Understanding Subordinate Clauses in Russian for English Learners

What are Subordinate Clauses?

Subordinate clauses, also known as dependent clauses, are an essential part of Russian grammar. These clauses modify the main clause and usually introduce additional information. Unlike independent clauses, subordinate clauses cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Types of Subordinate Clauses in Russian

In Russian, just like in English, subordinate clauses are categorized based on their function. The three primary types include: noun clauses, adjectival clauses, and adverbial clauses. Each type serves a specific function and is introduced by different subordinating conjunctions.

Noun Clauses in Russian

Noun clauses function as the noun of a sentence. They can be introduced by conjunctions such as что (that) or кто (who).

Adjectival Clauses in Russian

Adjectival clauses qualify nouns and are generally introduced by words like который (which, who).

Adverbial Clauses in Russian

These clauses act like adverbs, modifying verbs and are introduced by a wide array of conjunctions such as потому что (because), когда (when), and если (if).

Common Mistakes English Speakers Make

English speakers often struggle with the flexible word order in Russian subordinate clauses. Additionally, the correct use of conjunctions and case endings can be challenging.

Practice Makes Perfect

To master subordinate clauses in Russian, it is crucial to practice by reading, writing, and speaking. Regularly encountering these structures in context will make their use more intuitive.