Conjunctions are the glue that holds together the various parts of a sentence. They connect words, phrases, and clauses, making our speech and writing more coherent and fluid. While simple sentences can often stand alone with just a single subject and predicate, more complex sentences require a deeper understanding of how different parts of a sentence interact. This is where conjunctions, especially in complex sentences, play a crucial role.
What are Conjunctions?
Conjunctions are words that link other words, phrases, or clauses together. The primary types of conjunctions include coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, and correlative conjunctions. While all types of conjunctions are essential, the focus of this article is on those used in complex sentences, primarily subordinating conjunctions.
Coordinating Conjunctions
Before diving into subordinating conjunctions, let’s briefly discuss coordinating conjunctions. These conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance. The most common coordinating conjunctions can be remembered using the acronym FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
Example:
– I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining.
In this sentence, “but” is a coordinating conjunction that connects two independent clauses.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are the backbone of complex sentences. They connect an independent clause with one or more dependent clauses, showing a relationship of dependence. The dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and relies on the independent clause to provide context and meaning.
Common subordinating conjunctions include: because, although, since, unless, if, when, while, after, before, and so that.
Example:
– Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.
In this sentence, “although” is a subordinating conjunction that introduces the dependent clause “Although it was raining,” which provides additional information about the independent clause “we decided to go for a walk.”
Types of Complex Sentences
Complex sentences can take various forms, depending on the relationship between the independent and dependent clauses. Let’s explore some common types of complex sentences and the conjunctions that help form them.
Cause and Effect
Cause and effect complex sentences show a relationship where one event causes another. Common conjunctions used to indicate cause and effect include: because, since, as, so that.
Examples:
– We stayed inside because it was raining.
– Since it was raining, we stayed inside.
– We stayed inside as it was raining.
In these sentences, the dependent clause explains the cause of the action in the independent clause.
Contrast
Contrast complex sentences highlight differences or unexpected results. Common conjunctions used to indicate contrast include: although, though, even though, whereas, while.
Examples:
– Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
– We went for a walk even though it was raining.
– Whereas I prefer walking in the park, my friend likes walking by the beach.
In these sentences, the dependent clause introduces a contrasting idea to the independent clause.
Condition
Condition complex sentences show a situation that must be met for something else to happen. Common conjunctions used to indicate condition include: if, unless, provided that, as long as.
Examples:
– We will go for a walk if it stops raining.
– Unless it stops raining, we won’t go for a walk.
– We can go for a walk provided that it stops raining.
In these sentences, the dependent clause sets a condition that affects the action in the independent clause.
Time
Time complex sentences indicate when an event occurs in relation to another event. Common conjunctions used to indicate time include: when, while, before, after, as soon as, until.
Examples:
– We will go for a walk when it stops raining.
– While it was raining, we stayed inside.
– We stayed inside until it stopped raining.
In these sentences, the dependent clause provides a time frame for the action in the independent clause.
Purpose
Purpose complex sentences show the reason or intention behind an action. Common conjunctions used to indicate purpose include: so that, in order that.
Examples:
– We stayed inside so that we wouldn’t get wet.
– She studied hard in order that she might pass the exam.
In these sentences, the dependent clause explains the purpose of the action in the independent clause.
Forming Complex Sentences
Creating complex sentences involves combining an independent clause with one or more dependent clauses using subordinating conjunctions. It’s essential to ensure that the dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and that it provides additional information about the independent clause.
Example:
– Independent clause: “We went for a walk.”
– Dependent clause: “Although it was raining.”
Combined complex sentence: “Although it was raining, we went for a walk.”
When forming complex sentences, pay attention to the placement of the subordinating conjunction. It can appear at the beginning or in the middle of the sentence, but it will always introduce the dependent clause.
Examples:
– Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
– We stayed inside because it was raining.
Both sentences are correct, but the placement of the subordinating conjunction affects the flow and emphasis of the sentence.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When working with complex sentences and conjunctions, several common mistakes can occur. Here are some tips to avoid these pitfalls:
1. Misplacing the Subordinating Conjunction
Ensure that the subordinating conjunction is correctly placed at the beginning of the dependent clause.
Incorrect:
– It was raining because, we stayed inside.
Correct:
– Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
2. Using a Comma Incorrectly
When the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, use a comma to separate them. However, when the independent clause comes first, a comma is usually not needed.
Incorrect:
– We stayed inside, because it was raining.
Correct:
– We stayed inside because it was raining.
3. Creating Sentence Fragments
Dependent clauses cannot stand alone as complete sentences. Ensure that they are always connected to an independent clause.
Incorrect:
– Although it was raining. We went for a walk.
Correct:
– Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
4. Overusing Conjunctions
While conjunctions are essential for forming complex sentences, overusing them can make writing cumbersome. Use conjunctions judiciously to maintain clarity and readability.
Incorrect:
– Because it was raining, and since we didn’t have an umbrella, although we wanted to go outside, we stayed inside.
Correct:
– Because it was raining and we didn’t have an umbrella, we stayed inside.
Exercises to Practice Complex Sentences
To solidify your understanding of conjunctions in complex sentences, try these exercises:
Exercise 1: Identify the Conjunction
Read the following sentences and identify the subordinating conjunction:
1. We went for a walk even though it was raining.
2. She stayed up late because she had a lot of homework.
3. I’ll call you when I get home.
4. Unless it stops raining, we won’t go to the park.
Answers:
1. even though
2. because
3. when
4. unless
Exercise 2: Combine Sentences
Combine the following pairs of sentences into complex sentences using the provided conjunctions:
1. She was tired. She finished her work. (although)
2. It started to rain. We went inside. (because)
3. He will come to the party. He finishes his homework. (if)
4. We went for a walk. It was raining. (even though)
Answers:
1. Although she was tired, she finished her work.
2. We went inside because it started to rain.
3. He will come to the party if he finishes his homework.
4. We went for a walk even though it was raining.
Exercise 3: Correct the Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following complex sentences:
1. Because, it was raining we stayed inside.
2. We stayed inside because it was raining.
3. Although it was raining. We went for a walk.
4. If it stops raining, we will go for a walk.
Answers:
1. Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
2. We stayed inside because it was raining. (Correct)
3. Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
4. If it stops raining, we will go for a walk. (Correct)
Conclusion
Understanding and using conjunctions in complex sentences is a vital skill for effective communication in English. By mastering subordinating conjunctions and their various functions, you can create more nuanced and sophisticated sentences that convey your ideas more clearly. Remember to practice regularly, pay attention to common mistakes, and refine your use of conjunctions to enhance your language proficiency. Happy learning!
