In the journey of mastering the English language, one of the crucial elements to understand and use effectively is subordinating conjunctions. These small but mighty words help to connect ideas, add depth to sentences, and create complex structures that enhance the clarity and sophistication of communication. This article will delve into the world of subordinating conjunctions, providing a thorough understanding of their function, usage, and significance in English.
What are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect an independent clause with a dependent clause. Unlike coordinating conjunctions, which join elements of equal grammatical rank, subordinating conjunctions introduce a subordinate (or dependent) clause and indicate the relationship between this clause and the main (or independent) clause. For instance, in the sentence, “I will go to the store because we need milk,” the word “because” is a subordinating conjunction that links the reason for going to the store with the action of going.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
There are numerous subordinating conjunctions in the English language. Some of the most commonly used include:
– Because
– Although
– Since
– If
– When
– While
– After
– Before
– Unless
– Though
– Whereas
– Even though
Each of these conjunctions serves a specific purpose and indicates a particular type of relationship between the clauses they connect.
Types of Relationships Indicated by Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can indicate a variety of relationships between the clauses they connect, such as cause and effect, time, condition, contrast, and purpose.
Cause and Effect
Subordinating conjunctions like because, since, and as are used to show a cause-and-effect relationship. For example:
– “She stayed home because she was feeling sick.”
– “I decided to take a nap since I was very tired.”
– “As it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.”
Time
Time-related subordinating conjunctions include when, while, after, before, until, and since. These conjunctions indicate the timing of an action in relation to another action. For example:
– “Call me when you arrive.”
– “She read a book while waiting for the bus.”
– “We can go out after we finish our homework.”
– “He had left before I arrived.”
– “We will wait until she comes.”
Condition
Conditional subordinating conjunctions include if, unless, and provided that. These conjunctions establish a condition for the action in the main clause. For example:
– “You can go to the party if you finish your chores.”
– “I won’t go unless you come with me.”
– “We will proceed with the plan provided that everyone agrees.”
Contrast
To show contrast, subordinating conjunctions like although, though, even though, and whereas are used. For example:
– “Although it was raining, they went for a walk.”
– “He kept working though he was exhausted.”
– “Even though she was late, she managed to catch the train.”
– “She likes coffee, whereas he prefers tea.”
Purpose
Subordinating conjunctions like so that and in order that indicate the purpose of an action. For example:
– “He studied hard so that he could pass the exam.”
– “She saved money in order that she could buy a new car.”
Positioning of Subordinating Conjunctions
One of the key aspects of using subordinating conjunctions is understanding their positioning within a sentence. Typically, subordinating conjunctions introduce the dependent clause. This dependent clause can either precede or follow the main clause.
When the dependent clause comes before the main clause, it is usually followed by a comma. For example:
– “Because it was late, we decided to stay in.”
– “Although he was tired, he continued working.”
When the dependent clause follows the main clause, a comma is generally not needed. For example:
– “We decided to stay in because it was late.”
– “He continued working although he was tired.”
Complex Sentences and Subordinating Conjunctions
The use of subordinating conjunctions is pivotal in forming complex sentences. A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses connected by subordinating conjunctions. This structure allows for nuanced expression and the ability to convey multiple ideas within a single sentence.
For example:
– “She didn’t go to the party because she wasn’t feeling well.”
– “They decided to wait until the rain stopped.”
– “I will call you when I arrive.”
Combining Multiple Subordinating Conjunctions
In more advanced writing, it’s not uncommon to use multiple subordinating conjunctions to connect several dependent clauses within a single sentence. This can create very intricate and detailed sentences. For example:
– “Although it was raining, they went for a walk because they needed some fresh air before the meeting.”
In this sentence, “Although” introduces the first dependent clause, “because” introduces the second dependent clause, and “before” introduces the third dependent clause. Each subordinating conjunction helps to add more detail and context to the main action of going for a walk.
Common Errors with Subordinating Conjunctions
While subordinating conjunctions are essential tools in writing, they can also be a source of common errors. Recognizing and avoiding these errors can significantly improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.
Fragment Sentences
One common error is creating fragment sentences by using a subordinating conjunction without completing the thought. For example:
– Incorrect: “Because I was tired.”
– Correct: “I went to bed early because I was tired.”
In the incorrect example, the dependent clause “Because I was tired” is left incomplete, making it a fragment. It needs an independent clause to form a complete sentence.
Comma Misuse
Another common mistake is the incorrect use of commas with subordinating conjunctions. Remember, when the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, a comma is needed. When it follows the independent clause, no comma is required. For example:
– Incorrect: “I went to bed early, because I was tired.”
– Correct: “I went to bed early because I was tired.”
Practice and Application
To master the use of subordinating conjunctions, practice is essential. Here are a few exercises to help reinforce your understanding:
Exercise 1: Identify the Subordinating Conjunction
Read the following sentences and identify the subordinating conjunctions:
1. “She was happy because she received good news.”
2. “Although he was late, he didn’t miss the meeting.”
3. “We waited until the storm passed.”
4. “You can’t go out unless you finish your homework.”
Exercise 2: Complete the Sentences
Complete the following sentences by adding an appropriate subordinating conjunction:
1. “I will go to the store _________ I finish my work.”
2. “She didn’t come to the party _________ she was feeling sick.”
3. “We will leave _________ the movie ends.”
4. “He acts as _________ he knows everything.”
Exercise 3: Create Complex Sentences
Combine the following pairs of sentences using a subordinating conjunction to create a complex sentence:
1. “It started to rain. We went inside.”
2. “She was tired. She continued to work.”
3. “He didn’t study. He failed the exam.”
4. “I will call you. I arrive.”
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are indispensable in the construction of complex, meaningful, and nuanced sentences. They help to clarify the relationships between ideas, add depth to writing, and enhance the overall quality of communication. By understanding and practicing the use of subordinating conjunctions, you can significantly improve your writing and speaking skills in English. Remember, practice is key, so take the time to write sentences, identify subordinating conjunctions in reading materials, and apply them in your everyday communication. With dedication and practice, the mastery of subordinating conjunctions will undoubtedly enrich your command of the English language.
