Subordinating conjunctions are a fundamental part of English grammar, playing a crucial role in connecting ideas and adding depth to our sentences. They help us form complex sentences by linking a dependent clause to an independent clause. Understanding how to use subordinating conjunctions can significantly improve your writing and speaking skills. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on subordinating conjunctions, their types, and their usage in various contexts.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words or phrases that connect a dependent clause (also known as a subordinate clause) to an independent clause. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. An independent clause, on the other hand, can stand alone as it expresses a complete thought. Subordinating conjunctions help to create a link between these two clauses, providing additional information to the main idea.
Examples of common subordinating conjunctions include: because, although, since, if, when, while, and until.
Types of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can be categorized based on the type of relationship they establish between the dependent and independent clauses. Here are the main types:
1. Cause and Effect
These subordinating conjunctions show a cause-and-effect relationship between the two clauses. Examples include:
– Because: She stayed home because she was feeling ill.
– Since: Since it was raining, the event was postponed.
– As: As he was the eldest, he took charge.
2. Time
These conjunctions indicate a time relationship, showing when something happens in relation to something else. Examples include:
– When: Call me when you get home.
– While: While she was cooking, the phone rang.
– Before: Finish your homework before you go out.
– After: We went out for dinner after the movie ended.
– Until: Stay here until I come back.
3. Contrast
These subordinating conjunctions show contrast between two ideas. Examples include:
– Although: Although it was cold, they went for a walk.
– Though: Though he is young, he is very responsible.
– Even though: Even though she was tired, she finished her work.
4. Condition
These conjunctions express a condition for something to happen. Examples include:
– If: We will go for a picnic if the weather is nice.
– Unless: You won’t pass unless you study hard.
– Provided that: You can borrow my car provided that you return it by 6 PM.
5. Purpose
These subordinating conjunctions indicate the purpose of an action. Examples include:
– So that: She took a day off so that she could rest.
– In order that: He saved money in order that he could buy a new bike.
6. Place
These conjunctions tell where something happens. Examples include:
– Where: She found her keys where she had left them.
– Wherever: Follow me wherever I go.
Position of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. When a subordinating conjunction starts a sentence, a comma is usually placed after the dependent clause. For example:
– Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.
– Although he was tired, he continued working.
When the subordinating conjunction appears in the middle of the sentence, no comma is needed:
– We stayed indoors because it was raining.
– He continued working although he was tired.
Complex Sentences
A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause connected by a subordinating conjunction. The dependent clause adds extra information to the main clause, enhancing the overall meaning of the sentence.
Here are a few examples of complex sentences:
– She didn’t go to the party because she wasn’t feeling well.
– I will call you when I arrive.
– He studied hard so that he could pass the exam.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Using subordinating conjunctions incorrectly can lead to confusion and grammatical errors. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:
1. Misplacing the Subordinating Conjunction
Ensure that the subordinating conjunction correctly links the dependent clause to the main clause. Misplacing it can change the meaning of the sentence:
Incorrect: I will go to the store, if it opens.
Correct: If it opens, I will go to the store.
2. Forgetting the Comma
When the dependent clause comes before the main clause, don’t forget to add a comma:
Incorrect: Because she was late she missed the bus.
Correct: Because she was late, she missed the bus.
3. Creating Sentence Fragments
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence. Make sure it is always attached to an independent clause:
Incorrect: Although it was raining.
Correct: Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
Advanced Usage of Subordinating Conjunctions
For advanced learners, mastering the nuances of subordinating conjunctions can add sophistication to your writing. Here are some tips to take your skills to the next level:
1. Varying Sentence Structure
Mixing up your sentence structure by placing the dependent clause at different points in the sentence can make your writing more engaging:
– Although she was tired, she continued working.
– She continued working although she was tired.
2. Using Multiple Subordinating Conjunctions
In more complex sentences, you might use multiple subordinating conjunctions to link several dependent clauses:
– Because it was raining and since we had no umbrellas, we decided to stay indoors until the weather improved.
3. Combining with Coordinating Conjunctions
You can combine subordinating conjunctions with coordinating conjunctions to link multiple ideas:
– She stayed home because she was feeling ill, and she watched a movie to pass the time.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of subordinating conjunctions, try the following exercises:
1. Identify the Subordinating Conjunction
In each sentence, identify the subordinating conjunction and the dependent clause:
– She didn’t go to the party because she wasn’t feeling well.
– I will call you when I arrive.
– He studied hard so that he could pass the exam.
2. Create Complex Sentences
Combine the following pairs of sentences using an appropriate subordinating conjunction:
– She was tired. She continued working.
– It was raining. We stayed indoors.
– He saved money. He could buy a new bike.
3. Correct the Mistakes
Correct the errors in the following sentences:
– If it opens I will go to the store.
– Because she was late she missed the bus.
– Although it was raining. We went for a walk.
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are essential tools in English grammar that allow us to create complex, nuanced sentences. By understanding the different types of subordinating conjunctions and how to use them correctly, you can enhance your writing and speaking skills. Remember to pay attention to the placement of the conjunctions and the use of commas to avoid common mistakes. With practice, you will be able to use subordinating conjunctions with confidence and precision.
Keep practicing, and soon you will find that using subordinating conjunctions comes naturally, adding depth and clarity to your communication. Happy learning!
