When learning English, one crucial aspect to master is the use of conjunctions, which are words that link different parts of a sentence. Among conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions play a vital role in connecting dependent clauses to main clauses, thereby adding complexity and depth to your sentences. Understanding and effectively using subordinating conjunctions can significantly enhance your writing and speaking skills in English.
What are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent clause (also called a subordinate clause) to an independent clause (main clause). Unlike coordinating conjunctions, which connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical rank, subordinating conjunctions introduce a dependent clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. The dependent clause provides additional information and relies on the main clause to form a coherent thought.
Common subordinating conjunctions include words like “because,” “although,” “if,” “since,” “while,” “when,” “where,” “unless,” “until,” and “after.” Each of these words serves a unique purpose in expressing relationships between different parts of a sentence.
Types of Relationships Expressed by Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can express various types of relationships between clauses, such as cause and effect, contrast, condition, time, and place. Let’s explore these relationships in detail:
Cause and Effect
Subordinating conjunctions like “because,” “since,” and “as” are used to show a cause-and-effect relationship between two clauses.
Examples:
– I stayed home because it was raining.
– Since you didn’t reply, I assumed you were busy.
– He missed the bus as he was running late.
In these sentences, the dependent clauses (“because it was raining,” “since you didn’t reply,” and “as he was running late”) provide the reason for the action in the main clause.
Contrast
Subordinating conjunctions like “although,” “though,” “even though,” and “whereas” express contrast or unexpected results.
Examples:
– Although she was tired, she finished her homework.
– Though it was cold, they went for a walk.
– He enjoyed the movie even though it was long.
– I prefer tea, whereas my brother likes coffee.
In these sentences, the dependent clauses (“although she was tired,” “though it was cold,” “even though it was long,” and “whereas my brother likes coffee”) introduce contrasting ideas to the main clause.
Condition
Subordinating conjunctions like “if,” “unless,” “provided that,” and “as long as” are used to express conditions.
Examples:
– We will go to the beach if the weather is good.
– You can’t leave the table unless you finish your meal.
– You can borrow my car provided that you return it by 6 PM.
– I will help you as long as you ask nicely.
In these sentences, the dependent clauses (“if the weather is good,” “unless you finish your meal,” “provided that you return it by 6 PM,” and “as long as you ask nicely”) set conditions for the actions in the main clause.
Time
Subordinating conjunctions like “when,” “while,” “before,” “after,” “until,” and “as soon as” are used to indicate time relationships between clauses.
Examples:
– Call me when you arrive.
– While I was cooking, the phone rang.
– Finish your homework before you watch TV.
– We will start the meeting after everyone arrives.
– Wait here until I come back.
– I will leave as soon as the rain stops.
In these sentences, the dependent clauses (“when you arrive,” “while I was cooking,” “before you watch TV,” “after everyone arrives,” “until I come back,” and “as soon as the rain stops”) specify the timing of the actions in the main clause.
Place
Subordinating conjunctions like “where” and “wherever” indicate location or place.
Examples:
– Sit where you feel comfortable.
– We can go wherever you want.
In these sentences, the dependent clauses (“where you feel comfortable” and “wherever you want”) specify the location of the actions in the main clause.
Using Subordinating Conjunctions in Sentences
When using subordinating conjunctions, it’s important to understand the structure and punctuation of complex sentences. A complex sentence consists of an independent clause and a dependent clause. The order of these clauses can vary, but the punctuation rules differ based on their placement.
Dependent Clause First
When the dependent clause comes first, it is followed by a comma before the independent clause.
Examples:
– Because it was raining, I stayed home.
– Although she was tired, she finished her homework.
– If the weather is good, we will go to the beach.
In these sentences, the dependent clauses (“Because it was raining,” “Although she was tired,” and “If the weather is good”) come first and are followed by a comma before the main clause.
Independent Clause First
When the independent clause comes first, the comma is generally omitted.
Examples:
– I stayed home because it was raining.
– She finished her homework although she was tired.
– We will go to the beach if the weather is good.
In these sentences, the main clauses (“I stayed home,” “She finished her homework,” and “We will go to the beach”) come first and are not followed by a comma before the dependent clause.
Common Mistakes and Tips for Mastery
Mastering subordinating conjunctions requires practice and attention to detail. Here are some common mistakes and tips to help you avoid them:
1. Misplacing the Comma
One common mistake is misplacing the comma when the dependent clause comes first. Remember, a comma is needed when the dependent clause precedes the main clause, but not when it follows.
Incorrect:
– Because it was raining I stayed home.
Correct:
– Because it was raining, I stayed home.
Incorrect:
– I stayed home, because it was raining.
Correct:
– I stayed home because it was raining.
2. Confusing Subordinating and Coordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions and coordinating conjunctions serve different purposes. Coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal rank, while subordinating conjunctions connect dependent clauses to main clauses.
Incorrect:
– I stayed home and because it was raining.
Correct:
– I stayed home because it was raining.
Incorrect:
– She finished her homework, but although she was tired.
Correct:
– She finished her homework although she was tired.
3. Using Subordinating Conjunctions Incorrectly
Each subordinating conjunction has a specific function, and using them interchangeably can lead to confusion.
Incorrect:
– He missed the bus if he was running late. (Condition instead of Cause and Effect)
Correct:
– He missed the bus because he was running late.
Incorrect:
– Call me although you arrive. (Contrast instead of Time)
Correct:
– Call me when you arrive.
4. Overusing Subordinating Conjunctions
While subordinating conjunctions add complexity to your sentences, overusing them can make your writing convoluted. Strive for a balance between simple, compound, and complex sentences to maintain clarity and readability.
Incorrect:
– Because it was raining, and although I had an umbrella, and since I didn’t have a raincoat, I got wet.
Correct:
– Because it was raining, I got wet even though I had an umbrella and since I didn’t have a raincoat.
Practice Exercises
To help solidify your understanding of subordinating conjunctions, here are some practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate subordinating conjunction from the list provided: because, although, if, when, before, after, until.
1. __________ it was late, she continued studying.
2. I will call you __________ I arrive.
3. He waited __________ the bus arrived.
4. __________ you finish your homework, you can watch TV.
5. __________ you apologize, she will forgive you.
6. She went to bed __________ she finished reading the book.
Answers:
1. Although it was late, she continued studying.
2. I will call you when I arrive.
3. He waited until the bus arrived.
4. After you finish your homework, you can watch TV.
5. If you apologize, she will forgive you.
6. She went to bed after she finished reading the book.
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are essential tools in the English language that help you create complex, nuanced sentences. By understanding the various types of relationships they express and practicing their correct usage, you can improve both your written and spoken English. Remember to pay attention to punctuation, avoid common mistakes, and use subordinating conjunctions judiciously to enhance the clarity and richness of your communication. Happy learning!
