Subordinating conjunctions are a fundamental component of the English language, enabling us to create complex sentences and convey nuanced meanings. By linking dependent clauses to independent clauses, these conjunctions provide coherence and depth to our speech and writing. Understanding and effectively using subordinating conjunctions can significantly enhance your fluency and comprehension in English.
What are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words or phrases that join an independent clause (a clause that can stand alone as a sentence) with a dependent clause (a clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence). The role of the dependent clause is to provide additional information to the main clause.
Some common subordinating conjunctions include:
– Because
– Although
– Since
– If
– When
– While
– After
– Before
– Even though
– Until
– Unless
Consider the sentence: “I stayed home because it was raining.” Here, “because” is the subordinating conjunction linking the independent clause “I stayed home” with the dependent clause “it was raining.”
Types of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can be categorized based on the type of relationship they establish between the clauses:
1. Cause and Effect
These conjunctions indicate that one event is the result of another.
– **Because**: “She was late because she missed the bus.”
– **Since**: “Since it was raining, we canceled the picnic.”
– **As**: “As you were not here, we started the meeting without you.”
2. Contrast
These conjunctions show a contrast or contradiction between two statements.
– **Although**: “Although it was cold, we went for a swim.”
– **Even though**: “Even though he was tired, he kept working.”
– **Though**: “Though it was expensive, she bought the dress.”
3. Time
These conjunctions establish a time relationship between events.
– **When**: “When the bell rang, the students left.”
– **While**: “While she was reading, he cooked dinner.”
– **After**: “After the movie ended, we went to a cafรฉ.”
– **Before**: “Before you leave, make sure to lock the door.”
– **Until**: “We waited until the rain stopped.”
4. Condition
These conjunctions express a condition under which something will happen.
– **If**: “If it rains, we will stay inside.”
– **Unless**: “You cannot go out unless you finish your homework.”
– **Provided that**: “You can borrow my car provided that you return it by six.”
– **As long as**: “You can stay here as long as you need.”
How to Use Subordinating Conjunctions
The placement of subordinating conjunctions can vary within a sentence. They can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence depending on the emphasis you wish to give.
1. Subordinating Conjunction at the Beginning
When the subordinating conjunction starts the sentence, it is followed by a comma.
– **Example**: “Because it was raining, I stayed home.”
– **Example**: “Although he was tired, he continued working.”
In these cases, the dependent clause comes first, and the independent clause follows after the comma.
2. Subordinating Conjunction in the Middle
When the subordinating conjunction is in the middle of the sentence, no comma is needed.
– **Example**: “I stayed home because it was raining.”
– **Example**: “He continued working although he was tired.”
Here, the independent clause comes first, followed directly by the dependent clause.
Common Errors with Subordinating Conjunctions
1. Misplacing the Comma
A frequent mistake is the incorrect use of commas. Remember, if the dependent clause comes first, it should be followed by a comma. If the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed.
– **Correct**: “When the sun sets, we will have dinner.”
– **Incorrect**: “When the sun sets we will have dinner.”
– **Correct**: “We will have dinner when the sun sets.”
– **Incorrect**: “We will have dinner, when the sun sets.”
2. Using the Wrong Conjunction
Choosing the wrong subordinating conjunction can change the meaning of a sentence or make it unclear.
– **Incorrect**: “I will go to the park although it rains.” (This implies you will go to the park despite the rain, which is contradictory.)
– **Correct**: “I will go to the park if it rains.” (This implies you will go to the park only in the event it rains, which is conditional.)
Advanced Usage of Subordinating Conjunctions
For advanced learners, mastering subordinating conjunctions involves not just using them correctly but also understanding how they can add depth and variety to your writing and speaking.
1. Emphasizing Clauses
Subordinating conjunctions can be used to emphasize one clause over another. By placing the dependent clause first, you can highlight the condition or reason before presenting the main action.
– **Example**: “Because she practiced daily, she won the competition.” (Emphasis on the reason for winning.)
2. Adding Variety
Using a variety of subordinating conjunctions can make your writing more interesting and dynamic.
– **Example**: “Although it was raining, we went for a walk. If it had been snowing, we might have stayed inside. Since the weather was mild, we enjoyed our time outside.”
3. Combining Multiple Conjunctions
Sometimes, more than one subordinating conjunction can be used to show complex relationships between ideas.
– **Example**: “Although it was late and we were tired, we decided to watch a movie because it was a special occasion.”
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding, it is essential to practice using subordinating conjunctions in different contexts. Here are a few exercises:
Exercise 1: Identify the Subordinating Conjunction
Identify the subordinating conjunction in the following sentences:
1. “She didn’t go to the party because she was feeling sick.”
2. “Although he studied hard, he didn’t pass the exam.”
3. “We will start the meeting when everyone arrives.”
4. “I will help you if you ask.”
Exercise 2: Combine Sentences Using Subordinating Conjunctions
Combine the following pairs of sentences using an appropriate subordinating conjunction:
1. “It was raining. We canceled the picnic.”
2. “She was tired. She went to bed early.”
3. “He finished his homework. He played video games.”
4. “I don’t have enough money. I can’t buy the car.”
Exercise 3: Rewrite Sentences
Rewrite the following sentences, placing the dependent clause at the beginning of the sentence:
1. “I stayed home because it was raining.”
2. “He didn’t go to school since he was sick.”
3. “We will go for a walk after dinner.”
4. “She will pass the exam if she studies hard.”
Answers to Practice Exercises
Exercise 1
1. “She didn’t go to the party because she was feeling sick.”
2. “Although he studied hard, he didn’t pass the exam.”
3. “We will start the meeting when everyone arrives.”
4. “I will help you if you ask.”
Exercise 2
1. “We canceled the picnic because it was raining.”
2. “Since she was tired, she went to bed early.”
3. “He played video games after he finished his homework.”
4. “I can’t buy the car because I don’t have enough money.”
Exercise 3
1. “Because it was raining, I stayed home.”
2. “Since he was sick, he didn’t go to school.”
3. “After dinner, we will go for a walk.”
4. “If she studies hard, she will pass the exam.”
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are powerful tools that can transform simple sentences into complex, nuanced expressions. By mastering the use of these conjunctions, you can improve your writing, enhance your communication skills, and better understand the subtleties of the English language. Remember to practice regularly, pay attention to comma placement, and vary your conjunctions to keep your language dynamic and engaging. Happy learning!
