Advanced Subordination (Participial, Absolute, and Infinitival Clauses)

What is Advanced Subordination?

Subordination is the grammatical process of linking two clauses in a way that makes one clause dependent on (subordinate to) the other. While basic subordination involves simple conjunctions like because, when, although, advanced subordination utilizes a wider range of complex conjunctions, relative pronouns, and nominalizers to create intricate, precise, and sophisticated sentence structures. It allows writers to express complex relationships between ideas, add detail, and vary sentence rhythm, moving beyond simple compound sentences.

1. Types of Advanced Subordination

a. Complex Adverbial Clauses

These clauses modify the main verb, an adjective, or another adverb, providing information about time, place, manner, cause, purpose, result, condition, or concession.

Concession (Contrast): although, even though, while, whereas, much as, however, no matter how, despite the fact that, in spite of the fact that.
- Much as I admire his work, I don't agree with his latest theory.
- However difficult the task may seem, we must persevere.
- While some argue for stricter laws, others advocate for more education.
Condition: provided that, as long as, unless, in case, on condition that, supposing that, given that.
- Provided that you meet the requirements, you will be offered the scholarship.
- Supposing that he refuses, what will our next step be?
- In case of fire, use the emergency exit.
Purpose: so that, in order that, lest (formal, meaning 'so that... not').
- She studied diligently so that she might pass the exam.
- He spoke quietly lest he wake the baby. (Note the subjunctive 'wake')
Result: so...that, such...that.
- The book was so compelling that I couldn't put it down.
- It was such a fascinating story that everyone listened intently.
Manner: as if, as though.
- He behaved as if he owned the place.
- She looked as though she hadn't slept for days.

b. Nominal Clauses (Noun Clauses)

These clauses function as nouns within a sentence, acting as subjects, objects, complements, or objects of prepositions. They are introduced by that, what, whatever, who, whoever, whom, whomever, which, whichever, when, where, why, how, if, whether.

As Subject: What he said surprised everyone.
As Direct Object: I don't know when she will arrive.
As Subject Complement: The problem is that we don't have enough time.
As Object of Preposition: We talked about how we could improve the situation.
With whether/if: I wonder whether he will come.

c. Relative Clauses (Adjective Clauses)

These clauses provide additional information about a noun or pronoun.

Non-defining Relative Clauses: Provide extra, non-essential information, set off by commas.
- My brother, who lives in Canada, is visiting next month.
- The new policy, which was announced yesterday, has caused some controversy.
Reduced Relative Clauses (Participle Phrases): A more concise way to convey information, often used in formal writing.
- The man standing by the window is my boss. (Original: The man who is standing by the window...)
- The documents found in the safe were crucial evidence. (Original: The documents which were found in the safe...)
Clauses introduced by what (meaning 'the thing(s) that'):
- What I need is a good rest.
- He finally understood what she meant.

d. Elliptical Clauses

In some adverbial clauses, words can be omitted if the meaning is clear from the context, making the sentence more concise. This often happens when the subject of the subordinate clause is the same as the main clause, and the verb is be.

When (he was) young, he traveled extensively.
If (it is) necessary, I will call you.
Although (she was) tired, she continued working.
While (I was) waiting, I read a book.

2. Placement and Punctuation of Subordinate Clauses

Adverbial Clauses: Can often be placed at the beginning or end of a sentence. When placed at the beginning, they are usually followed by a comma.
- Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.
- We stayed indoors because it was raining.
Nominal Clauses: Their position depends on their function (subject, object, etc.).
Relative Clauses:
- Defining: No commas. Essential information. The student who passed the exam received a scholarship.
- Non-defining: Commas. Non-essential information. My sister, who lives in New York, is a doctor.

Common Errors and How to Fix Them

✗ Incorrect	✓ Correct	Why
He works hard, so he can succeed.	He works hard so that he can succeed.	'So that' is the correct conjunction for purpose. 'So' alone usually indicates result.
The fact that he is late, is annoying.	The fact that he is late is annoying.	No comma needed between a noun clause acting as subject and its verb.
The book, that I read, was interesting.	The book that I read was interesting. OR The book, which I read, was interesting.	'That' is used for defining relative clauses (no commas). 'Which' can be used for both, but with commas for non-defining.
Although tired, but she continued.	Although tired, she continued. OR She was tired, but she continued.	Do not use 'although' and 'but' together in the same sentence.

Summary

Type of Clause	Function	Connectors	Example
Adverbial	Time, cause, condition, concession, purpose, result, manner	although, because, if, so that, as if, provided that	Although it was late, we continued.
Nominal (Noun)	Subject, object, complement	that, what, who, when, where, how, if, whether	What he said was true.
Relative (Adjective)	Describe nouns/pronouns	who, which, that, whose, where, when	The car, which is red, is fast.
Elliptical	Concise adverbial clauses	when young, if necessary	While waiting, I read.

💡 Key takeaway: Advanced subordination is about building sophisticated sentences that clearly articulate complex relationships between ideas. By mastering various types of subordinate clauses and their correct usage, you can enhance the clarity, precision, and elegance of your English writing.