Which sentence correctly uses a subordinate clause?

Which sentence correctly uses a subordinate clause?

• A. Although tired, he finished the run.
• B. Although, tired, he finished the run.
• C. He finished, although tired.
• D. He finished the run although tired.

Answer: (A)

The sentence structure being tested is how to use a subordinate (dependent) clause correctly with punctuation. A clause like “although tired” is not something that can stand alone; it relies on a main clause to complete the thought. When a dependent clause comes at the beginning of a sentence, it should be followed by a comma before the main clause. That makes the contrast clear and keeps the sentence easy to read. So, “Although tired, he finished the run” correctly pairs the introductory dependent idea with the main action, with the comma signaling the pause between them. The other options run into problems: placing a comma right after “Although” breaks the flow because the phrase is not a complete clause by itself; using a dependent phrase after the main clause can feel unfinished or awkward without the full context (e.g., “although he was tired” would be proper); and omitting the comma when the dependent clause follows the main clause can reduce clarity. The clean, standard form that uses an introductory dependent clause followed by a comma and the main clause is the best choice.

The sentence structure being tested is how to use a subordinate (dependent) clause correctly with punctuation. A clause like “although tired” is not something that can stand alone; it relies on a main clause to complete the thought. When a dependent clause comes at the beginning of a sentence, it should be followed by a comma before the main clause. That makes the contrast clear and keeps the sentence easy to read. So, “Although tired, he finished the run” correctly pairs the introductory dependent idea with the main action, with the comma signaling the pause between them.

The other options run into problems: placing a comma right after “Although” breaks the flow because the phrase is not a complete clause by itself; using a dependent phrase after the main clause can feel unfinished or awkward without the full context (e.g., “although he was tired” would be proper); and omitting the comma when the dependent clause follows the main clause can reduce clarity. The clean, standard form that uses an introductory dependent clause followed by a comma and the main clause is the best choice.