Subordinating conjunctions are an essential component of the English language, providing the necessary connections between ideas to create complex and nuanced sentences. Understanding and using these conjunctions correctly can significantly enhance your writing and speaking skills. In this article, we will explore what subordinating conjunctions are, how they function, and provide examples to help you master their use.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, effectively linking two ideas in a sentence. A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. In contrast, an independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.
The primary function of subordinating conjunctions is to indicate the relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause. These relationships can include time, cause and effect, condition, contrast, and purpose, among others.
Some common subordinating conjunctions include: although, because, since, unless, while, if, after, before, when, where, and though.
Types of Relationships Indicated by Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can indicate various types of relationships between the clauses they connect. Let’s delve deeper into some of these relationships:
Time
When subordinating conjunctions indicate a time relationship, they show when something happens in relation to another event. Common subordinating conjunctions that indicate time include after, before, when, while, since, and until.
Examples:
– After the rain stopped, we went outside to play.
– Before you leave, please finish your homework.
– She called me when she arrived at the airport.
– While I was cooking, the phone rang.
– He has been happier since he started his new job.
– We will wait until the movie starts.
Cause and Effect
Subordinating conjunctions can also indicate a cause-and-effect relationship, showing why something happened or the result of an action. Common subordinating conjunctions for cause and effect include because, since, so that, and as.
Examples:
– She stayed home because she was feeling sick.
– Since it was raining, we decided to cancel the picnic.
– He studied hard so that he could pass the exam.
– As it was getting late, we decided to leave.
Condition
Subordinating conjunctions that indicate condition show that one action depends on another. Common subordinating conjunctions for condition include if, unless, provided that, and as long as.
Examples:
– If it rains, we will stay indoors.
– You won’t succeed unless you work hard.
– We will go on the trip provided that the weather is good.
– As long as you follow the rules, you will be fine.
Contrast
Subordinating conjunctions can show contrast, indicating a difference or opposition between two ideas. Common subordinating conjunctions for contrast include although, though, even though, and whereas.
Examples:
– Although she was tired, she continued working.
– He went to the party, even though he didn’t feel like it.
– Though it was expensive, they decided to buy the house.
– She loves to read, whereas her brother prefers to watch TV.
Purpose
Subordinating conjunctions that indicate purpose show the reason behind an action. Common subordinating conjunctions for purpose include so that and in order that.
Examples:
– She saved money so that she could buy a new car.
– He practiced every day in order that he could improve his skills.
Forming Complex Sentences with Subordinating Conjunctions
To effectively use subordinating conjunctions, it’s important to understand how to form complex sentences. A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause connected by a subordinating conjunction.
The structure of a complex sentence can vary depending on the placement of the dependent clause. The dependent clause can come before or after the independent clause.
Dependent Clause Before Independent Clause
When the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, a comma is usually placed between the two clauses.
Examples:
– Because it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.
– If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
– Although he was tired, he finished his work.
Dependent Clause After Independent Clause
When the dependent clause comes after the independent clause, a comma is generally not needed.
Examples:
– We decided to stay indoors because it was raining.
– You will pass the exam if you study hard.
– He finished his work although he was tired.
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
As with any aspect of language learning, there are common errors that learners may encounter when using subordinating conjunctions. Here are some tips to help you avoid these mistakes:
Misplacing the Comma
One common error is misplacing the comma when forming complex sentences. Remember that a comma is only necessary when the dependent clause comes before the independent clause.
Incorrect: We decided to stay indoors, because it was raining.
Correct: We decided to stay indoors because it was raining.
Incorrect: Because it was raining we decided to stay indoors.
Correct: Because it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.
Using the Wrong Conjunction
Another common error is using the wrong subordinating conjunction, which can change the meaning of the sentence or make it unclear. Make sure to choose the conjunction that accurately reflects the relationship between the clauses.
Incorrect: He stayed home although he was feeling sick.
Correct: He stayed home because he was feeling sick.
Incorrect: She called me because she arrived at the airport.
Correct: She called me when she arrived at the airport.
Creating Sentence Fragments
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Ensure that your dependent clauses are always connected to an independent clause to avoid creating sentence fragments.
Incorrect: Because it was raining.
Correct: Because it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.
Incorrect: If you study hard.
Correct: If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
Practice Exercises
To help you master the use of subordinating conjunctions, here are some practice exercises. Try to create complex sentences using the given subordinating conjunctions.
1. After – Create a sentence using “after” to indicate a time relationship.
2. Because – Create a sentence using “because” to indicate a cause-and-effect relationship.
3. If – Create a sentence using “if” to indicate a condition.
4. Although – Create a sentence using “although” to indicate contrast.
5. So that – Create a sentence using “so that” to indicate purpose.
Here are some example answers to the exercises:
1. After the meeting ended, we went out for dinner.
2. She stayed home because she was feeling sick.
3. If it rains, we will stay indoors.
4. Although he was tired, he continued working.
5. She saved money so that she could buy a new car.
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are a crucial element of English grammar that help create complex and meaningful sentences. By understanding the different types of relationships they indicate and practicing their use, you can enhance your writing and speaking skills. Remember to pay attention to the placement of commas, choose the correct conjunction for the context, and ensure that your dependent clauses are always connected to independent clauses. With practice and attention to detail, you will be able to use subordinating conjunctions effectively and confidently in your communication.
