Subordinating conjunctions are a crucial part of the English language, especially when it comes to constructing complex sentences. These small but mighty words help to connect clauses and provide structure to your ideas, making your writing and speech more coherent and nuanced. This article will delve into the world of subordinating conjunctions, explaining their function, usage, and providing examples to help you master them.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that join an independent clause (a complete sentence) with a dependent clause (a clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence). By doing this, they show the relationship between the two clauses, indicating how they are connected in terms of time, cause and effect, contrast, condition, and other relationships.
Some common subordinating conjunctions include:
– because
– although
– since
– unless
– if
– when
– while
– after
– before
– even though
Function of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions serve several functions in sentences. Here are the primary roles they play:
1. Showing Cause and Effect
Subordinating conjunctions like because, since, and as are used to show the reason why something happens. They help to answer the question “Why?”
Examples:
– She stayed home because she was feeling ill.
– Since it was raining, the match was postponed.
– He decided to leave early as he had another appointment.
2. Indicating Time
Subordinating conjunctions such as when, while, before, after, and until indicate the timing of an action. They answer the question “When?”
Examples:
– Call me when you arrive.
– She was reading a book while waiting for the bus.
– We need to finish this project before the deadline.
– They went out for dinner after the meeting.
– I’ll wait here until you come back.
3. Expressing Contrast
Subordinating conjunctions like although, though, even though, and whereas are used to show a contrast between two ideas.
Examples:
– Although it was cold, they went for a walk.
– She kept working even though she was tired.
– He is very outgoing, whereas his brother is quite shy.
4. Setting Conditions
Subordinating conjunctions such as if, unless, provided that, and as long as are used to express conditions.
Examples:
– We will go to the beach if the weather is good.
– Unless you hurry, we’ll miss the train.
– You can borrow my car provided that you return it by 6 PM.
– You can stay out late as long as you call me.
Position of Subordinating Conjunctions in Sentences
Subordinating conjunctions can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. When the subordinating conjunction comes at the beginning, a comma is usually needed to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause. When it appears in the middle, a comma is generally not necessary.
Examples:
– Because she was tired, she went to bed early. (comma needed)
– She went to bed early because she was tired. (no comma needed)
– If it rains, we will stay indoors. (comma needed)
– We will stay indoors if it rains. (no comma needed)
Common Mistakes with Subordinating Conjunctions
Understanding and using subordinating conjunctions correctly can be challenging. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
1. Misplacing the Comma
As mentioned earlier, when a subordinating conjunction starts the sentence, the dependent clause should be followed by a comma. However, when the subordinating conjunction is in the middle, no comma is needed.
Incorrect: Because she was tired she went to bed early.
Correct: Because she was tired, she went to bed early.
2. Confusing Subordinating Conjunctions with Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) join two independent clauses, while subordinating conjunctions join an independent clause with a dependent clause.
Incorrect: She was tired but she stayed up late because she had work to do. (incorrect usage of coordinating conjunction “but”)
Correct: She was tired, but she stayed up late because she had work to do. (correct usage of both coordinating and subordinating conjunctions)
3. Using Incomplete Sentences
A dependent clause introduced by a subordinating conjunction cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
Incorrect: Although it was late. (incomplete sentence)
Correct: Although it was late, she continued working. (complete sentence)
Advanced Usage of Subordinating Conjunctions
Once you’re comfortable with the basic usage of subordinating conjunctions, you can explore more advanced structures and variations.
1. Nested Subordinate Clauses
Sometimes, you may find sentences with multiple layers of subordination. This can add complexity and depth to your writing.
Example:
– She didn’t go to the party because she had to finish the project, which was due the next day.
In this example, “which” introduces a relative clause that provides additional information about the project.
2. Using Subordinating Conjunctions with Relative Clauses
Relative clauses, introduced by words like who, whom, whose, which, and that, can also be combined with subordinating conjunctions to add more detail.
Example:
– The book that she was reading when I called was very interesting.
In this sentence, “that” introduces the relative clause “that she was reading,” and “when” introduces the dependent clause “when I called.”
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of subordinating conjunctions, try these exercises:
1. Identify the Subordinating Conjunction
Find the subordinating conjunction in each sentence:
a) I’ll call you if I have time.
b) He went to bed early because he was tired.
c) Although it was raining, they went for a walk.
d) She waited until he arrived.
Answers:
a) if
b) because
c) although
d) until
2. Complete the Sentences
Fill in the blanks with an appropriate subordinating conjunction:
a) ________ she was late, she didn’t miss the meeting.
b) He studied hard ________ he could pass the exam.
c) We will wait here ________ you come back.
d) ________ it was cold, they decided to go swimming.
Possible answers:
a) Although
b) so that
c) until
d) Even though
3. Rewrite the Sentences
Rewrite the sentences by changing the position of the subordinating conjunction and making any necessary punctuation adjustments:
a) Because it was raining, they stayed indoors.
b) She went to bed early because she was tired.
c) If you study hard, you will succeed.
d) We will leave as soon as you are ready.
Possible rewrites:
a) They stayed indoors because it was raining.
b) Because she was tired, she went to bed early.
c) You will succeed if you study hard.
d) As soon as you are ready, we will leave.
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are an essential part of the English language, enabling you to create complex and nuanced sentences. By understanding their functions, proper placement, and common pitfalls, you can enhance your writing and communication skills. Practice using subordinating conjunctions in various contexts, and soon you’ll find that they become a natural part of your language repertoire. Happy learning!
