When learning English, one of the key elements to master is the use of subordinating conjunctions. These small but powerful words help to connect clauses in a way that conveys complex ideas and relationships. Without them, our speech and writing would be much more fragmented and less fluid. Let’s dive deep into the world of subordinating conjunctions, their importance, and how to use them effectively.
What are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words or phrases that link an independent clause with a dependent clause. The independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while the dependent clause cannot. Subordinating conjunctions serve to introduce the dependent clause and show the relationship between it and the independent clause.
Some common subordinating conjunctions include:
– Because
– Although
– Since
– Unless
– While
– After
– Before
– If
– Even though
For example:
– “I stayed home because it was raining.”
– “She went to the park although it was quite cold.”
In these sentences, “because” and “although” are subordinating conjunctions that introduce the dependent clauses “it was raining” and “it was quite cold,” respectively.
Types of Relationships Indicated by Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can indicate various types of relationships between clauses, such as cause and effect, contrast, condition, time, and place. Understanding these relationships can help you choose the correct subordinating conjunction for your sentences.
Cause and Effect
Subordinating conjunctions like “because,” “since,” and “as” show a cause-and-effect relationship between clauses.
– “I didn’t go to the party because I was feeling sick.”
– “She got a promotion since she worked very hard.”
Contrast
When you want to show contrast between two ideas, you can use subordinating conjunctions such as “although,” “though,” “even though,” and “whereas.”
– “Although it was raining, we decided to go hiking.”
– “He is very friendly whereas his brother is quite shy.”
Condition
Subordinating conjunctions like “if,” “unless,” “provided that,” and “as long as” indicate conditions under which the action in the main clause will occur.
– “If you study hard, you will pass the exam.”
– “You can borrow my car as long as you drive carefully.”
Time
To indicate time relationships, use subordinating conjunctions such as “when,” “while,” “before,” “after,” “until,” and “as soon as.”
– “Call me when you arrive.”
– “We waited until the rain stopped.”
Place
Subordinating conjunctions like “where” and “wherever” indicate place.
– “I will go where you go.”
– “She follows her dreams wherever they lead her.”
Position of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. When the subordinating conjunction begins the sentence, a comma is usually needed to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause.
For example:
– “Although it was raining, we went for a walk.”
– “We went for a walk although it was raining.”
In the first sentence, “although” introduces the dependent clause “it was raining” at the beginning, and a comma separates it from the independent clause “we went for a walk.” In the second sentence, “although” is in the middle, and no comma is necessary.
Common Errors with Subordinating Conjunctions
Even advanced learners sometimes make mistakes with subordinating conjunctions. Here are some common errors and tips on how to avoid them.
Using the Wrong Conjunction
Choosing the incorrect subordinating conjunction can change the meaning of your sentence or make it unclear. Make sure to understand the specific function of each conjunction.
Incorrect: “She was late because she missed the bus, although she left early.”
Correct: “She was late because she missed the bus, even though she left early.”
Misplacing the Comma
When the dependent clause comes first, a comma should follow it. When the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed.
Incorrect: “Since he was tired he went to bed early.”
Correct: “Since he was tired, he went to bed early.”
Incorrect: “He went to bed early, since he was tired.”
Correct: “He went to bed early since he was tired.”
Creating Sentence Fragments
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Ensure that your sentences have both an independent and a dependent clause.
Incorrect: “Because I was late.”
Correct: “Because I was late, I missed the meeting.”
Practice Exercises
To reinforce your understanding of subordinating conjunctions, try these practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Identifying Subordinating Conjunctions
Identify the subordinating conjunctions in the following sentences:
1. “I will call you when I get home.”
2. “He stayed up late because he had a lot of work to do.”
3. “Although it was snowing, they went for a jog.”
4. “She will succeed if she keeps trying.”
Exercise 2: Completing Sentences
Complete the sentences with an appropriate subordinating conjunction:
1. “I will wait here ___ you finish your meeting.”
2. “___ it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.”
3. “You can’t leave ___ you have finished your homework.”
4. “She was happy ___ she won the prize.”
Exercise 3: Creating Sentences
Create your own sentences using the following subordinating conjunctions:
1. Because
2. While
3. Unless
4. After
Advanced Usage of Subordinating Conjunctions
Once you have mastered the basics, you can explore more advanced usage of subordinating conjunctions. This includes understanding nuanced meanings and combining multiple subordinating conjunctions in complex sentences.
Nuanced Meanings
Some subordinating conjunctions have nuanced meanings that can subtly change the tone or implication of your sentence. For example, “although” and “even though” both indicate contrast, but “even though” can imply a stronger or more surprising contrast.
– “Although he was tired, he continued working.” (mild contrast)
– “Even though he was exhausted, he continued working.” (stronger contrast)
Combining Multiple Subordinating Conjunctions
In more complex sentences, you may need to combine multiple subordinating conjunctions to show intricate relationships between clauses.
– “I will go to the store if it stops raining because I need groceries.”
– “Although she was tired, she went to the gym because she had promised her friend.”
In these sentences, the use of multiple subordinating conjunctions helps to convey a more detailed and nuanced meaning.
Real-Life Applications
Understanding and using subordinating conjunctions effectively can greatly improve your communication skills in both written and spoken English. Here are some real-life applications:
Academic Writing
In academic writing, subordinating conjunctions are essential for constructing complex arguments and presenting evidence. They help to show relationships between ideas and make your writing more coherent.
– “The experiment was a success because the variables were carefully controlled.”
– “Although the study had some limitations, the results are still significant.”
Everyday Conversations
In everyday conversations, subordinating conjunctions help you to express your thoughts more clearly and connect ideas smoothly.
– “I will join you for dinner if I finish my work on time.”
– “We decided to go to the beach even though it was a bit chilly.”
Storytelling
When telling stories, subordinating conjunctions help to set the scene, explain motivations, and build tension.
– “After the sun set, the temperature dropped rapidly.”
– “He continued his journey even though he was exhausted.”
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are a fundamental part of the English language, allowing us to connect ideas and convey complex relationships between clauses. By mastering their use, you can enhance your writing, improve your speaking skills, and communicate more effectively in various contexts. Remember to choose the right conjunction for the relationship you want to express, place commas correctly, and practice regularly to become more confident in using subordinating conjunctions. With time and effort, you’ll find that these small words make a big difference in your language proficiency.
