In the vast world of language learning, understanding the different parts of speech is crucial. Among these, subordinating conjunctions hold a special place. They are essential for crafting complex sentences and providing depth to your writing and speech. In this article, we will delve deep into the world of subordinating conjunctions, exploring their types, uses, and importance.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words or phrases that connect an independent clause with a dependent clause. They help in adding more information, providing reasons, showing contrasts, and indicating time or conditions. Unlike coordinating conjunctions, which connect clauses of equal importance, subordinating conjunctions make one clause dependent on the other.
Independent and Dependent Clauses
Before diving deeper, it’s important to understand what independent and dependent clauses are:
1. **Independent Clause**: This is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence. It has a subject and a predicate and expresses a complete thought. For example: “I went to the market.”
2. **Dependent Clause**: This cannot stand alone as a sentence. It also has a subject and a predicate but does not express a complete thought. For example: “Because it was raining.”
When you combine these two using a subordinating conjunction, you get a complex sentence: “I went to the market because it was raining.”
Types of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can be categorized based on their function in a sentence. Here are the main types:
1. Cause and Effect
These conjunctions show why something happens or the result of an action. Common cause and effect subordinating conjunctions include:
– **Because**: “She stayed home because she was sick.”
– **Since**: “Since it was late, we decided to stay in.”
– **As**: “As it was raining, the match was postponed.”
– **So that**: “He studied hard so that he could pass the exam.”
2. Contrast
These conjunctions show a contrast or an unexpected result between two ideas. Some common ones are:
– **Although**: “Although it was cold, we went for a walk.”
– **Though**: “Though he was tired, he finished his homework.”
– **Even though**: “Even though she was nervous, she gave a great presentation.”
– **Whereas**: “She likes classical music, whereas he prefers rock.”
3. Time
These conjunctions indicate when something happens in relation to something else. Examples include:
– **When**: “When I arrived, the party had already started.”
– **While**: “She read a book while waiting for the bus.”
– **As soon as**: “As soon as I get home, I will call you.”
– **Before**: “Finish your homework before you go out.”
– **After**: “We can go out after the rain stops.”
– **Until**: “Wait here until I return.”
– **Since**: “I have been here since morning.”
4. Condition
These conjunctions establish a condition for something else to happen. Some common ones are:
– **If**: “If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.”
– **Unless**: “You won’t pass the exam unless you study.”
– **Provided that**: “You can borrow my car provided that you return it by evening.”
– **As long as**: “You can stay here as long as you keep it clean.”
5. Purpose
These conjunctions show the purpose of an action. Common examples include:
– **In order that**: “He left early in order that he might catch the train.”
– **So that**: “She saved money so that she could buy a car.”
Position of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. When they appear at the beginning, the dependent clause comes first, followed by a comma, and then the independent clause. For example:
– “Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.”
When they appear in the middle of a sentence, no comma is needed:
– “We stayed indoors because it was raining.”
Common Mistakes with Subordinating Conjunctions
Language learners often make mistakes when using subordinating conjunctions. Here are a few common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
1. Misplacing the Conjunction
Incorrect: “She was late, because of the traffic.”
Correct: “She was late because of the traffic.”
2. Overusing Commas
Incorrect: “Although, it was raining, we went out.”
Correct: “Although it was raining, we went out.”
3. Mixing Up Conjunctions
Incorrect: “He went to the store since he needed milk.”
Correct: “He went to the store because he needed milk.”
Note: “Since” can sometimes be used interchangeably with “because,” but it’s generally better to use “because” for clarity when indicating a direct cause.
4. Forgetting the Dependent Clause
Incorrect: “She left early so that.”
Correct: “She left early so that she could avoid traffic.”
Practice Makes Perfect
Understanding subordinating conjunctions is one thing, but mastering their use requires practice. Here are a few exercises to help reinforce your learning:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the appropriate subordinating conjunction:
1. _______ it was raining, we canceled the picnic.
2. You can borrow my book _______ you return it on time.
3. I stayed up late _______ I could finish my project.
4. _______ she was tired, she continued working.
5. He won’t succeed _______ he tries harder.
Exercise 2: Combine Sentences
Combine the following pairs of sentences using subordinating conjunctions:
1. It was cold. We went for a walk.
2. She was sick. She went to work.
3. He studied hard. He wanted to pass the exam.
4. I will call you. I get home.
5. She likes classical music. He prefers rock.
Advanced Uses of Subordinating Conjunctions
As you become more comfortable with subordinating conjunctions, you can start to explore their advanced uses. Here are a few areas to consider:
1. Emphasizing a Point
Sometimes, placing the dependent clause at the beginning of a sentence can add emphasis to your point. For example:
– “Even though he was tired, he finished his homework.”
This places more emphasis on his tiredness and the effort he made to complete his homework.
2. Varying Sentence Structure
Using subordinating conjunctions allows you to vary your sentence structure, making your writing more interesting and engaging. Instead of a series of simple sentences, you can create complex ones that flow better and provide more information.
3. Showing Relationships Between Ideas
Subordinating conjunctions are great for showing relationships between ideas. Whether you’re writing an essay, a report, or a story, they help in connecting your thoughts logically and coherently.
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are powerful tools in the arsenal of any language learner. They help in adding depth, clarity, and variety to your sentences. By understanding their types and uses, and by practicing regularly, you can master the art of using subordinating conjunctions effectively.
Remember, language learning is a journey. Be patient with yourself, keep practicing, and soon you’ll find yourself using subordinating conjunctions with ease and confidence. Happy learning!
