Starting With a Subordinate Clause

Level 3

When a sentence starts with a clause such as as dit reën, the main clause starts with its verb: As dit reën, bly ons tuis. (If it rains, we stay home.)

How It Works

1. Verb second still applies. In a main clause the verb is always in second place (verb second). A fronted subordinate clause takes up first place, so the verb comes next:

  • As dit reën, bly ons tuis. (If it rains, we stay home.)
  • Toe ek wakker word, was dit al lig. (When I woke up, it was already light.)

2. Inside the first clause, the verb is at the end. The subordinate clause keeps its own order (verb at the end): As dit koud is, dra ek 'n jas. (When it is cold, I wear a coat.)

3. Verb, verb. The verb of the first clause ends it, and the verb of the main clause begins the next part. The comma between them helps the reader:

  • Omdat ek siek was, het ek tuis gebly. (Because I was sick, I stayed home.)
  • Nadat ons geëet het, het ons gaan stap. (After we had eaten, we went for a walk.)

4. Only subordinating words. This works with words such as as, toe, omdat, terwyl, voordat and nadat. A clause with want cannot come first; use omdat instead (want or omdat).

Tip: in speech, dan sometimes picks up an as clause: As jy moeg is, dan moet jy gaan slaap. The verb still comes straight after dan.

Examples (5)

  1. As dit reën, bly ons tuis.

    If it rains, we stay home.

    Word by Word: If it rains, stay we home.

    The main clause starts with its verb bly.

  2. Toe ek wakker word, was dit al lig.

    When I woke up, it was already light.

    Word by Word: When I awake become, was it already light.

  3. Omdat ek siek was, het ek tuis gebly.

    Because I was sick, I stayed home.

    Word by Word: Because I sick was, have I home stayed.

    The two verbs was and het stand side by side around the comma.

  4. Nadat ons geëet het, het ons gaan stap.

    After we had eaten, we went for a walk.

    Word by Word: After we eaten have, have we go walk.

  5. Terwyl jy slaap, maak ek kos.

    While you sleep, I'll cook.

    Word by Word: While you sleep, make I food.

Common Mistakes

  • Putting the subject first in the main clause.

    As dit reën, ons bly tuis.
    As dit reën, bly ons tuis.

    The as clause fills first place, so the verb bly comes next and the subject ons follows it.

  • Starting a sentence with a want clause.

    Want ek siek was, het ek tuis gebly.
    Omdat ek siek was, het ek tuis gebly.

    Want joins two main clauses and cannot come first. To start with the reason, use omdat.

  • Forgetting to send the verb to the end of the first clause.

    As dit is koud, dra ek 'n jas.
    As dit koud is, dra ek 'n jas.

    The as clause is a subordinate clause, so its own verb goes to its end.

How It Connects

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Starting With a Subordinate ClauseLevel 3

Learn This First

When a subordinate clause starts the sentence, the main verb comes right after it.

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Patterns that build on this one.