Subordinating conjunctions are a crucial aspect of the English language, and mastering their use can significantly enhance your writing and speaking abilities. These small but powerful words connect dependent clauses to independent clauses, adding depth, detail, and complexity to your sentences. In this article, we will delve into the world of subordinating conjunctions, exploring their functions, common examples, and practical usage in everyday language.
What are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that link a dependent clause (a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence) to an independent clause (a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence). These conjunctions help to establish a relationship between the two clauses, indicating time, cause and effect, contrast, condition, or other relationships.
Some of the most common subordinating conjunctions include:
– because
– although
– since
– unless
– if
– when
– while
Functions of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions serve several functions in sentences. They primarily indicate the relationship between the dependent and independent clauses. Let’s explore some of these functions in detail.
1. Indicating Time
Time-related subordinating conjunctions show when something happens in relation to something else. Common examples include: *when*, *while*, *before*, *after*, *since*, and *until*.
Example:
– “I will call you when I arrive home.”
– “She has been waiting since morning.”
In these sentences, the subordinating conjunctions “when” and “since” establish a time relationship between the clauses.
2. Showing Cause and Effect
These conjunctions indicate a reason or a result. Common examples include: *because*, *since*, *as*, and *so that*.
Example:
– “He stayed home because he was feeling sick.”
– “She studied hard so that she could pass the exam.”
Here, “because” and “so that” highlight the cause and effect relationship between the clauses.
3. Expressing Contrast
Contrast-related subordinating conjunctions show a difference or opposition between ideas. Common examples include: *although*, *though*, *whereas*, and *even though*.
Example:
– “Although it was raining, they went for a walk.”
– “She enjoys reading, whereas her brother prefers watching movies.”
In these sentences, “although” and “whereas” underscore the contrast between the ideas presented in the clauses.
4. Indicating Condition
Condition-related subordinating conjunctions show that one thing depends on another. Common examples include: *if*, *unless*, *provided that*, and *as long as*.
Example:
– “You can go out if you finish your homework.”
– “We’ll cancel the picnic unless it stops raining.”
In these sentences, “if” and “unless” express conditions that affect the actions described in the independent clauses.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions and Their Usage
Now that we have a general understanding of subordinating conjunctions and their functions, let’s delve deeper into some of the most commonly used subordinating conjunctions and see how they function in different contexts.
Because
“Because” is used to show the reason for something.
Example:
– “She was late because she missed the bus.”
– “He didn’t go to the party because he was feeling unwell.”
In these sentences, “because” introduces the reason for the action in the independent clause.
Although/Though
“Although” and “though” are used to show a contrast or an unexpected result.
Example:
– “Although it was expensive, they decided to buy the car.”
– “He went for a run, though he was tired.”
Here, “although” and “though” introduce a contrast between the two ideas in the clauses.
Since
“Since” can indicate both time and reason.
Example:
– “She has been happier since she started her new job.” (time)
– “Since it was raining, we stayed indoors.” (reason)
In the first sentence, “since” indicates the time from which she has been happier. In the second sentence, “since” provides the reason for staying indoors.
If
“If” is used to express a condition.
Example:
– “You will succeed if you work hard.”
– “If it rains, we’ll stay home.”
In these sentences, “if” sets a condition that affects the outcome described in the independent clause.
While
“While” is used to indicate simultaneous actions or contrast.
Example:
– “She read a book while waiting for the bus.” (simultaneous actions)
– “While he is talented, he lacks experience.” (contrast)
In the first sentence, “while” shows that two actions are happening at the same time. In the second sentence, “while” introduces a contrast between talent and experience.
Complex Sentences with Subordinating Conjunctions
Understanding how to use subordinating conjunctions effectively can help you create complex sentences that convey more nuanced ideas. A complex sentence consists of an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses connected by subordinating conjunctions.
Example:
– “Because the weather was bad, the game was postponed.”
– “She smiled when she saw her friend.”
In the first sentence, “Because the weather was bad” is a dependent clause connected to the independent clause “the game was postponed” by the subordinating conjunction “because.” In the second sentence, “when she saw her friend” is a dependent clause connected to the independent clause “She smiled” by the subordinating conjunction “when.”
Punctuation with Subordinating Conjunctions
When a subordinating conjunction begins a sentence, the dependent clause should be followed by a comma before the independent clause.
Example:
– “Although it was late, they continued working.”
– “If you need help, let me know.”
When the subordinating conjunction is in the middle of the sentence, typically, no comma is needed.
Example:
– “They continued working although it was late.”
– “Let me know if you need help.”
However, some exceptions apply, especially with contrast-related conjunctions like “although” and “though,” where a comma may enhance readability.
Subordinating Conjunctions vs. Coordinating Conjunctions
It is important to distinguish between subordinating conjunctions and coordinating conjunctions. Coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so – FANBOYS) connect independent clauses of equal importance, while subordinating conjunctions connect dependent clauses to independent clauses.
Example with coordinating conjunction:
– “She wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.”
Example with subordinating conjunction:
– “She went for a walk although it was raining.”
In the first example, “but” connects two independent clauses of equal importance. In the second example, “although” connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, showing a contrast.
Advanced Usage and Tips
To further enhance your mastery of subordinating conjunctions, consider these advanced tips and examples:
1. Varying Sentence Structure
Using a variety of sentence structures can make your writing more engaging. Instead of always starting with the independent clause, try starting with the dependent clause.
Example:
– “Because he was tired, he went to bed early.” (dependent clause first)
– “He went to bed early because he was tired.” (independent clause first)
Both sentences are correct, but varying the structure can add variety to your writing.
2. Combining Multiple Subordinating Conjunctions
In more complex sentences, you may need to use multiple subordinating conjunctions to connect several ideas.
Example:
– “Although she was tired, she stayed up late because she had an exam the next day.”
In this sentence, “although” and “because” are used to connect multiple ideas and show both contrast and reason.
3. Avoiding Common Mistakes
Be cautious of common mistakes, such as using a subordinating conjunction without a dependent clause or creating sentence fragments.
Incorrect:
– “Because she was late.”
Correct:
– “She missed the bus because she was late.”
The incorrect example is a sentence fragment, as it lacks an independent clause. The correct example includes both an independent clause and a dependent clause connected by “because.”
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of subordinating conjunctions, try these practice exercises. Identify the subordinating conjunctions and the dependent and independent clauses in each sentence.
1. “If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic.”
2. “She left early because she had an appointment.”
3. “Although he is talented, he needs more practice.”
4. “They will succeed provided that they work hard.”
5. “When the sun sets, the temperature drops.”
Answers:
1. Subordinating conjunction: “If”
Dependent clause: “If it rains tomorrow”
Independent clause: “we will cancel the picnic”
2. Subordinating conjunction: “because”
Dependent clause: “because she had an appointment”
Independent clause: “She left early”
3. Subordinating conjunction: “Although”
Dependent clause: “Although he is talented”
Independent clause: “he needs more practice”
4. Subordinating conjunction: “provided that”
Dependent clause: “provided that they work hard”
Independent clause: “They will succeed”
5. Subordinating conjunction: “When”
Dependent clause: “When the sun sets”
Independent clause: “the temperature drops”
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are essential tools for connecting ideas and creating complex sentences in English. By understanding their functions, common examples, and usage, you can enhance your writing and speaking skills, making your communication more nuanced and effective. Remember to practice using different subordinating conjunctions in various contexts, and pay attention to punctuation rules to ensure clarity in your sentences. With time and practice, you’ll become more confident in your ability to use subordinating conjunctions effectively, adding depth and sophistication to your language skills.
