Subordinating conjunctions are a vital part of the English language, adding complexity and depth to sentences by connecting dependent clauses to independent ones. These tiny words and phrases may seem insignificant at first glance, but they play a crucial role in crafting nuanced and detailed communication. Understanding subordinating conjunctions can greatly enhance your writing and speaking skills by allowing you to express more intricate ideas and relationships between concepts. In this article, we will delve into what subordinating conjunctions are, how they are used, and provide numerous examples to help you master their usage.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words or phrases that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. In contrast, an independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence because it does express a complete thought. Subordinating conjunctions link these two types of clauses, thereby showing the relationship between them.
For example:
– **Because** it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.
In this sentence, “Because it was raining” is a dependent clause introduced by the subordinating conjunction “because.” It provides a reason for the action in the independent clause, “we decided to stay indoors.”
Types of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can be categorized based on the type of relationship they express between the clauses. Here are some common types:
1. Cause and Effect
Subordinating conjunctions that show cause and effect include “because,” “since,” “as,” and “so that.”
– **Because**: Used to show a reason or cause.
– Example: She was late **because** she missed the bus.
– **Since**: Used to show a reason or cause, often interchangeable with “because.”
– Example: **Since** it was a holiday, the office was closed.
– **As**: Can also show cause, often more formal.
– Example: **As** you were not there, I left a message.
– **So that**: Shows purpose or reason.
– Example: I saved money **so that** I could buy a car.
2. Time
Subordinating conjunctions that indicate time include “when,” “while,” “after,” “before,” “until,” and “as soon as.”
– **When**: Indicates a specific time or period.
– Example: Call me **when** you get home.
– **While**: Indicates simultaneous actions.
– Example: She read a book **while** waiting for the bus.
– **After**: Indicates a subsequent action.
– Example: We will go out **after** the meeting ends.
– **Before**: Indicates a prior action.
– Example: Finish your homework **before** you watch TV.
– **Until**: Indicates a continuing action up to a point.
– Example: They waited **until** the rain stopped.
– **As soon as**: Indicates immediate succession.
– Example: I will call you **as soon as** I arrive.
3. Condition
Subordinating conjunctions that show condition include “if,” “unless,” “provided that,” and “as long as.”
– **If**: Indicates a condition.
– Example: I will go **if** you come with me.
– **Unless**: Indicates an exception.
– Example: You will fail **unless** you study.
– **Provided that**: Indicates a specific condition.
– Example: You can go out **provided that** you finish your chores.
– **As long as**: Indicates a condition that must be met.
– Example: You can borrow my car **as long as** you return it by evening.
4. Contrast
Subordinating conjunctions that show contrast include “although,” “though,” “even though,” and “whereas.”
– **Although**: Indicates a contrast.
– Example: **Although** it was raining, we went for a walk.
– **Though**: Similar to “although,” often less formal.
– Example: She kept working **though** she was tired.
– **Even though**: Emphasizes a strong contrast.
– Example: He went to the gym **even though** he was feeling sick.
– **Whereas**: Indicates a direct contrast.
– Example: He likes coffee, **whereas** she prefers tea.
How to Use Subordinating Conjunctions
Understanding how to use subordinating conjunctions involves knowing where to place them in a sentence and how they affect the meaning of the sentence. Here are some guidelines:
1. Position in the Sentence
Subordinating conjunctions can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. If the dependent clause comes first, it is usually followed by a comma.
– Example: **Because** it was late, we decided to stay home.
If the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed.
– Example: We decided to stay home **because** it was late.
2. Ensuring Clause Completeness
Always make sure that the clauses connected by subordinating conjunctions are complete in thought. The dependent clause should not be able to stand alone as a sentence, while the independent clause should be able to.
– Incorrect: **Because** she was tired.
– Correct: She went to bed **because** she was tired.
3. Matching Tenses
Ensure that the tenses in the dependent and independent clauses match appropriately. The tense in one clause should logically follow the tense in the other clause.
– Example: She will call you **when** she arrives. (Future tense in both clauses)
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Understanding subordinating conjunctions is one thing, but avoiding common mistakes is another. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
1. Fragmented Sentences
Sometimes, writers mistakenly use a dependent clause as a complete sentence.
– Incorrect: **Because** I was hungry.
– Correct: I ate a sandwich **because** I was hungry.
2. Overuse of Subordinating Conjunctions
Using too many subordinating conjunctions in a single sentence can make it confusing and hard to follow.
– Incorrect: **Because** it was raining, and **because** I forgot my umbrella, and **because** I didn’t have a ride, I stayed home.
– Correct: **Because** it was raining and I forgot my umbrella, I stayed home.
3. Incorrect Comma Usage
Misplacing commas can change the meaning of a sentence or make it difficult to read.
– Incorrect: We went to the park, **because** it was sunny.
– Correct: We went to the park **because** it was sunny.
Advanced Usage of Subordinating Conjunctions
Once you are comfortable with basic subordinating conjunctions, you can explore more advanced usages to add sophistication to your language.
1. Correlative Conjunctions
These are pairs of conjunctions that work together to connect clauses. Some common pairs include “not only… but also,” “either… or,” and “neither… nor.”
– Example: **Not only** did she win the race, **but also** she set a new record.
2. Nested Clauses
In more complex sentences, you might find nested clauses, where a dependent clause contains another dependent clause.
– Example: She said that she would come **if** she finished her work **before** the meeting started.
3. Using Multiple Subordinating Conjunctions
Sometimes, you may need to use multiple subordinating conjunctions to express a more complex relationship between ideas.
– Example: **Although** it was late and **because** we were tired, we decided to head home.
Exercises and Practice
To master subordinating conjunctions, practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help you get started:
1. Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct subordinating conjunction to complete the sentence.
1. _______ it was raining, we went outside. (although, because, if)
2. She will call you _______ she arrives. (when, until, unless)
3. You can borrow my car _______ you return it by evening. (unless, as long as, though)
2. Combine the Sentences
Combine the following pairs of sentences using an appropriate subordinating conjunction.
1. It was raining. We decided to stay indoors.
2. She finished her homework. She watched TV.
3. He is very friendly. He seems shy at first.
3. Correct the Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.
1. Because she was tired. She went to bed.
2. We decided to stay home, because it was late.
3. If you study hard. You will pass the exam.
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are indispensable tools for creating complex and meaningful sentences. By understanding their functions and practicing their usage, you can significantly improve your writing and speaking skills. Whether you are crafting a simple sentence or a complex one with multiple clauses, subordinating conjunctions help you express relationships between ideas with clarity and precision. Happy learning!
