In the realm of English grammar, understanding how different parts of speech work together to create coherent and complex sentences is essential. One such crucial component is the subordinating conjunction. These little words have a big job; they join dependent clauses to independent clauses, thereby adding depth, nuance, and meaning to our language.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that link a dependent clause (also known as a subordinate clause) to an independent clause. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, while a dependent clause cannot. By using subordinating conjunctions, we can give additional information, specify conditions, show cause and effect, contrast ideas, and much more.
Some common subordinating conjunctions include:
– because
– although
– if
– when
– since
– while
– after
– before
– unless
For example:
– I went to the store because we needed milk.
– Although it was raining, we decided to go hiking.
Types of Subordinating Conjunctions
Understanding the different types of subordinating conjunctions can help you use them more effectively in your writing and speech. They generally fall into several categories based on their function:
Cause and Effect
Subordinating conjunctions that express cause and effect include words like “because,” “since,” “as,” and “so that.”
Examples:
– She stayed home because she was feeling ill.
– Since it was raining, the event was canceled.
– I will save money so that I can buy a new car.
Time
These conjunctions relate to time and include words like “when,” “while,” “as soon as,” “before,” “after,” and “until.”
Examples:
– Call me when you arrive.
– He continued working while I took a break.
– We will start the meeting as soon as everyone is here.
– She finished her homework before she went out to play.
– We can’t leave until the package arrives.
Condition
Subordinating conjunctions that set conditions include “if,” “unless,” “provided that,” and “in case.”
Examples:
– If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.
– You won’t succeed unless you try.
– We can go on the trip provided that we save enough money.
– Take an umbrella in case it rains.
Contrast
These conjunctions show contrast or exception and include words like “although,” “though,” “even though,” “whereas,” and “while.”
Examples:
– Although he was tired, he continued to work.
– She enjoys hiking, whereas I prefer swimming.
– Even though it was late, they kept the store open.
– While he is very talented, he lacks experience.
Purpose
Subordinating conjunctions that express purpose include “so that,” “in order that,” and “that.”
Examples:
– She studied hard so that she could pass the exam.
– We left early in order that we might catch the first train.
– The door was locked that no one might enter without permission.
How to Use Subordinating Conjunctions
Using subordinating conjunctions correctly involves understanding the structure of complex sentences. A complex sentence includes one independent clause and at least one dependent clause connected by a subordinating conjunction.
Placement of Subordinating Conjunctions
When the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, a comma is usually needed between the two clauses. When the independent clause comes first, no comma is typically necessary.
Examples:
– Before we leave, we need to check the weather. (comma needed)
– We need to check the weather before we leave. (no comma needed)
Creating Complex Sentences
To create complex sentences using subordinating conjunctions, follow these steps:
1. Identify the main idea (independent clause).
2. Determine the additional information or idea that depends on the main idea (dependent clause).
3. Choose the appropriate subordinating conjunction to connect the two clauses.
Examples:
– Independent clause: She will go to the party.
– Dependent clause: If she finishes her homework.
– Complex sentence: She will go to the party if she finishes her homework.
– Independent clause: He missed the bus.
– Dependent clause: Because he woke up late.
– Complex sentence: He missed the bus because he woke up late.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Understanding common mistakes in using subordinating conjunctions can help you avoid them and improve your writing.
Run-on Sentences
A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions. To fix this, use a subordinating conjunction to connect the clauses correctly.
Incorrect: She loves to read she goes to the library often.
Correct: She loves to read because she goes to the library often.
Fragment Sentences
A fragment sentence is an incomplete sentence that lacks an independent clause. Ensure that every dependent clause is paired with an independent clause to form a complete sentence.
Incorrect: Although he was tired.
Correct: Although he was tired, he continued to work.
Mismatched Conjunctions
Using the wrong subordinating conjunction can change the meaning of your sentence. Choose the conjunction that accurately reflects the relationship between the clauses.
Incorrect: He went to bed because he was tired. (This sentence is correct, but let’s use an example that shows mismatched conjunctions more clearly.)
Correct: He went to bed after he finished his homework.
Advanced Usage of Subordinating Conjunctions
For those looking to master subordinating conjunctions, understanding their advanced usage can add sophistication to your writing.
Multiple Clauses
You can use multiple subordinating conjunctions in a single sentence to connect several dependent clauses to an independent clause. This can make your writing more detailed and nuanced.
Example:
– Because it was raining and since we had no umbrella, we decided to stay indoors until the weather cleared up.
Elliptical Clauses
In some cases, you can omit parts of the clause when the meaning is clear from the context. This is known as an elliptical clause.
Example:
– She is smarter than he is. (Full clause)
– She is smarter than he. (Elliptical clause, omitting “is”)
Inversion for Emphasis
In formal writing or for emphasis, you can invert the order of the clause.
Example:
– Had I known you were coming, I would have baked a cake. (Instead of “If I had known…”)
Exercises and Practice
To solidify your understanding of subordinating conjunctions, practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help you get started:
Exercise 1: Identify the Conjunction
Identify the subordinating conjunction in each sentence:
1. We will go to the park if it stops raining.
2. She studied hard because she wanted to pass the exam.
3. Although he was tired, he continued to work.
4. I will call you when I arrive.
Answers:
1. if
2. because
3. although
4. when
Exercise 2: Combine Sentences
Combine the following pairs of sentences using an appropriate subordinating conjunction:
1. She was late. She missed the bus.
2. I will go to the store. I need to buy milk.
3. He is very talented. He lacks experience.
4. We can leave. The package arrives.
Answers:
1. She was late because she missed the bus.
2. I will go to the store because I need to buy milk.
3. Although he is very talented, he lacks experience.
4. We can leave once the package arrives.
Exercise 3: Correct the Sentences
Correct the following sentences by adding subordinating conjunctions:
1. I went to bed I was tired.
2. He will come to the party he finishes his work.
3. We stayed indoors it was raining.
4. She continued working she was exhausted.
Answers:
1. I went to bed because I was tired.
2. He will come to the party if he finishes his work.
3. We stayed indoors because it was raining.
4. She continued working although she was exhausted.
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are indispensable tools in the English language. They allow us to connect ideas, provide additional information, and create complex and nuanced sentences. By mastering the use of subordinating conjunctions, you can enhance your writing and communication skills, making your language richer and more expressive. Remember to practice regularly, pay attention to the context, and choose the appropriate conjunction to convey your intended meaning. With time and practice, using subordinating conjunctions will become second nature, and your language skills will reach new heights.
