Subordinating conjunctions play a crucial role in English grammar by connecting an independent clause with a dependent one. These conjunctions help create complex sentences, providing a deeper level of meaning and sophistication to your writing and speaking. Understanding and using subordinating conjunctions correctly can significantly improve your language skills.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words or phrases that join a dependent clause to an independent clause. A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a complete sentence, whereas an independent clause can. By linking these two types of clauses, subordinating conjunctions add depth and detail to your sentences.
Examples of common subordinating conjunctions include: because, although, since, if, when, while, and unless.
Types of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can be categorized based on the type of relationship they establish between the clauses. Here are some of the main categories:
1. Cause and Effect
Subordinating conjunctions in this category show a cause-and-effect relationship between the clauses.
– **Because:** “She stayed home because she was feeling unwell.”
– **Since:** “He decided to go for a walk since the weather was nice.”
– **As:** “As it was raining, we took an umbrella.”
2. Contrast
These conjunctions highlight a contrast or exception between the clauses.
– **Although:** “Although it was late, they continued working.”
– **Though:** “He enjoyed the movie, though it was too long.”
– **Even though:** “Even though she was tired, she finished her homework.”
3. Condition
Subordinating conjunctions in this category set a condition for the action in the independent clause.
– **If:** “We will go to the beach if it is sunny.”
– **Unless:** “You won’t succeed unless you try.”
– **Provided that:** “You can come to the party provided that you bring a dish.”
4. Time
These conjunctions indicate the timing of the action in the independent clause.
– **When:** “Call me when you arrive.”
– **While:** “While I was cooking, the phone rang.”
– **Before:** “Finish your homework before you play video games.”
5. Place
Subordinating conjunctions in this category indicate the location of the action.
– **Where:** “She found the book where she left it.”
– **Wherever:** “I will follow you wherever you go.”
How to Use Subordinating Conjunctions
Using subordinating conjunctions correctly can be tricky for learners, but with practice, it becomes easier. Here are some tips on how to use them effectively:
1. Position in the Sentence
Subordinating conjunctions can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. When they appear at the beginning, they are usually followed by a comma.
– **Beginning of the sentence:** “Although it was raining, they went for a walk.”
– **Middle of the sentence:** “They went for a walk although it was raining.”
2. Punctuation
When the dependent clause comes first, use a comma to separate it from the independent clause. If the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed.
– “If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.”
– “We will cancel the picnic if it rains.”
3. Clarity and Conciseness
Avoid using multiple subordinating conjunctions in a single sentence, as this can make your sentence confusing and difficult to understand. Aim for clarity and conciseness.
4. Subject-Verb Agreement
Ensure that the subject and verb in your clauses agree in number and tense. This is essential for maintaining grammatical correctness.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even native speakers sometimes make mistakes with subordinating conjunctions. Here are some common errors and tips on how to avoid them:
1. Misplacing the Conjunction
Incorrect: “She was late to the meeting because traffic was heavy, although she left early.”
Correct: “She was late to the meeting although she left early because traffic was heavy.”
2. Overusing Subordinating Conjunctions
Incorrect: “While he was eating, while watching TV, while talking on the phone, he missed the call.”
Correct: “While he was eating, watching TV, and talking on the phone, he missed the call.”
3. Forgetting the Comma
Incorrect: “If you see her tell her to call me.”
Correct: “If you see her, tell her to call me.”
4. Confusing Subordinating and Coordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions connect dependent and independent clauses, while coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, for, so, yet, nor) connect words, phrases, or independent clauses.
Incorrect: “She was tired, but she went to bed early because she had a lot of work.”
Correct: “She was tired, so she went to bed early because she had a lot of work.”
Examples and Practice
To master the use of subordinating conjunctions, practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help you improve:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the appropriate subordinating conjunction.
1. ________ it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.
2. You can borrow my car ________ you promise to drive carefully.
3. She didn’t attend the party ________ she was feeling unwell.
4. Call me ________ you arrive.
5. He passed the exam ________ he studied hard.
Exercise 2: Combine Sentences
Combine the pairs of sentences using subordinating conjunctions.
1. I was hungry. I ate a sandwich. (because)
2. She finished her homework. She went to bed. (after)
3. He didn’t see the movie. He was busy. (since)
4. We will go hiking. The weather is nice. (if)
5. She brought an umbrella. It might rain. (in case)
Exercise 3: Correct the Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.
1. Although it was raining but we went for a walk.
2. She will come to the party if she finishes her work, although she is tired.
3. He studied hard, since he didn’t pass the exam.
4. When you see her tell her to call me.
5. We will go to the beach provided that if it is sunny.
Advanced Usage of Subordinating Conjunctions
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances and variations in the use of subordinating conjunctions can enhance your language skills even further.
1. Inversion with Subordinating Conjunctions
In formal or literary English, sometimes the dependent clause can come before the independent clause, and an inversion occurs.
– “Hardly had I finished my dinner when the phone rang.”
– “No sooner had he arrived than he was asked to leave.”
2. Subordinating Conjunctions with Correlative Pairs
Some subordinating conjunctions can be used with correlative pairs to add emphasis or clarity.
– “Not only did she win the race, but also she set a new record.”
– “Whether you like it or not, you have to attend the meeting.”
3. Reducing Subordinate Clauses
In some cases, you can reduce the subordinate clause to a phrase to make your sentence more concise.
– “While he was studying, he listened to music.” → “While studying, he listened to music.”
– “Because she was tired, she went to bed early.” → “Being tired, she went to bed early.”
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are an integral part of English grammar, enabling you to create complex and meaningful sentences. By understanding the different types of subordinating conjunctions and practicing their use, you can enhance your writing and speaking skills. Remember to pay attention to the position of the conjunction, punctuation, and clarity to avoid common mistakes. With consistent practice, you will become more confident in using subordinating conjunctions effectively, adding depth and sophistication to your language.
