Structuring Sentences for Emphasis Using Subordination
Some subordinate clauses can be placed in multiple positions within a sentence. More specifically, clauses that begin with subordinators are usually moveable (the subordinate clause is underlined):
Louis XIV made all major governmental decisions himself because he was a hands-on king.
Because Louis XIV was a hands-on king, he made all major governmental decisions himself.
Louis XIV, because he was a hands-on king, made all major governmental decisions himself.
In contrast, clauses that begin with the relative pronouns tend to have only one correct position in a sentence:
Louis XIV was a hands-on king who made all governmental decisions himself.
NOT ALLOWED: Who made all governmental decisions himself, Louis XIV was a hands-on king.
As mentioned earlier, proficient writers often place less important information within a subordinate clause. Then, to achieve end focus, the subordinate clause is moved to the front or middle of the sentence, if possible.