Question

Identify the subordinate clause in the following sentence:
I earn whatever I can.

• A. whatever I can
• B. I earn
• C. I can
• D. earn whatever

Answer 1

The correct option is A whatever I can

A clause is a part of a larger sentence containing a subject and a predicate of its own.
A Principal Clause is an independent clause which can exist even without a subordinate clause. A Subordinate Clause is called a dependent clause because it cannot exist without the help of the principal clause. It begins with a subordinating conjunction.
Option A is correct as 'whatever I can' is the subordinate clause beginning with the subordinating conjunction 'whatever'. It needs the help of the principal clause for its existence.
Option B is incorrect because 'I earn' is the principal clause. It exists independently.
Option C and Option D are incorrect as they are parts of the principal and subordinate clauses respectively.