In English, you use them constantly: subordinate clauses. In French, you also have the subordonnée conjonctive. They are introduced by a conjunction.

The better you learn to express yourself in French, the more often you will need them: subordinate clauses. For example: ‘I am staying home because it is raining’. The part ‘because it is raining’ is the subordinate clause here. This subordonnée conjonctive is dependent on the main clause.

Can you identify where the subordinate clause begins below?

Je pense que tu as raison.

>> I think that you are right.

Je reste chez moi parce qu’il pleut.

>> I am staying home because it is raining.

Je t’appelle pour que tu n’oublies pas ton rendez-vous.

>> I am calling you so that you do not forget your appointment.

Subordinate clauses begin with a subordinating conjunction, such as que (that), parce que (because), or quand (when). They express a relationship, such as time, reason, condition, purpose, or contrast.

Time:

• quand (when)
• lorsque (when)
• dès que (as soon as)
• aussitôt que (as soon as)

Reason:

• parce que (because)
• puisque (since)
• comme (since)

Condition:

• si (if)
• au cas où (in case)
• en attendant que (until / while waiting for…)

Purpose:

• afin que (so that)
• en sorte que (so that)

Contrast:

• bien que (although)
• quoique (although, formal usage)

Please note: Do not confuse the subordinate clause with a relative clause, which also begins with ‘que’. A relative clause is part of a phrase and often functions as an adjective.

Relative clause: He is bringing me the letter I am waiting for. (Il m’apporte la lettre que j’attends) >> ‘I am waiting for’ / ‘que j’attends’ tells you something about the letter.

Subordinate clause: I am waiting until he brings me the letter. (J’attends qu’il m’apporte la lettre) >> ‘until he brings me the letter’ / ‘il m’apporte la lettre’ tells you something about the reason why you are waiting.