In the vast world of grammar, subordinating conjunctions play a crucial role in crafting complex, nuanced sentences. These small but mighty words help link dependent clauses to independent clauses, thereby adding depth and detail to our communication. Understanding subordinating conjunctions can significantly enhance both written and spoken language skills, making your expressions more precise and your arguments more compelling.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. A dependent clause (also known as a subordinate clause) cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. On the other hand, an independent clause can stand alone as a sentence because it does express a complete thought. Subordinating conjunctions help to establish the relationship between the two clauses, such as cause and effect, contrast, or time.
Some common subordinating conjunctions include: because, although, if, since, unless, until, when, where, and while.
Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions in Use
To better understand how subordinating conjunctions function, let’s look at a few examples:
1. **Because**: “She stayed home because she was feeling ill.”
2. **Although**: “Although it was raining, they went for a walk.”
3. **If**: “If you study hard, you will pass the exam.”
4. **Since**: “He has been happier since he moved to the countryside.”
5. **Unless**: “You won’t succeed unless you try.”
6. **Until**: “Wait here until I return.”
7. **When**: “Call me when you arrive.”
8. **Where**: “This is the place where we met.”
9. **While**: “She read a book while waiting for the bus.”
Types of Relationships Expressed by Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can express a variety of relationships between the dependent and independent clauses. Below are some of the most common types:
Cause and Effect
These conjunctions explain why something happens or the result of an action. Common examples include “because,” “since,” and “so that.”
– “She didn’t go to the party because she wasn’t feeling well.”
– “Since he was late, we started without him.”
– “I saved money so that I could buy a new car.”
Contrast
Subordinating conjunctions can show a contrast or exception between two ideas. “Although,” “even though,” “whereas,” and “while” are often used for this purpose.
– “Although it was cold, we went swimming.”
– “She loves pizza, whereas he prefers pasta.”
– “While I enjoy reading, my brother prefers watching TV.”
Time
These conjunctions indicate when something happens. Common examples include “when,” “while,” “before,” “after,” “until,” and “as soon as.”
– “I will call you when I arrive.”
– “She read a book while waiting for the bus.”
– “We can leave after the meeting ends.”
– “He won’t stop working until he finishes the project.”
– “As soon as the rain stops, we’ll go outside.”
Condition
Subordinating conjunctions can also express conditions under which something will happen. “If,” “unless,” “provided that,” and “as long as” are commonly used.
– “If you study hard, you will pass the exam.”
– “You won’t succeed unless you try.”
– “We can go to the park provided that it doesn’t rain.”
– “You can stay here as long as you are quiet.”
How to Use Subordinating Conjunctions Correctly
Understanding subordinating conjunctions is one thing, but using them correctly in sentences is another. Here are some guidelines to help you use them effectively:
Placement of Clauses
The dependent clause can come before or after the independent clause. If the dependent clause comes first, it is usually followed by a comma. If it comes after the independent clause, no comma is needed.
– **Dependent clause first**: “Because she was tired, she went to bed early.”
– **Independent clause first**: “She went to bed early because she was tired.”
Avoiding Sentence Fragments
A common mistake is to leave a dependent clause alone as a sentence fragment. Remember, a dependent clause cannot stand alone; it must be attached to an independent clause.
– **Incorrect**: “Because I was hungry.”
– **Correct**: “I ate a sandwich because I was hungry.”
Choosing the Right Conjunction
Choosing the appropriate subordinating conjunction is crucial for conveying the intended meaning. For instance, using “although” instead of “because” can completely change the meaning of a sentence.
– **Incorrect**: “Although she was tired, she went to bed early.”
– **Correct**: “Because she was tired, she went to bed early.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even advanced English speakers can make mistakes with subordinating conjunctions. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
Misplacing the Conjunction
Placing the subordinating conjunction in the wrong part of the sentence can lead to confusion.
– **Incorrect**: “She went to bed because early she was tired.”
– **Correct**: “She went to bed early because she was tired.”
Using the Wrong Conjunction
Using an incorrect subordinating conjunction can alter the meaning of the sentence.
– **Incorrect**: “She stayed home although she was feeling ill.”
– **Correct**: “She stayed home because she was feeling ill.”
Omitting Necessary Commas
When the dependent clause comes first, a comma is needed after it.
– **Incorrect**: “Because she was tired she went to bed early.”
– **Correct**: “Because she was tired, she went to bed early.”
Advanced Usage of Subordinating Conjunctions
Once you have mastered the basics, you can explore more advanced uses of subordinating conjunctions to add sophistication to your writing.
Combining Multiple Subordinating Conjunctions
Sometimes, you may need to combine multiple subordinating conjunctions to express complex relationships.
– “Although she was tired because she had worked all day, she went to the party since it was her best friend’s birthday.”
Using Subordinating Conjunctions in Different Tenses
Subordinating conjunctions can be used with different tenses to express various time relationships.
– “She will call you when she arrives.” (future)
– “She called you when she arrived.” (past)
Creating Emphasis
Subordinating conjunctions can be used to emphasize a particular point or condition.
– “Even if it rains, we will go hiking.”
Practical Exercises
To truly master subordinating conjunctions, practice is essential. Here are a few exercises to help you get started:
Exercise 1: Identify the Subordinating Conjunction
Read the following sentences and identify the subordinating conjunction:
1. “I will go to the gym after I finish my homework.”
2. “She didn’t attend the meeting because she was sick.”
3. “Even though it was late, he continued to work.”
4. “We can start the project as soon as we get approval.”
Exercise 2: Complete the Sentence
Complete the following sentences using an appropriate subordinating conjunction:
1. “She was happy ______ she passed the exam.”
2. “______ it rains, we will cancel the picnic.”
3. “He stayed home ______ he was feeling unwell.”
4. “You can go out ______ you finish your chores.”
Exercise 3: Rewrite the Sentence
Rewrite the following sentences by changing the position of the dependent clause:
1. “Because she was tired, she went to bed early.”
2. “When he arrived, the meeting had already started.”
3. “Although it was raining, they went for a walk.”
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are indispensable tools in the English language, enabling us to create complex, meaningful sentences that convey nuanced ideas. By understanding and correctly using subordinating conjunctions, you can significantly enhance your language skills, making your communication clearer and more effective. Practice regularly, pay attention to the details, and soon you will find that these small words can make a big difference in your writing and speaking abilities. Happy learning!
