Understanding the intricacies of a language is crucial for mastering it. One such intricate aspect in the English language is the use of subordinating conjunctions. While they may seem minor in the grand scheme of language learning, these small words play a vital role in forming complex sentences and conveying intricate ideas. By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of what subordinating conjunctions are, how they function, and how to use them effectively in your writing and speech.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words or phrases that join an independent clause and a dependent clause, establishing a relationship between them. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, while a dependent clause cannot. The subordinating conjunction links these two clauses, showing a relationship of time, cause and effect, contrast, condition, and more.
For example, consider the sentence: “I will go to the store because we need milk.” Here, “because” is the subordinating conjunction that connects the independent clause “I will go to the store” with the dependent clause “we need milk.”
Types of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can be categorized based on the type of relationship they establish between the clauses. Here are some common categories:
1. Time
Subordinating conjunctions that indicate time answer questions like “when?” or “how long?” Some common examples include:
– After: “We will go to dinner after the movie ends.”
– Before: “Finish your homework before you watch TV.”
– When: “Call me when you arrive.”
– While: “I read a book while waiting for my appointment.”
– As soon as: “I will call you as soon as I reach home.”
2. Cause and Effect
These subordinating conjunctions express reasons, causes, or results:
– Because: “She left early because she wasn’t feeling well.”
– Since: “Since we missed the bus, we had to walk.”
– So that: “I set an alarm so that I wouldn’t oversleep.”
3. Contrast
Subordinating conjunctions of contrast show a relationship of opposition or difference:
– Although: “She went to the party although she was tired.”
– Even though: “We enjoyed the game even though it rained.”
– Whereas: “He likes classical music, whereas she prefers rock.”
4. Condition
These conjunctions indicate conditions or stipulations:
– If: “We will go for a picnic if it doesn’t rain.”
– Unless: “You won’t succeed unless you work hard.”
– Provided that: “You can borrow my car provided that you return it by tomorrow.”
The Role of Subordinating Conjunctions in Sentence Structure
Understanding how subordinating conjunctions affect sentence structure is crucial. They typically introduce a dependent clause, which cannot stand alone as a sentence. This dependent clause is then connected to an independent clause to form a complete sentence.
For example:
– Dependent clause: “Because I was late”
– Independent clause: “I missed the meeting.”
– Combined sentence: “Because I was late, I missed the meeting.”
Notice that the dependent clause “Because I was late” cannot stand alone as a sentence. It needs the independent clause “I missed the meeting” to form a complete thought.
Punctuation with Subordinating Conjunctions
The placement of the dependent clause in the sentence affects the punctuation. When the dependent clause precedes the independent clause, a comma should separate the two. For example:
– “After the movie ended, we went to dinner.”
However, when the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed:
– “We went to dinner after the movie ended.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Using subordinating conjunctions correctly can be tricky, and learners often make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and tips to avoid them:
1. Misplacing the Subordinating Conjunction
Ensure that the subordinating conjunction correctly links the dependent clause to the independent clause. Misplacement can lead to confusion or an incomplete sentence.
Incorrect: “He was late, because he missed the bus.”
Correct: “Because he missed the bus, he was late.”
2. Overusing Subordinating Conjunctions
While subordinating conjunctions are useful, overusing them can make your writing seem convoluted. Aim for a balance between simple and complex sentences.
Incorrect: “Although she was tired, because she had worked all day, since she didn’t sleep well the night before, she still went to the party.”
Correct: “Although she was tired because she had worked all day, she still went to the party.”
3. Confusing Subordinating Conjunctions with Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) join elements of equal syntactic importance, while subordinating conjunctions join clauses of unequal importance. Ensure you’re using the right type of conjunction for the relationship you want to express.
Incorrect: “I will go to the store, because and we need milk.”
Correct: “I will go to the store because we need milk.”
Practical Exercises
To solidify your understanding, try the following exercises:
1. Sentence Combining
Combine the following pairs of sentences using subordinating conjunctions:
1. I studied hard. I passed the exam. (because)
2. She was tired. She continued to work. (although)
3. We will go hiking. It does not rain. (if)
Answers:
1. I passed the exam because I studied hard.
2. She continued to work although she was tired.
3. We will go hiking if it does not rain.
2. Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the appropriate subordinating conjunction:
1. _____ she was late, she missed the bus. (Because/Although/If)
2. He will succeed _____ he works hard. (because/if/although)
3. She went home _____ the meeting was over. (before/after/while)
Answers:
1. Because she was late, she missed the bus.
2. He will succeed if he works hard.
3. She went home after the meeting was over.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
As you become more comfortable with subordinating conjunctions, you can explore their advanced uses and nuances. Here are some pointers:
1. Multiple Subordinating Conjunctions
In complex sentences, you might use multiple subordinating conjunctions to express layered relationships. For example:
“She stayed home from work because she was sick, although she had an important meeting.”
2. Reducing Dependent Clauses
Sometimes, you can reduce dependent clauses to make your sentences more concise. For instance:
Instead of: “After she finished her homework, she went to bed.”
You can say: “After finishing her homework, she went to bed.”
3. Subordinating Conjunctions in Different Tenses
Subordinating conjunctions can be used with various tenses to indicate different times and conditions. For example:
– Present: “I study because I want to learn.”
– Past: “I studied because I wanted to learn.”
– Future: “I will study because I want to learn.”
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are the glue that holds complex sentences together, allowing you to express detailed and nuanced ideas. By understanding and practicing their use, you can enhance your writing and communication skills significantly. Remember to pay attention to the relationships you want to express and choose the appropriate subordinating conjunction to convey your message clearly. With practice, using these conjunctions will become second nature, and you’ll be able to create more sophisticated and nuanced sentences with ease. Happy learning!
