The leading thought of a sentence is called the =principal clause=.
A clause that has the function of a noun, an adjective, or an adverb, is
called a =subordinate clause=.
Select the principal clauses and the subordinate clauses in the
following sentences, and state the function of each subordinate
clause:—
1. They knew who did it.
2. The book which you gave me, is here.
3. I shall go when he returns.
A clause that has the function of a noun, is called a noun clause; as,
He said _he knew his lesson_. How I shall reach my destination_ is the
question.