Subordinating conjunctions are an essential part of mastering the English language. They serve as the glue that binds complex sentences together, allowing speakers and writers to express intricate ideas and relationships between different clauses. Understanding and using subordinating conjunctions correctly can elevate your language skills from basic to advanced, enabling you to communicate more effectively and precisely.
What are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. Unlike coordinating conjunctions, which link elements of equal syntactic importance, subordinating conjunctions introduce a subordinate (dependent) clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence. These clauses provide additional information to the main (independent) clause, explaining the conditions, reasons, time, place, or manner in which the actions of the main clause occur.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
There are numerous subordinating conjunctions in English. Some of the most common ones include:
– **After**
– **Although**
– **As**
– **Because**
– **Before**
– **Even if**
– **Even though**
– **If**
– **In order that**
– **Once**
– **Since**
– **So that**
– **Than**
– **Though**
– **Unless**
– **Until**
– **When**
– **Whenever**
– **Where**
– **Wherever**
– **While**
Each of these conjunctions serves a specific purpose in linking the dependent clause to the independent clause.
Types of Relationships Expressed by Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can express various types of relationships between clauses. Here are some of the main categories:
Cause and Effect
Subordinating conjunctions like **because**, **since**, and **so that** express a cause-and-effect relationship. They explain why something happens or the result of an action.
– Example: She stayed home **because** she was feeling sick.
– Example: **Since** it was raining, the match was postponed.
– Example: He studied hard **so that** he could pass the exam.
Time
Conjunctions such as **after**, **before**, **when**, **while**, **until**, and **once** indicate the timing of actions. They help specify when something happens in relation to something else.
– Example: **After** the movie ended, we went out for dinner.
– Example: **Before** you leave, make sure to lock the door.
– Example: **When** she called, I was in the middle of a meeting.
Condition
Words like **if**, **unless**, and **even if** introduce conditions that must be met for something to happen.
– Example: **If** it rains, the event will be canceled.
– Example: You can’t go out **unless** you finish your homework.
– Example: **Even if** he apologizes, I won’t forgive him.
Contrast
Subordinating conjunctions such as **although**, **though**, **even though**, and **whereas** show contrast or opposition between ideas.
– Example: **Although** it was cold, they went for a swim.
– Example: She decided to go, **even though** she wasn’t invited.
– Example: **Whereas** he is very outgoing, his sister is quite shy.
Purpose
Conjunctions like **in order that** and **so that** indicate the purpose of an action.
– Example: She saved money **in order that** she could buy a new car.
– Example: We left early **so that** we could avoid traffic.
Comparison
Words like **than** and **as…as** compare two elements.
– Example: She is taller **than** her brother.
– Example: He runs as fast **as** a cheetah.
Forming Complex Sentences with Subordinating Conjunctions
To form a complex sentence using a subordinating conjunction, you need both an independent clause and a dependent clause. The subordinating conjunction will introduce the dependent clause.
– Independent clause: A clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence.
– Dependent clause: A clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and depends on the main clause to give it meaning.
Examples of complex sentences:
– **Because** it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.
– The meeting was postponed **until** the manager arrived.
– She couldn’t attend the party **although** she was invited.
In these examples, the dependent clauses introduced by the subordinating conjunctions provide additional context to the main clauses.
Placement of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. When the dependent clause comes first, it is usually followed by a comma. When the independent clause comes first, a comma is not typically required.
– Dependent clause first: **Although** it was late, we continued working.
– Independent clause first: We continued working **although** it was late.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Fragmented Sentences
One common mistake is creating sentence fragments by using a dependent clause as a complete sentence. Remember, a dependent clause cannot stand alone.
– Incorrect: Because I was tired.
– Correct: I went to bed early **because** I was tired.
Incorrect Use of Commas
Another frequent error is the misuse of commas. When the dependent clause comes first, a comma should follow it. However, when the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed.
– Incorrect: **Although** it was raining we decided to go hiking.
– Correct: **Although** it was raining, we decided to go hiking.
– Incorrect: We decided to go hiking, **although** it was raining.
– Correct: We decided to go hiking **although** it was raining.
Overuse of Subordinating Conjunctions
Using too many subordinating conjunctions in a single sentence can make it confusing and difficult to read. Aim for clarity and simplicity.
– Overuse: **Although** it was raining, and **because** we had no umbrella, and **since** we were already late, we decided to call a cab.
– Improved: **Because** it was raining and we had no umbrella, we decided to call a cab.
Exercises for Practice
To master subordinating conjunctions, it’s essential to practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your skills:
Exercise 1: Identify the Subordinating Conjunction
Read the following sentences and identify the subordinating conjunctions.
1. **Although** she was tired, she finished her homework.
2. We decided to go out **because** the weather was nice.
3. **If** you study hard, you will pass the exam.
4. He couldn’t come to the party **since** he was out of town.
5. She waited **until** the bus arrived.
Exercise 2: Complete the Sentence
Complete the following sentences using appropriate subordinating conjunctions.
1. She was happy ___ she received the gift.
2. ___ it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.
3. You can’t drive ___ you have a valid license.
4. They went to the beach ___ the weather was perfect.
5. ___ he studied hard, he didn’t pass the exam.
Exercise 3: Combine Sentences
Combine the following pairs of sentences using subordinating conjunctions.
1. It was late. They continued working. (although)
2. She went to the store. She needed some groceries. (because)
3. He will come to the party. He is invited. (if)
4. We waited. The train arrived. (until)
5. She was tired. She decided to go to bed early. (since)
Answers to Exercises
Exercise 1
1. **Although**
2. **Because**
3. **If**
4. **Since**
5. **Until**
Exercise 2
1. She was happy **because** she received the gift.
2. **Although** it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.
3. You can’t drive **unless** you have a valid license.
4. They went to the beach **because** the weather was perfect.
5. **Although** he studied hard, he didn’t pass the exam.
Exercise 3
1. **Although** it was late, they continued working.
2. She went to the store **because** she needed some groceries.
3. He will come to the party **if** he is invited.
4. We waited **until** the train arrived.
5. **Since** she was tired, she decided to go to bed early.
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions play a crucial role in the complexity and richness of the English language. They allow you to connect ideas, show relationships, and add depth to your sentences. By understanding and practicing the use of subordinating conjunctions, you can improve your writing and speaking skills, making your communication more effective and nuanced.
Remember, the key to mastering subordinating conjunctions is practice. Use the exercises provided, pay attention to the placement of commas, and avoid common mistakes. With time and effort, you’ll find that using subordinating conjunctions becomes second nature, greatly enhancing your command of the English language.
