For example , in the phrase `` I did n't hear what you said , '' the subordinate clause `` what you said '' is embedded into the main clause and is syntactically its object ; this can be demonstrated by substituting the pronoun `` it '' for the subordinate clause `` I did n't hear it . '' For example , in the clause `` I did n't hear what you said , '' the subordinate clause `` what you said '' is embedded into the main clause and is syntactically its object ; this can be demonstrated by substituting the pronoun `` it '' for the subordinate clause `` what you said '' ; the result of this substitution is the clause `` I did n't hear it . ''