Advanced subordinate clauses in English : complete course

What Are Advanced Subordinate Clauses?

A subordinate clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb, but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It depends on a main clause to make full sense. Advanced subordinate clauses go beyond simple ‘because’ or ‘when’ structures — they express complex ideas like condition, concession, purpose, and result.

Simple Examples First

• Although it was raining, she went for a walk.
• He works hard so that he can support his family.
• Whatever you decide, I will support you.

Each sentence above contains a subordinate clause that adds nuance and depth to the main idea. These are exactly the kinds of structures we will explore in this article.

The Key Elements of Advanced Subordinate Clauses in English

Advanced subordinate clauses can be grouped into several important categories. Let us look at the main ones.

1. Concessive Clauses

These clauses express contrast or unexpected results. They are introduced by words like although, even though, while, or however.

• Even though he studied all night, he failed the exam.
• While I understand your point, I cannot agree.
• Much as I like chocolate, I try not to eat too much of it.

2. Purpose and Result Clauses

Purpose clauses explain why someone does something. They often use so that, in order that, or in order to.

• She spoke slowly so that everyone could understand.
• They left early in order that they would not miss the train.

Result clauses describe what happens as a consequence. They use such… that or so… that.

• It was such a beautiful day that we decided to have a picnic.
• He was so tired that he fell asleep immediately.

3. Conditional Clauses (Advanced Forms)

Beyond the basic first and second conditionals, English has more complex conditional forms using should, were to, or inverted structures.

• Should you need any help, please contact us. (formal inversion)
• Were she to arrive late, the meeting would be delayed.
• Had he known the truth, he would have acted differently.

Why Advanced Subordinate Clauses Matter

Using these structures makes your English sound more natural, more precise, and more sophisticated. Here is why they are important:

• They help you express complex ideas in a single, well-structured sentence.
• They are common in academic writing, professional emails, and formal speech.
• They allow you to show logical relationships between ideas — contrast, cause, purpose, and condition.
• Native speakers use them constantly, so understanding them improves both your reading and listening skills.

In short, mastering these clauses will take your English to a much higher level of fluency and accuracy.

Comparison With Other Languages

If you speak French or Spanish, you will notice some important similarities and differences.

One key difference: in French and Spanish, certain subordinate clauses require the subjunctive mood. In English, the subjunctive is rarely used — instead, English uses modal verbs like would, could, or might to express similar ideas.

A Complete Example

Read this short paragraph and notice how subordinate clauses work together:

‘Although Maria had never travelled alone before, she decided to move abroad so that she could improve her English. Were she to face any difficulties, her company had promised to support her. It was such an important opportunity that she could not say no.’

• Although Maria had never travelled alone before → concessive clause
• so that she could improve her English → purpose clause
• Were she to face any difficulties → advanced conditional clause
• such an important opportunity that she could not say no → result clause

This paragraph sounds natural, sophisticated, and well-organised — exactly what advanced subordinate clauses can do for your writing.

Key Points to Remember

• Subordinate clauses cannot stand alone — they always depend on a main clause.
• Advanced types include concessive, purpose, result, and complex conditional clauses.
• Unlike French and Spanish, English rarely uses the subjunctive in subordinate clauses.
• Inverted structures like Should you… or Were he to… are formal but very common in written English.
• Practise by reading academic texts, quality journalism, and formal emails to see these structures in real context.

Sources

• Swan, M. (2005). Practical English Usage. Oxford University Press.
• Quirk, R., Greenbaum, S., Leech, G., & Svartvik, J. (1985). A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language. Longman.
• Biber, D., Johansson, S., Leech, G., Conrad, S., & Finegan, E. (1999). Longman Grammar of Spoken and Written English. Longman.