Subordinating conjunctions are an essential part of mastering the English language. They help us connect ideas, show relationships between different clauses, and create complex, nuanced sentences. Whether you’re writing a paper, telling a story, or simply having a conversation, understanding how to use subordinating conjunctions can significantly improve your communication skills.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent clause (a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence) to an independent clause (a clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence). The purpose of these conjunctions is to show the relationship between the two clauses, such as cause and effect, contrast, condition, time, and place.
Some common subordinating conjunctions include: *because*, *although*, *if*, *since*, *when*, *while*, *unless*, *as*, *before*, *after*, *even though*, and *where*.
Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions in Sentences
To understand how subordinating conjunctions work, let’s look at a few examples:
1. **Because**: *I stayed home because it was raining.*
2. **Although**: *Although she was tired, she finished her homework.*
3. **If**: *If it stops raining, we will go for a walk.*
4. **Since**: *Since you are here, let’s start the meeting.*
5. **When**: *Call me when you arrive.*
6. **While**: *He read a book while waiting for the bus.*
7. **Unless**: *You can’t go out unless you finish your chores.*
8. **As**: *As I was saying, we need to focus on the project.*
9. **Before**: *I have to finish this before I can relax.*
10. **After**: *We can talk after the movie ends.*
11. **Even though**: *Even though it was late, he decided to call her.*
12. **Where**: *I will go where you lead.*
In each of these examples, the subordinating conjunction links a dependent clause to the main clause, providing additional context and meaning to the sentence.
Types of Relationships Indicated by Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can indicate various types of relationships between clauses. Understanding these relationships can help you use subordinating conjunctions more effectively.
Cause and Effect
Subordinating conjunctions such as *because*, *since*, and *as* indicate a cause-and-effect relationship between clauses. For example:
– *Because it was raining, the event was canceled.*
– *Since you didn’t call, I assumed you were busy.*
– *As it was getting late, we decided to leave.*
In these sentences, the subordinating conjunctions show why something happened.
Contrast
Subordinating conjunctions like *although*, *even though*, *though*, and *whereas* show a contrast between clauses. For example:
– *Although he was tired, he continued working.*
– *Even though it was difficult, she managed to finish the task.*
– *Though he is young, he is very knowledgeable.*
– *Whereas I prefer coffee, she likes tea.*
These conjunctions highlight differences or unexpected contrasts between the clauses.
Condition
Subordinating conjunctions such as *if*, *unless*, *provided that*, and *as long as* indicate conditions. For example:
– *If you study hard, you will pass the exam.*
– *Unless you hurry, you’ll miss the bus.*
– *Provided that you arrive on time, we can start the meeting.*
– *As long as it doesn’t rain, we will have the picnic.*
These conjunctions set conditions under which the main clause will happen.
Time
Subordinating conjunctions like *when*, *while*, *before*, *after*, *until*, and *since* indicate time relationships. For example:
– *When I was young, I used to play outside.*
– *While he was studying, she was cooking dinner.*
– *Before you leave, please check the door.*
– *After we eat, we can watch a movie.*
– *Until he arrives, we will wait here.*
– *Since she moved away, we haven’t seen her.*
These conjunctions help specify the timing of the actions in the clauses.
Place
Subordinating conjunctions like *where* and *wherever* indicate place. For example:
– *I will go where you go.*
– *Wherever she travels, she always makes new friends.*
These conjunctions show the location or direction of the actions.
Position of Subordinating Conjunctions in Sentences
Subordinating conjunctions can appear at the beginning or in the middle of sentences. The position of the subordinating conjunction can slightly change the emphasis of the sentence, but the meaning remains the same.
Beginning Position
When a subordinating conjunction is at the beginning of a sentence, the dependent clause comes first, followed by the independent clause. For example:
– *Because it was raining, we stayed home.*
– *Although she was tired, she finished her homework.*
When the dependent clause comes first, it is usually followed by a comma.
Middle Position
When a subordinating conjunction is in the middle of a sentence, the independent clause comes first, followed by the dependent clause. For example:
– *We stayed home because it was raining.*
– *She finished her homework although she was tired.*
In this case, a comma is not usually necessary.
Common Mistakes with Subordinating Conjunctions
Even though subordinating conjunctions are relatively straightforward, there are some common mistakes that learners often make. Being aware of these mistakes can help you avoid them.
Comma Misuse
One common mistake is the incorrect use of commas with subordinating conjunctions. Remember that when the dependent clause comes first, you should use a comma. When the independent clause comes first, a comma is not usually needed.
Incorrect: *Because it was raining we stayed home.*
Correct: *Because it was raining, we stayed home.*
Incorrect: *We stayed home, because it was raining.*
Correct: *We stayed home because it was raining.*
Fragmented Sentences
Another common mistake is creating sentence fragments by using a dependent clause without an independent clause. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
Incorrect: *Because it was raining.*
Correct: *Because it was raining, we stayed home.*
Misplacing Subordinating Conjunctions
Sometimes learners place subordinating conjunctions incorrectly, which can confuse the meaning of the sentence. Ensure that the subordinating conjunction directly links the dependent clause to the independent clause.
Incorrect: *We will go for a walk if it stops raining in the park.*
Correct: *If it stops raining, we will go for a walk in the park.*
Practice Exercises with Subordinating Conjunctions
To master subordinating conjunctions, it’s essential to practice using them in sentences. Below are some exercises to help you improve.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate subordinating conjunctions.
1. _______ it was cold, we decided to go for a walk.
2. She will call you _______ she gets home.
3. We can’t start the meeting _______ everyone arrives.
4. _______ you finish your homework, you can watch TV.
5. _______ he is very busy, he always makes time for his family.
Exercise 2: Combine Sentences
Combine the following pairs of sentences using subordinating conjunctions.
1. I didn’t go to the party. I was feeling sick.
2. She studied hard. She wanted to pass the exam.
3. He can’t come to the phone. He is taking a shower.
4. We went to the park. It was a beautiful day.
5. You need to finish your work. You can go home.
Exercise 3: Correct the Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.
1. Because it was late we decided to go home.
2. She didn’t call, although she promised she would.
3. We will wait here until he will arrive.
4. If you want to succeed, you must work hard.
5. Since she moved away, we not have seen her.
Answers to Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
1. *Although* it was cold, we decided to go for a walk.
2. She will call you *when* she gets home.
3. We can’t start the meeting *until* everyone arrives.
4. *Once* you finish your homework, you can watch TV.
5. *Even though* he is very busy, he always makes time for his family.
Exercise 2: Combine Sentences
1. I didn’t go to the party *because* I was feeling sick.
2. She studied hard *so that* she wanted to pass the exam.
3. He can’t come to the phone *because* he is taking a shower.
4. We went to the park *since* it was a beautiful day.
5. You need to finish your work *before* you can go home.
Exercise 3: Correct the Mistakes
1. Because it was late, we decided to go home.
2. She didn’t call although she promised she would. (No comma needed)
3. We will wait here until he arrives. (Remove “will”)
4. If you want to succeed, you must work hard. (Correct as is)
5. Since she moved away, we have not seen her. (Change “not” to “have not”)
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are a crucial part of creating complex and meaningful sentences in English. By understanding how to use them, you can improve your writing and speaking skills, making your communication more effective and nuanced. Remember to practice using subordinating conjunctions in different contexts and pay attention to the relationships they indicate between clauses. With time and practice, you’ll become more confident in using these essential tools in your language arsenal. Happy learning!
