Subordinate constructions involve the joining of two clauses, in which one clause is subordinate to, or dependent on, the other. Subordinate clauses (SC) are often introduced by a subordinator, also known as a complementizer (Cmpz). The position of the complementizer in the subordinate clause may vary. [1]

Types:

NoCmpz: The language does not have subordinate clauses or complementizers.[2]

CmpzSC: The complementizer appears at the front of the subordinate clause.

SCCmpz: The complementizer appears at the end of the subordinate clause.

SC~Cmpz: The complementizer appears in a position other than the front or end of the subordinate clause.[3]

[1] Adpositions that may appear next to subordinators are not considered independent words. For example, the English which, by which, and because of which should be treated identically. Despite the presence of the prepositions in the latter two examples, the complementizer is nevertheless understood to assume initial position in the clause.

[2] This should be detailed in the commentary.

[3] This value may apply if the word order of the complementizer is either fixed differently or free. This should be detailed in the commentary.