When learning a new language, understanding the different types of conjunctions is crucial for mastering sentence structure and achieving fluency. Conjunctions are words that link clauses, sentences, or phrases together, and they come in three main types: coordinating, subordinating, and correlative. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of subordinating conjunctions, which play a pivotal role in creating complex sentences by connecting dependent clauses to independent clauses.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words or phrases that introduce a dependent clause, linking it to an independent clause. A dependent clause (also known as a subordinate clause) cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought. In contrast, an independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. Subordinating conjunctions help show the relationship between the two clauses, often indicating time, reason, condition, contrast, or purpose.
Common subordinating conjunctions include words like “because,” “although,” “since,” “if,” “when,” and “while.” By using these conjunctions, you can create sentences that are more detailed, nuanced, and informative.
Types of Relationships Expressed by Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can express various types of relationships between the dependent and independent clauses. Understanding these relationships will help you use subordinating conjunctions more effectively in your writing and speech.
1. Time
Subordinating conjunctions can indicate a time relationship between the clauses. Some common time-related subordinating conjunctions include:
– **When**: “When the sun sets, the sky turns orange.”
– **While**: “While I was studying, my phone rang.”
– **Before**: “Before you leave, please turn off the lights.”
– **After**: “After she finished her homework, she watched TV.”
– **Since**: “Since he moved to the city, he has made many new friends.”
– **Until**: “You cannot go out until you finish your dinner.”
These conjunctions help to establish a temporal connection, showing when one event happens in relation to another.
2. Reason or Cause
Some subordinating conjunctions explain the reason or cause for the action in the independent clause. Examples include:
– **Because**: “She was late because her car broke down.”
– **Since**: “Since it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.”
– **As**: “As the weather was bad, the event was canceled.”
Using these conjunctions allows you to provide explanations and justifications for actions and events.
3. Condition
Subordinating conjunctions can also indicate conditions under which something happens. Common conditional subordinating conjunctions include:
– **If**: “If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.”
– **Unless**: “You won’t succeed unless you work hard.”
– **Provided that**: “You can borrow my car provided that you return it by Monday.”
– **As long as**: “You can stay here as long as you remain quiet.”
These conjunctions set the stage for hypothetical or contingent scenarios.
4. Contrast or Concession
Contrast or concession subordinating conjunctions highlight a contrast between two ideas or acknowledge an opposing point. Examples include:
– **Although**: “Although she was tired, she continued working.”
– **Even though**: “Even though it was expensive, he bought the car.”
– **While**: “While it is cold, it is not snowing.”
– **Though**: “Though he is rich, he is not happy.”
These conjunctions are useful for expressing opposing ideas and adding depth to your sentences.
5. Purpose or Result
Subordinating conjunctions can also indicate the purpose or result of an action. Examples include:
– **So that**: “He saved money so that he could buy a house.”
– **In order that**: “She studied hard in order that she might pass the exam.”
– **That**: “He worked extra hours that he might earn more money.”
These conjunctions help to show the intention or outcome of an action.
How to Use Subordinating Conjunctions
Using subordinating conjunctions effectively involves understanding their placement and punctuation in sentences. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
1. Placement of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are typically placed at the beginning of the dependent clause. The dependent clause can either precede or follow the independent clause:
– **Dependent clause first**: “Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.”
– **Independent clause first**: “We stayed indoors because it was raining.”
When the dependent clause comes first, it is usually followed by a comma. When the independent clause comes first, a comma is generally not required.
2. Punctuation
Punctuation is important when using subordinating conjunctions, especially when the dependent clause comes first. Here are some guidelines:
– **Dependent clause first**: Use a comma after the dependent clause. Example: “Although he was tired, he continued working.”
– **Independent clause first**: Do not use a comma between the clauses. Example: “He continued working although he was tired.”
Proper punctuation ensures clarity and readability in your sentences.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Learning to use subordinating conjunctions correctly can be challenging. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:
1. Misplacing the Comma
One common mistake is misplacing the comma when using subordinating conjunctions. Remember that a comma should be used after the dependent clause if it comes first, but not if the independent clause comes first.
– Incorrect: “Although he was tired he continued working.”
– Correct: “Although he was tired, he continued working.”
2. Using the Wrong Conjunction
Another mistake is using the wrong subordinating conjunction, which can confuse the meaning of the sentence. Make sure to choose the conjunction that accurately reflects the relationship between the clauses.
– Incorrect: “He stayed home if it was raining.”
– Correct: “He stayed home because it was raining.”
3. Creating Sentence Fragments
A dependent clause introduced by a subordinating conjunction cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Ensure that it is always connected to an independent clause.
– Incorrect: “Because it was raining.”
– Correct: “Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.”
Practice Exercises
To master subordinating conjunctions, practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help you practice using subordinating conjunctions correctly:
Exercise 1: Identifying Subordinating Conjunctions
Identify the subordinating conjunction in each of the following sentences:
1. “She went to bed early because she was tired.”
2. “Although it was raining, they decided to go for a walk.”
3. “You can play outside if you finish your homework.”
4. “Since he moved to the city, he has been very busy.”
5. “He saved money so that he could buy a new car.”
Exercise 2: Completing Sentences
Complete the following sentences with an appropriate subordinating conjunction:
1. “________ it was late, she continued working.”
2. “He didn’t go to the party ________ he was sick.”
3. “________ you study hard, you will pass the exam.”
4. “She decided to stay home ________ it was raining.”
5. “You can’t leave ________ you finish your work.”
Exercise 3: Creating Sentences
Create sentences using the following subordinating conjunctions:
1. Although
2. Because
3. If
4. While
5. Since
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are essential tools for constructing complex sentences and expressing detailed relationships between ideas. By understanding the different types of relationships they can indicate—such as time, reason, condition, contrast, and purpose—you can use them more effectively in your writing and speech. Remember to pay attention to the placement and punctuation of subordinating conjunctions to ensure clarity and correctness in your sentences.
With practice, you will become more comfortable using subordinating conjunctions, allowing you to create more nuanced and informative sentences. So, keep practicing and experimenting with different subordinating conjunctions, and soon you will find yourself using them with ease and confidence. Happy learning!
