In the journey of mastering English, understanding the various parts of speech is crucial. Among these, conjunctions play a pivotal role in connecting words, phrases, and clauses. Specifically, subordinating conjunctions are essential for creating complex sentences and adding depth to your writing. This article will delve into the world of subordinating conjunctions, explaining their functions, providing examples, and offering tips for using them effectively.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. Unlike coordinating conjunctions, which link clauses of equal importance, subordinating conjunctions introduce a subordinate or dependent clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence. These conjunctions help to show the relationship between the dependent and independent clauses, adding context and meaning to your sentences.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
There are numerous subordinating conjunctions in English, each serving a specific purpose. Here are some of the most common ones:
– **Because**: Indicates reason or cause.
– Example: She stayed home because she was feeling ill.
– **Although**: Introduces a contrast or concession.
– Example: Although it was raining, they went for a hike.
– **Since**: Can indicate time or reason.
– Example: They have been friends since childhood.
– Example: Since you’re here, let’s start the meeting.
– **If**: Introduces a condition.
– Example: We will go if it stops raining.
– **When**: Indicates time.
– Example: Call me when you arrive.
– **While**: Shows contrast or simultaneous actions.
– Example: She read a book while he cooked dinner.
– **Unless**: Indicates an exception or condition.
– Example: You can’t go out unless you finish your homework.
– **After**: Indicates time.
– Example: We can eat dessert after we finish our meal.
– **Before**: Indicates time.
– Example: Please wash your hands before you eat.
– **Though**: Introduces a contrast.
– Example: He finished the race, though he was exhausted.
Functions of Subordinating Conjunctions
Understanding the functions of subordinating conjunctions is key to using them effectively. Here are some of the primary functions:
Time
Subordinating conjunctions can indicate the timing of events. Examples include when, before, after, while, and as soon as.
– Example: When the clock strikes twelve, the party will begin.
– Example: Before you leave, make sure to turn off the lights.
Cause and Effect
These conjunctions explain the reason or cause of an action. Examples include because, since, and as.
– Example: She was late because her car broke down.
– Example: Since it’s raining, we should stay indoors.
Condition
Subordinating conjunctions can introduce conditions that must be met for the main clause to occur. Examples include if, unless, and provided that.
– Example: We will go to the beach if the weather is nice.
– Example: You won’t pass the test unless you study.
Contrast
These conjunctions show a contrast or an unexpected result. Examples include although, though, even though, and whereas.
– Example: Although he was tired, he continued working.
– Example: She loves to read, whereas her brother prefers to watch movies.
Purpose
Subordinating conjunctions can indicate the purpose of an action. Examples include so that and in order that.
– Example: He studied hard so that he could pass the exam.
– Example: She left early in order that she could catch the train.
Comparison
These conjunctions are used to compare two actions or states. Examples include than and as.
– Example: She is smarter than her brother.
– Example: He runs as fast as a cheetah.
Constructing Complex Sentences
Subordinating conjunctions are vital in constructing complex sentences. A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. The dependent clause, introduced by a subordinating conjunction, provides additional information about the main clause.
– Example: Because she was tired, she went to bed early.
– Independent Clause: She went to bed early.
– Dependent Clause: Because she was tired.
In complex sentences, the dependent clause can come before or after the independent clause. When the dependent clause comes first, it is usually followed by a comma.
– Example: Although it was raining, they went for a walk.
– Example: They went for a walk although it was raining.
Tips for Using Subordinating Conjunctions
Mastering subordinating conjunctions involves more than just memorizing a list. Here are some tips to help you use them effectively:
1. Understand the Relationship
Before using a subordinating conjunction, make sure you understand the relationship you want to convey between the dependent and independent clauses. Are you indicating time, cause, condition, contrast, purpose, or comparison? Choose the conjunction that best fits the context.
2. Use Commas Appropriately
When the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, use a comma to separate them. When the independent clause comes first, a comma is generally not needed.
– Example: If you study hard, you will pass the exam. (Comma needed)
– Example: You will pass the exam if you study hard. (No comma needed)
3. Avoid Sentence Fragments
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence. Make sure it is always connected to an independent clause.
– Incorrect: Because she was tired. (Fragment)
– Correct: Because she was tired, she went to bed early.
4. Vary Your Sentence Structure
Using subordinating conjunctions allows you to vary your sentence structure, making your writing more interesting and engaging. Mix simple, compound, and complex sentences to create a dynamic flow.
– Example: She was tired. She went to bed early. (Simple sentences)
– Example: She was tired, so she went to bed early. (Compound sentence)
– Example: Because she was tired, she went to bed early. (Complex sentence)
5. Practice Regularly
The best way to master subordinating conjunctions is through regular practice. Write sentences using different subordinating conjunctions, and read extensively to see how they are used in context.
Advanced Uses of Subordinating Conjunctions
For those who are more advanced in their language learning journey, subordinating conjunctions offer opportunities to create more nuanced and sophisticated sentences.
1. Multiple Subordinating Conjunctions
In some cases, you may need to use multiple subordinating conjunctions to convey complex relationships.
– Example: Although he was tired because he had worked late, he still went to the gym.
2. Subordinating Conjunctions in Conditional Sentences
Conditional sentences often use subordinating conjunctions to express different degrees of possibility or hypothetical situations.
– Example: If I had known about the traffic, I would have left earlier. (Third conditional)
3. Inversion for Emphasis
In formal writing, you can sometimes invert the order of the subject and auxiliary verb for emphasis when using certain subordinating conjunctions.
– Example: Had I known about the traffic, I would have left earlier. (Instead of: If I had known about the traffic, I would have left earlier.)
4. Subordinating Conjunctions and Relative Clauses
Subordinating conjunctions can also introduce relative clauses, providing additional information about a noun.
– Example: This is the house where I grew up.
– Example: She is the person whom I admire the most.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even advanced learners can make mistakes when using subordinating conjunctions. Here are some common pitfalls and tips on how to avoid them:
1. Misplacing the Comma
Many learners mistakenly place a comma before a subordinating conjunction when the dependent clause comes after the independent clause.
– Incorrect: You will pass the exam, if you study hard.
– Correct: You will pass the exam if you study hard.
2. Using the Wrong Conjunction
Choosing the wrong subordinating conjunction can change the meaning of your sentence.
– Incorrect: He went to bed early although he was tired. (Should be because to indicate the reason)
– Correct: He went to bed early because he was tired.
3. Creating Sentence Fragments
A dependent clause must always be attached to an independent clause.
– Incorrect: Although she was hungry. (Fragment)
– Correct: Although she was hungry, she waited for dinner to be served.
Exercises for Practice
To solidify your understanding of subordinating conjunctions, try these exercises:
1. Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct subordinating conjunction to complete each sentence.
– I will call you __ I arrive.
– She stayed home __ she was sick.
– __ he was tired, he finished his homework.
– We will go hiking __ it doesn’t rain.
2. Combine Sentences
Combine the following pairs of sentences using an appropriate subordinating conjunction.
– She loves to read. Her brother prefers to watch TV.
– He missed the bus. He woke up late.
– You should take an umbrella. It might rain.
– She studied hard. She wanted to pass the exam.
3. Identify the Conjunctions
Identify the subordinating conjunctions in the following sentences.
– If it rains, we will stay indoors.
– Although it was late, he continued working.
– She left early so that she could catch the train.
– When the clock strikes twelve, the party will begin.
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are a powerful tool in the English language, enabling you to create complex and nuanced sentences. By understanding their functions, practicing regularly, and being mindful of common mistakes, you can master the use of subordinating conjunctions and enhance your writing and speaking skills. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, incorporating subordinating conjunctions into your language repertoire will undoubtedly enrich your command of English. Happy learning!
