5.3 Subordinate clauses and complex sentences

Old English subordinate clauses add depth and complexity to sentences. They come in different types, like relative clauses that give extra info about nouns, and adverbial clauses that modify verbs. These clauses are introduced by specific conjunctions and pronouns.

Understanding subordinate clauses is key to grasping Old English sentence structure. They often have verb-final word order and can involve subject-verb inversion. Mastering these clauses helps in constructing complex sentences and interpreting Old English texts accurately.

Types and Structure of Subordinate Clauses

Types of subordinate clauses

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• Relative clauses provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause introduced by relative pronouns ("þe" meaning that, "se" meaning which for masculine nouns, or "seo" meaning which for feminine nouns)
• Adverbial clauses modify the verb in the main clause indicating time ("þa" meaning when), place, manner, reason ("forðæm" meaning because), or condition ("gif" meaning if) introduced by subordinating conjunctions ("ær" meaning before, "siððan" meaning after)

Role of conjunctions and pronouns

• Subordinating conjunctions ("þa" meaning when, "ær" meaning before, "siððan" meaning after, "gif" meaning if, "forðæm" meaning because) link the subordinate clause to the main clause
• Relative pronouns ("þe" meaning that, "se" meaning which for masculine nouns, "seo" meaning which for feminine nouns) introduce relative clauses and refer back to a noun or pronoun in the main clause

Word order in subordinate clauses

• Verb-final word order places the verb at the end of the subordinate clause ("Ic wat þæt he strong is" meaning I know that he is strong)
• Subject-verb inversion may occur in some subordinate clauses with the subject and verb switched ("Gif he cymð, ic beo gearu" meaning If he comes, I will be ready)

Usage and Interpretation of Subordinate Clauses

Construction of complex sentences

1. Use appropriate conjunctions or relative pronouns to introduce the subordinate clause
2. Place the verb in the subordinate clause at the end of the clause
3. Combine the main and subordinate clauses ("Se cyning, þe his folc lufode, wæs god and rihtwis" meaning The king, who loved his people, was good and just)

Function of subordinate clauses

• Relative clauses provide additional details about a noun or pronoun in the main clause ("Þæt hus, þe he getimbrode, wæs micel and fæger" meaning The house, which he built, was large and beautiful)
• Adverbial clauses modify the verb in the main clause specifying time, place, manner, reason, or condition ("Þa he to þæm lande com, he fand þær manige men" meaning When he came to that land, he found many people there)