“Should you face challenges, persevere.” This succinct yet powerful statement uses a structure we often encounter in both written and spoken English: the subordinate clause. Understanding how to use subordinate clauses effectively can significantly enhance your IELTS writing and speaking scores, allowing you to express complex ideas with clarity and sophistication.

Here are a few examples of how subordinate clauses can be used in different sections of the IELTS exam:

• Writing Task 2: “While some argue that globalization leads to cultural homogenization, others maintain that it fosters diversity and cross-cultural understanding.” (The bold text is the subordinate clause)

• Speaking Part 3: “Well, although there are certainly challenges associated with starting your own business, the potential rewards can be substantial.” (The bold text is the subordinate clause)

• Listening: “The professor argues that, while technological advancements have revolutionized communication, they have also led to increased social isolation.” (The bold text is the subordinate clause)

Understanding Subordinate Clauses and Their Importance in IELTS

A subordinate clause, also known as a dependent clause, cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It relies on an independent clause to provide full meaning. Subordinate clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions like “although,” “because,” “while,” “if,” “when,” “since,” “unless,” and many others.

Why are subordinate clauses essential for IELTS?

• Sentence Complexity and Variety: They allow you to create longer, more complex sentences, which is a key factor in achieving a higher grammatical range score.
• Expressing Relationships: Subordinate clauses effectively demonstrate the relationship between ideas, such as cause and effect, contrast, or time.
• Formal Tone: Using subordinate clauses can contribute to a more formal and academic writing style, particularly important for IELTS Writing Task 2.

Mastering Subordinate Clauses: Structure and Usage

The general structure of a sentence with a subordinate clause is:

Subordinate Clause + Comma + Independent Clause
OR
Independent Clause + Subordinate Clause

using-subordinate-clauses-in-ielts|Using Subordinate Clauses in IELTS|A student is practicing using subordinate clauses while preparing for the IELTS exam.

Let’s look at some common types of subordinate clauses and how to use them effectively in your IELTS exam:

1. Adverbial Clauses:

These clauses modify the verb in the main clause, indicating time, place, reason, purpose, condition, concession, or comparison.

Example:

• Although the cost of living is rising, many people are choosing to live in urban areas. (Concession)
• Many students experience stress when they are preparing for exams. (Time)

IELTS Application:

• Writing Task 2: “Although globalization has led to economic growth in many developing countries, it has also exacerbated income inequality.“
• Speaking Part 2: “While I was traveling in Southeast Asia, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures.”

2. Relative Clauses:

These clauses provide additional information about a noun or noun phrase in the main clause.

Example:

• The city that never sleeps is a popular tourist destination.
• Students who study effectively tend to achieve higher grades.

IELTS Application:

• Writing Task 1: “The graph illustrates the percentage of people who own smartphones in different age groups.”
• Speaking Part 3: “One of the biggest challenges that young people face today is the pressure to succeed on social media.”

3. Noun Clauses:

These clauses function as a noun in a sentence, acting as a subject, object, or complement.

Example:

• What you said was very insightful. (Subject)
• I believe that education is the key to success. (Object)

IELTS Application:

• Writing Task 2: “It is essential that governments invest in renewable energy sources to combat climate change.“
• Speaking Part 1: “I think that learning a foreign language opens up a world of opportunities.“

Achieving Band 7+ with Subordinate Clauses

To score highly in the IELTS, it is crucial to demonstrate a sophisticated command of grammar. Here’s how to use subordinate clauses strategically:

• Variety is Key: Use a range of subordinating conjunctions to demonstrate your grammatical range.
• Punctuation Precision: Make sure to use commas correctly when separating subordinate clauses from independent clauses.
• Avoid Ambiguity: Ensure that your subordinate clauses are clearly linked to the appropriate noun or verb in the main clause.

Common Errors to Avoid:

• Comma Splices: Incorrectly connecting two independent clauses with only a comma. Use a semicolon, a conjunction, or separate them into two sentences.
• Fragment Sentences: A subordinate clause standing alone without an independent clause. Always ensure you have a complete thought.
• Misplaced Modifiers: Positioning a subordinate clause so that it modifies the wrong word or phrase. Ensure clarity in your sentence structure.

Conclusion

Mastering subordinate clauses is not just about learning grammatical rules; it’s about wielding the power to express your ideas with nuance and sophistication. By incorporating these versatile grammatical tools into your IELTS preparation, you can significantly enhance your writing and speaking skills and boost your overall band score. Remember to practice regularly, pay close attention to punctuation, and strive for clarity and variety in your sentence construction.