Subordinating conjunctions in Swedish Grammar

Subordinating conjunctions are an essential part of the English language, playing a vital role in creating complex sentences that convey intricate relationships between ideas. Understanding how to use subordinating conjunctions correctly can significantly improve your writing and speaking skills. In this article, we’ll explore what subordinating conjunctions are, how they function, and provide practical examples to illustrate their usage.

What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?

Subordinating conjunctions are words or phrases that connect a dependent clause (also known as a subordinate clause) to an independent clause. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while a dependent clause cannot. The subordinating conjunction serves to show the relationship between the two clauses, indicating time, cause, condition, contrast, or other relationships.

Some common subordinating conjunctions include: because, although, since, if, when, while, until, after, before, once, as, though, even though, unless, and whereas.

Types of Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions can be categorized based on the type of relationship they indicate between the clauses. Let’s delve into some of these categories:

1. Time

Subordinating conjunctions that express time show when something happens in relation to something else. Common time-related subordinating conjunctions include when, while, before, after, until, since, and as soon as.

Examples:
– I will call you when I arrive.
– She was reading while he was cooking.
– We can go out after the rain stops.
– He hasn’t visited his hometown since he moved to the city.

2. Cause and Effect

These subordinating conjunctions explain the reason or cause of an action. Common ones include because, since, as, and so that.

Examples:
– She stayed home because she was feeling sick.
Since it’s raining, the match will be postponed.
– He explained everything so that we could understand better.

3. Condition

Subordinating conjunctions of condition introduce a conditional situation. Common examples are if, unless, provided that, and as long as.

Examples:
If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.
– You can’t go out unless you finish your homework.
– We will succeed provided that we work together.

4. Contrast

These conjunctions show a contrast or opposition between two ideas. Common examples include although, though, even though, whereas, and while.

Examples:
Although he was tired, he continued working.
– She enjoys swimming, whereas her brother prefers running.
Even though it was late, they decided to watch a movie.

5. Purpose

Subordinating conjunctions of purpose show the intention behind an action. Common examples are so that, in order that, and lest.

Examples:
– He took a day off so that he could rest.
– She saved money in order that she could buy a new car.

6. Manner

These conjunctions indicate the manner in which something is done. Common examples are as, as if, and as though.

Examples:
– She danced as if no one was watching.
– He acted as though he knew everything.

7. Place

Subordinating conjunctions of place indicate where something happens. Common examples are where and wherever.

Examples:
– You can sit where you like.
– He follows his dreams wherever they lead.

Position of Subordinating Conjunctions in Sentences

Subordinating conjunctions typically come at the beginning of the dependent clause. The dependent clause can appear either before or after the independent clause in a sentence. When the dependent clause comes first, it is usually followed by a comma.

Examples:
Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.
– We stayed indoors because it was raining.

Although he was tired, he finished his work.
– He finished his work although he was tired.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Using subordinating conjunctions correctly can sometimes be tricky. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them:

1. Misplaced Commas

When the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, always use a comma to separate them. However, if the independent clause comes first, no comma is necessary.

Incorrect: Because it was raining we stayed indoors.
Correct: Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.

Incorrect: We stayed indoors, because it was raining.
Correct: We stayed indoors because it was raining.

2. Sentence Fragments

A common mistake is to use a subordinating conjunction and a dependent clause alone, which results in a sentence fragment.

Incorrect: Although he was tired.
Correct: Although he was tired, he continued working.

3. Overusing Subordinating Conjunctions

While subordinating conjunctions are useful, overusing them can make your writing seem cluttered. Strive for balance and clarity in your sentences.

Incorrect: When he arrived, because he was late, although he tried to be on time, we had already left.
Correct: He tried to be on time, but he was late. By the time he arrived, we had already left.

Practice Exercises

To solidify your understanding of subordinating conjunctions, try these exercises:

1. Combine the following sentences using the appropriate subordinating conjunction:
– He didn’t go to the party. He was feeling sick. (because)
– She will call you. She arrives. (when)
– You can go out. You finish your homework. (if)

2. Identify the subordinating conjunctions in the following sentences:
– Although it was raining, they went for a walk.
– She stayed home because she was feeling sick.
– He will succeed provided that he works hard.

3. Rewrite the following sentences to place the dependent clause first:
– We stayed indoors because it was raining.
– He finished his work although he was tired.
– She danced as if no one was watching.

Conclusion

Subordinating conjunctions are powerful tools that help you link ideas and create complex sentences. By understanding and using them correctly, you can enhance your writing and communication skills. Remember to pay attention to the relationships between clauses and use subordinating conjunctions to express these relationships clearly and effectively. Practice regularly, and soon you’ll find yourself using subordinating conjunctions with confidence and ease.

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