When learning a new language, understanding the grammar and structure of sentences is essential. In French, one important aspect of sentence structure is the use of subordinate clauses. Subordinate clauses are dependent clauses that cannot stand alone as complete sentences. Instead, they rely on a main clause to provide meaning and context. In this guide, we will explore the basics of French subordinate clauses, their usage, and provide example sentences to help solidify your understanding.
Definition of Subordinate Clauses:
A subordinate clause, also known as a dependent clause, is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but cannot function as a complete sentence. It relies on a main clause to complete its meaning. Subordinate clauses often serve specific grammatical purposes, such as providing additional information, expressing cause and effect, or showing time relationships.
Example:
Main Clause: Je vais au cinéma ce soir. (I am going to the cinema tonight.)
Subordinate Clause: parce que j’adore les films. (because I love movies.)
Types of Subordinate Clauses:
There are several types of subordinate clauses in French, each serving a different purpose within a sentence. Let’s explore some of the most common types:
a. Subordinate Clauses of Time:
These clauses indicate when an action or event takes place in relation to the main clause. They are often introduced by conjunctions such as quand (when), lorsque (when), and après que (after).
Example:
Main Clause: Je me suis levé tôt ce matin. (I woke up early this morning.)
Subordinate Clause: avant que le soleil ne se lève. (before the sun rises.)
b. Subordinate Clauses of Cause and Effect:
These clauses establish a cause-and-effect relationship between the main clause and the subordinate clause. Common conjunctions used to introduce these clauses include parce que (because), puisque (since), and car (for).
Example:
Main Clause: J’ai mangé trop de gâteau. (I ate too much cake.)
Subordinate Clause: parce que j’adore les sucreries. (because I love sweets.)
c. Subordinate Clauses of Condition:
These clauses express a condition that must be met for the main clause to occur. They are introduced by conjunctions such as si (if), à condition que (provided that), and à moins que (unless).
Example:
Main Clause: Je viendrai à la fête. (I will come to the party.)
Subordinate Clause: si tu m’invites. (if you invite me.)
d. Subordinate Clauses of Concession:
These clauses express a contrary circumstance to the main clause. They are often introduced by conjunctions such as bien que (although), quoique (although), and malgré que (despite).
Example:
Main Clause: Il travaille beaucoup. (He works a lot.)
Subordinate Clause: bien qu’il soit fatigué. (although he is tired.)
Word Order and Verb Conjugation:
In French subordinate clauses, the word order can be different from that of the main clause. When a subordinate clause comes before the main clause, the subject and verb order are inverted in the subordinate clause. Additionally, verb tenses and moods may change in subordinate clauses depending on the context and the main clause.
Example:
Main Clause: Je pense que tu es gentil. (I think you are kind.)
Subordinate Clause: Que tu sois gentil, je le pense. (That you are kind, I think.)
Subordinate Clause Connectors:
To introduce subordinate clauses, French uses a variety of conjunctions and relative pronouns. These connectors help establish the relationship between the main clause and the subordinate clause.
a. Conjunctions:
Common conjunctions used to introduce subordinate clauses include que (that), si (if), lorsque (when), parce que (because), and afin que (so that).
Example:
Main Clause: Je suis content que tu sois ici. (I am happy that you are here.)
Subordinate Clause: Je vais te présenter à mes amis. (I will introduce you to my friends.)
b. Relative Pronouns:
Relative pronouns such as qui (who/which), que (whom/which), dont (whose/of which), and où (where) are used to introduce subordinate clauses that function as the subject or object of the main clause.
Example:
Main Clause: Voici le livre que j’ai acheté. (Here is the book that I bought.)
Subordinate Clause: Il parle du pays où il est né. (He talks about the country where he was born.)
In conclusion, understanding French subordinate clauses is crucial for constructing complex sentences and expressing relationships between ideas. By recognizing the different types of subordinate clauses, their connectors, and the variations in word order and verb conjugation, you can enhance your French language skills and effectively communicate in various contexts. Remember to practice using subordinate clauses in your own sentences to reinforce your understanding and fluency.
Quick quiz
Exercise 1:
Choose the correct subordinate clause connector for the given sentence:
Main Clause: J’irai au parc
Subordinate Clause: __, je vais jouer au football.
a) parce que (because)
b) quand (when)
c) si (if)
d) bien que (although)
Answer: b) quand (when)
Explanation: The correct connector in this sentence is “quand” as it indicates the time relationship between the main clause and the subordinate clause. The sentence translates to “When I go to the park, I will play football.”
Exercise 2:
Select the appropriate subordinate clause type for the given sentence:
Main Clause: Je suis allé au cinéma
Subordinate Clause: _, j’ai regardé un film d’action.
a) Subordinate Clause of Time
b) Subordinate Clause of Cause and Effect
c) Subordinate Clause of Condition
d) Subordinate Clause of Concession
Answer: a) Subordinate Clause of Time
Explanation: The subordinate clause in this sentence indicates the time relationship between the main clause and the action of watching an action movie. The sentence translates to “When I went to the cinema, I watched an action movie.”
Exercise 3:
Choose the correct word order for the given sentence:
Main Clause: Je pense
Subordinate Clause: _ tu as raison.
a) tu as raison que (you are right)
b) que tu as raison (that you are right)
c) raison tu as que (you are right)
d) que raison tu as (that you are right)
Answer: b) que tu as raison (that you are right)
Explanation: In French, the correct word order for this sentence is to place the connector “que” before the subordinate clause. The sentence translates to “I think that you are right.”
Exercise 4:
Identify the appropriate subordinate clause connector for the given sentence:
Main Clause: J’irai à la plage
Subordinate Clause: _, il fait beau.
a) parce que (because)
b) si (if)
c) quand (when)
d) bien que (although)
Answer: c) quand (when)
Explanation: The subordinate clause in this sentence introduces the time relationship between the main clause and the weather condition. The sentence translates to “When it is sunny, I will go to the beach.”
Exercise 5:
Select the correct verb conjugation for the given subordinate clause:
Main Clause: Elle veut que je à la fête. (venir – to come)
Subordinate Clause: Je à la fête.
a) viens (come)
b) venirai (will come)
c) suis venu (came)
d) vienne (come)
Answer: d) vienne (come)
Explanation: The correct verb conjugation in the subordinate clause is “vienne” to match the subjunctive mood required in this context. The sentence translates to “She wants me to come to the party. I will come to the party.”
Exercise 6:
Choose the appropriate relative pronoun for the given sentence:
Main Clause: Voici le garçon __ j’ai parlé.
Subordinate Clause: Il aime jouer au football.
a) que (whom/which)
b) dont (whose/of which)
c) où (where)
d) qui (who/which)
Answer: d) qui (who/which)
Explanation: The relative pronoun “qui” is used to refer to the boy (le garçon) and introduces the subordinate clause that provides additional information about him. The sentence translates to “Here is the boy I spoke to. He likes to play football.”
Exercise 7:
Select the correct subordinate clause type for the given sentence:
Main Clause: Il travaille dur
Subordinate Clause: __ il est fatigué.
a) Subordinate Clause of Time
b) Subordinate Clause of Cause and Effect
c) Subordinate Clause of Condition
d) Subordinate Clause of Concession
Answer: b) Subordinate Clause of Cause and Effect
Explanation: The subordinate clause in this sentence establishes a cause-and-effect relationship between the main clause and the fatigue. The sentence translates to “He works hard, so he is tired.”
Exercise 8:
Choose the appropriate word order for the given sentence:
Main Clause: Je vais au magasin
Subordinate Clause: _, j’achèterai des fruits.
a) J’achèterai des fruits, je vais au magasin.
b) Je vais au magasin, j’achèterai des fruits.
c) J’achèterai des fruits, au magasin je vais.
d) Au magasin je vais, j’achèterai des fruits.
Answer: b) Je vais au magasin, j’achèterai des fruits.
Explanation: The correct word order in this sentence is to place the main clause before the subordinate clause. The sentence translates to “I am going to the store, I will buy some fruits.”
Exercise 9:
Identify the correct subordinate clause connector for the given sentence:
Main Clause: J’ai besoin d’argent
Subordinate Clause: __, je vais demander un prêt.
a) bien que (although)
b) parce que (because)
c) si (if)
d) afin que (so that)
Answer: b) parce que (because)
Explanation: The subordinate clause in this sentence provides the reason or cause for the need for money. The sentence translates to “I need money because I will ask for a loan.”
Exercise 10:
Choose the appropriate relative pronoun for the given sentence:
Main Clause: J’ai trouvé le livre __ j’ai besoin.
Subordinate Clause: Il est très intéressant.
a) que (which)
b) dont (of which)
c) où (where)
d) qui (who)
Answer: a) que (which)
Explanation: The relative pronoun “que” is used to refer to the book (le livre) and introduces the subordinate clause that describes its quality. The sentence translates to “I found the book I need. It is very interesting.”
Originally posted 2023-07-19 02:20:38.