Understanding how to effectively use subordinating conjunctions can significantly enhance your English proficiency. These small but powerful words help to connect ideas and create complex sentences that convey more precise and nuanced meanings. In this article, we will explore the various types of subordinating conjunctions, their functions, and how to use them correctly in sentences.
What are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that link an independent clause (a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence) to a dependent clause (a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence). The dependent clause provides additional information about the main clause. Some common subordinating conjunctions include “because,” “although,” “since,” “if,” “when,” “while,” and “unless.”
Independent and Dependent Clauses
Before diving deeper into subordinating conjunctions, it’s essential to understand the difference between independent and dependent clauses.
– **Independent Clause**: This is a complete sentence that can stand alone. For example, “I went to the store.”
– **Dependent Clause**: This cannot stand alone and needs an independent clause to complete its meaning. For example, “because I needed some milk.”
When you combine these two clauses using a subordinating conjunction, you get a complex sentence: “I went to the store because I needed some milk.”
Types of Subordinating Conjunctions
There are several types of subordinating conjunctions, each serving a different purpose. Below are some categories along with examples.
1. Cause and Effect
These conjunctions show a cause-and-effect relationship between two clauses. Common examples include:
– **Because**: “I stayed home because I was feeling sick.”
– **Since**: “Since you didn’t call, I assumed you weren’t coming.”
– **As**: “As it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.”
2. Contrast
These conjunctions indicate contrast between two ideas. Common examples include:
– **Although**: “Although he was tired, he finished his homework.”
– **Even though**: “Even though it was late, she continued to work.”
– **Whereas**: “She enjoys hiking, whereas he prefers swimming.”
3. Condition
These conjunctions express conditions under which an action occurs. Common examples include:
– **If**: “If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.”
– **Unless**: “You can’t go out unless you finish your chores.”
– **Provided that**: “You can use my car provided that you return it by 6 PM.”
4. Time
These conjunctions indicate the time relationship between two clauses. Common examples include:
– **When**: “When you arrive, give me a call.”
– **While**: “I read a book while I waited for my appointment.”
– **Before**: “Before you leave, make sure the door is locked.”
– **After**: “We can go out after you finish your work.”
5. Purpose
These conjunctions show the purpose of an action. Common examples include:
– **So that**: “She set an alarm so that she wouldn’t be late.”
– **In order that**: “He studied hard in order that he might pass the exam.”
Rules for Using Subordinating Conjunctions
Using subordinating conjunctions correctly involves following certain grammatical rules. Here are some key guidelines:
1. Placement in a Sentence
Subordinating conjunctions can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. When the dependent clause comes first, it is usually followed by a comma. For example:
– “Because it was raining, we canceled the picnic.”
– “We canceled the picnic because it was raining.”
When the dependent clause comes after the independent clause, no comma is needed:
– “We canceled the picnic because it was raining.”
2. Agreement
Ensure that the subject and verb in both the independent and dependent clauses agree in number and tense:
– Incorrect: “If he have time, he will join us.”
– Correct: “If he has time, he will join us.”
3. Clarity and Precision
Use the appropriate subordinating conjunction to clearly and precisely convey the relationship between the clauses:
– Incorrect: “She stayed home since she was tired.”
– Correct: “She stayed home because she was tired.” (If the cause is being emphasized)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learning to use subordinating conjunctions can be challenging, and it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
1. Misplacing the Subordinating Conjunction
Make sure the subordinating conjunction is placed correctly to avoid confusion:
– Incorrect: “I went out, although it was raining.”
– Correct: “Although it was raining, I went out.”
2. Overusing Subordinating Conjunctions
Using too many subordinating conjunctions in a single sentence can make it cumbersome and hard to read:
– Incorrect: “Although it was raining, and because it was cold, and since we were tired, we decided to stay home.”
– Correct: “Because it was raining and cold, we decided to stay home.”
3. Using the Wrong Conjunction
Using an incorrect subordinating conjunction can change the meaning of a sentence:
– Incorrect: “She left early if she was tired.”
– Correct: “She left early because she was tired.”
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to master subordinating conjunctions is through practice. Here are a few exercises to help you:
Exercise 1: Identify the Subordinating Conjunctions
Identify the subordinating conjunctions in the following sentences:
1. “After the meeting ended, we went out for dinner.”
2. “She didn’t come to the party because she was feeling unwell.”
3. “Although he was nervous, he gave a great presentation.”
Exercise 2: Complete the Sentences
Complete the sentences using an appropriate subordinating conjunction:
1. “I will call you __________ I arrive.”
2. “She went to the store __________ she needed some groceries.”
3. “He studied hard __________ he might pass the exam.”
Exercise 3: Rewrite the Sentences
Rewrite the following sentences by placing the dependent clause first:
1. “We stayed indoors because it was raining.”
2. “He decided to join the team although he had a busy schedule.”
3. “They will go out if the weather is nice.”
Advanced Usage of Subordinating Conjunctions
Once you are comfortable with basic subordinating conjunctions, you can explore more advanced usage to add variety and depth to your writing.
1. Multiple Subordinating Conjunctions
You can use multiple subordinating conjunctions in a sentence to express complex relationships between ideas:
– “Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk because we needed some fresh air.”
2. Subordinating Conjunctions in Questions
Subordinating conjunctions can also be used in questions to add detail:
– “Do you know if she is coming to the meeting?”
3. Combining Subordinating and Coordinating Conjunctions
You can combine subordinating and coordinating conjunctions to create even more complex sentences:
– “I will go to the store because I need groceries, but I will wait until the rain stops.”
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are essential tools for creating complex and meaningful sentences in English. By understanding their functions and practicing their use, you can enhance your writing and speaking skills. Remember to pay attention to placement, agreement, and clarity to avoid common mistakes. With consistent practice, you will become more confident in using subordinating conjunctions to express your ideas effectively. Happy learning!
