
Modal verbs like “can,” “could,” “may,” “might,” “must,” “shall,” “should,” “will,” and “would” are often used in subordinate clauses to express possibility, necessity, permission, or obligation. For example:
– Possibility: “She thinks (main clause) that it might rain (modal) tomorrow.”
– Necessity: “It is essential (main clause) that you must finish (modal) your work.”
When using modal verbs, it’s crucial to match the modality with the context and ensure that it aligns with the meaning conveyed by the main clause.
Special Cases and Exceptions
While the rules outlined above cover most situations, there are special cases and exceptions that learners should be aware of. Here are a few notable ones:
Sequence of Tenses
When the main clause is in the past tense, the verb in the subordinate clause often shifts to a past tense to maintain the sequence of tenses. For example:
– “He said (past) that he was (past) going to the store.”
However, if the subordinate clause describes a universal truth, the present tense may still be used:
– “He said (past) that the earth revolves (present) around the sun.”
Indirect Speech
In reported or indirect speech, the tense of the verb in the subordinate clause usually shifts back one tense. For example:
– Direct Speech: “She says, ‘I am tired.'”
– Indirect Speech: “She said (past) that she was (past) tired.”
This backshifting helps indicate that the statement was made in the past.
Conditional Sentences
Conditional sentences often contain subordinate clauses that describe hypothetical or unreal situations. The verb forms in these clauses can vary depending on the type of conditional sentence:
– First Conditional (real present/future): “If it rains (present), we will stay (future) inside.”
– Second Conditional (unreal present): “If I were (past subjunctive) rich, I would travel (modal) the world.”
– Third Conditional (unreal past): “If she had known (past perfect), she would have attended (modal perfect) the meeting.”
Understanding the different types of conditional sentences and their corresponding verb forms is essential for expressing hypothetical scenarios accurately.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
As with any aspect of grammar, there are common pitfalls that learners may encounter when dealing with verb forms in subordinate clauses. Here are some tips to help you avoid these mistakes:
Maintaining Consistency
One of the most frequent errors is failing to maintain consistency in tense between the main clause and the subordinate clause. Always double-check to ensure that the tenses align appropriately.
Using the Correct Subjunctive Form
The subjunctive mood can be tricky, especially for learners who are not accustomed to it. Practice using the subjunctive after verbs that require it, such as “suggest,” “recommend,” “demand,” and “wish.”
Avoiding Ambiguity
When using infinitive or gerund forms, make sure that the meaning is clear and unambiguous. Sometimes, rephrasing a sentence can help clarify the intended meaning.
Understanding Context
Pay attention to the context in which modal verbs are used. Ensure that the modality matches the meaning you want to convey, whether it’s possibility, necessity, permission, or obligation.
Practicing with Conditional Sentences
Conditional sentences can be challenging, especially when dealing with unreal or hypothetical situations. Practice forming different types of conditional sentences to become more comfortable with their structures and verb forms.
Practice Exercises
To reinforce your understanding of verb forms in subordinate clauses, here are some practice exercises. Try to identify the type of subordinate clause and the correct verb form for each sentence.
1. I believe (main clause) that she (to be) __________ (subordinate clause) the best candidate for the job.
2. If he (to study) __________ (subordinate clause) harder, he would have passed the exam.
3. She suggested (main clause) that he (to take) __________ (subordinate clause) a different approach.
4. I am glad (main clause) that you (to arrive) __________ (subordinate clause) safely.
5. He said (main clause) that he (to see) __________ (subordinate clause) the movie already.
Answers:
1. is
2. had studied
3. take
4. arrived
5. had seen
Conclusion
Mastering verb forms in subordinate clauses is essential for achieving fluency and accuracy in English. By understanding the different types of subordinate clauses and their corresponding verb forms, you can construct more complex and nuanced sentences. Remember to maintain consistency in tense, use the correct subjunctive forms, and practice with conditional sentences to build your confidence. With dedication and practice, you’ll find that your command of verb forms in subordinate clauses will significantly improve, enhancing your overall proficiency in English.
