Question

Explain why a subordinate clause cannot stand alone?

Answer 1

Because a subordinate clause depends, structurally, on a main or independent clause. It completes the main structure in a statement.

For example: Judith was answering the question when her boyfriend called.

In this case, ''when her boyfriend called'' is the subordinate clause, because is an action explained as a conjunction from another.

Answer 2

It needs to be connected to an independent clause in order to make sense. A subordinate clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb, that cannot stand alone. It does not provide a complete thought.