In English grammar, subordinating conjunctions play a crucial role in connecting clauses and helping us express complex ideas clearly and effectively. These conjunctions are essential for constructing sentences that go beyond simple statements, allowing us to convey cause and effect, contrast, time relationships, conditions, and more. Understanding and using subordinating conjunctions correctly is a fundamental step in mastering English, whether you are a native speaker looking to refine your writing skills or a non-native speaker aiming to achieve fluency.
What are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that join a dependent (subordinate) clause to an independent (main) clause. The dependent clause, introduced by the subordinating conjunction, cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Instead, it relies on the main clause to provide context and complete its meaning. Examples of subordinating conjunctions include words like “because,” “although,” “since,” “if,” “when,” and “while.”
Common Subordinating Conjunctions and Their Functions
Here is a list of some common subordinating conjunctions along with their primary functions:
1. **Cause and Effect**: because, since, as
– “I stayed home **because** it was raining.”
– “She succeeded **since** she worked hard.”
– “He left early **as** he had an appointment.”
2. **Time**: when, while, before, after, until, since
– “Call me **when** you arrive.”
– “She read a book **while** waiting for the bus.”
– “Finish your homework **before** you go out.”
– “He had dinner **after** he finished work.”
– “Wait here **until** I return.”
– “They have been friends **since** they met at college.”
3. **Condition**: if, unless, provided that, in case
– “I will go **if** it doesn’t rain.”
– “You won’t pass **unless** you study.”
– “You can borrow my car **provided that** you return it by 6 PM.”
– “Take an umbrella **in case** it rains.”
4. **Contrast**: although, though, even though, whereas, while
– “**Although** he was tired, he kept working.”
– “She went to the party **though** she wasn’t feeling well.”
– “He finished the race **even though** he had a cramp.”
– “He loves classical music, **whereas** she prefers jazz.”
– “**While** I understand your point, I disagree.”
5. **Purpose**: so that, in order that
– “He studied hard **so that** he could pass the exam.”
– “She saved money **in order that** she could travel.”
6. **Comparison**: than, as…as
– “She is taller **than** her brother.”
– “He is as smart **as** she is.”
Constructing Sentences with Subordinating Conjunctions
Understanding how to construct sentences using subordinating conjunctions is essential for clear and effective communication. Let’s explore the structure and punctuation rules involved in creating such sentences.
Sentence Structure
A sentence containing a subordinating conjunction typically has two parts: the independent (main) clause and the dependent (subordinate) clause. The placement of the subordinating conjunction can vary, but the overall structure remains consistent.
1. **Subordinating Conjunction at the Beginning**:
– When the subordinating conjunction appears at the beginning of the sentence, the dependent clause comes first, followed by a comma and then the independent clause.
– Example: “**Because** it was raining, I stayed home.”
2. **Subordinating Conjunction in the Middle**:
– When the subordinating conjunction appears in the middle of the sentence, the independent clause comes first, followed by the subordinating conjunction and the dependent clause.
– Example: “I stayed home **because** it was raining.”
Punctuation Rules
Correct punctuation is vital for clarity and readability. The rules vary depending on the placement of the subordinating conjunction:
1. **Comma Use**:
– **Beginning**: When the subordinating conjunction and the dependent clause come at the beginning of the sentence, a comma is used to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause.
– Example: “**Although** he was tired, he kept working.”
– **Middle**: When the subordinating conjunction and the dependent clause come after the independent clause, no comma is needed.
– Example: “He kept working **although** he was tired.”
2. **No Comma Use**:
– In some cases, especially with short dependent clauses, the comma may be omitted even when the subordinating conjunction is at the beginning. However, this is less common and should be used cautiously to avoid confusion.
Tips for Using Subordinating Conjunctions Effectively
Using subordinating conjunctions effectively can enhance your writing and speaking skills. Here are some tips to help you master their use:
1. **Vary Sentence Structure**:
– Avoid repetitive sentence structures by varying the placement of subordinating conjunctions. This can make your writing more engaging and dynamic.
– Example: “She went to the store **because** she needed milk.” vs. “**Because** she needed milk, she went to the store.”
2. **Be Clear and Concise**:
– Ensure that the relationship between the clauses is clear. Avoid overly complex sentences that may confuse the reader.
– Example: “She stayed home **since** she was feeling unwell.”
3. **Practice with Different Conjunctions**:
– Experiment with different subordinating conjunctions to express the same idea. This can help you understand the nuances and choose the most appropriate conjunction for a given context.
– Example: “He left early **because** he had an appointment.” vs. “He left early **as** he had an appointment.”
4. **Read and Analyze**:
– Read various texts, such as books, articles, and essays, to see how skilled writers use subordinating conjunctions. Analyze their usage and try to incorporate similar structures into your writing.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Despite their importance, subordinating conjunctions can be tricky to use correctly. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:
1. **Run-On Sentences**:
– A run-on sentence occurs when two independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions. To avoid this, use a subordinating conjunction to link the clauses appropriately.
– Incorrect: “I was hungry I made a sandwich.”
– Correct: “I was hungry, **so** I made a sandwich.” or “**Because** I was hungry, I made a sandwich.”
2. **Comma Splices**:
– A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating or subordinating conjunction. To fix this, use a subordinating conjunction or separate the clauses with a period or semicolon.
– Incorrect: “She loves to read, she goes to the library often.”
– Correct: “She loves to read, **so** she goes to the library often.” or “She loves to read; she goes to the library often.”
3. **Misplaced Clauses**:
– Ensure that the dependent clause introduced by the subordinating conjunction is placed correctly to convey the intended meaning. Misplaced clauses can lead to confusion or ambiguity.
– Incorrect: “She saw a cat **while** walking in the park that was black.”
– Correct: “She saw a black cat **while** walking in the park.”
Advanced Uses of Subordinating Conjunctions
For those looking to elevate their language skills further, exploring advanced uses of subordinating conjunctions can be beneficial. Here are some advanced techniques:
Using Multiple Subordinating Conjunctions
In complex sentences, you may need to use more than one subordinating conjunction to link multiple dependent clauses to an independent clause. This requires careful attention to punctuation and structure.
– Example: “**Although** it was raining, we decided to go for a walk **because** we had been cooped up inside all day.”
Combining Subordinating and Coordinating Conjunctions
Combining subordinating conjunctions with coordinating conjunctions (such as “and,” “but,” “or”) can add layers of meaning and complexity to your sentences.
– Example: “She stayed home **because** she was feeling unwell, **but** she managed to finish her work.”
Elliptical Constructions
Elliptical constructions involve omitting parts of the sentence that are understood from the context, often using subordinating conjunctions. This can make your writing more concise and sophisticated.
– Example: “He can drive better **than** she can.” (The verb “drive” is understood and omitted in the second clause.)
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of subordinating conjunctions, here are some practice exercises. Try to complete the sentences using appropriate subordinating conjunctions:
1. ___ it was raining, we went for a walk.
2. She studied hard ___ she could pass the exam.
3. ___ you finish your work, you can watch TV.
4. He didn’t go to the party ___ he was feeling unwell.
5. ___ she was tired, she kept working.
Answer Key
1. **Although** it was raining, we went for a walk.
2. She studied hard **so that** she could pass the exam.
3. **After** you finish your work, you can watch TV.
4. He didn’t go to the party **because** he was feeling unwell.
5. **Although** she was tired, she kept working.
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are indispensable tools in English grammar, enabling us to create complex and nuanced sentences that effectively convey relationships between ideas. By understanding their functions, mastering their usage, and practicing regularly, you can enhance your writing and speaking skills significantly. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply someone passionate about language, mastering subordinating conjunctions will undoubtedly contribute to your linguistic prowess. So, continue practicing, stay curious, and enjoy the journey of language learning!
