This parameter considers the relative order of subordinate clauses (Sub) to main clauses (Main). The structure of if-clauses should be ignored, given that these clauses often appear in initial position even in languages that otherwise display the opposite order. Subordinate clauses that should be considered for this parameter include subordinators such as that, because, when, before, and after.

Types:

SubMain: The subordinate clause generally precedes the main clause.

MainSub: The subordinate clause generally follows the main clause.

When a language displays both types, two values can be listed. If both word orders appear with equal frequency, an ampersand (&) should separate the values. If one type is used across a greater variety of subordinate clause types, a slash (/) should separate the two values.