Conjunctions play a crucial role in the construction of complex sentences, allowing us to convey more sophisticated and nuanced ideas by linking different clauses together. Understanding how to use these conjunctions effectively can greatly enhance your writing and speaking skills. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of conjunctions, particularly focusing on their application in complex sentences.
What are Conjunctions?
Conjunctions are words that link other words, phrases, or clauses together. They help to provide a smooth flow in both writing and speech. There are three main types of conjunctions: coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, and correlative conjunctions. While coordinating and correlative conjunctions are important, this article will primarily focus on subordinating conjunctions as they are key to forming complex sentences.
Types of Conjunctions
Before we get into subordinating conjunctions and complex sentences, it’s worth briefly revisiting the three types of conjunctions to understand their roles:
1. **Coordinating Conjunctions**: These conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses that are of equal importance. The most common coordinating conjunctions can be remembered using the acronym **FANBOYS**: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
2. **Subordinating Conjunctions**: These conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, establishing a relationship between the two. Examples include **because, although, since, unless, if, and while**.
3. **Correlative Conjunctions**: These conjunctions work in pairs to link equal elements in a sentence. Common pairs include **either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…but also**.
Understanding Complex Sentences
A complex sentence is made up of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. The independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while the dependent clause cannot. The role of the subordinating conjunction is to connect these clauses and show the relationship between them.
Independent and Dependent Clauses
To fully grasp the role of conjunctions in complex sentences, it’s essential to differentiate between independent and dependent clauses:
– **Independent Clause**: A group of words that contains a subject and a predicate and expresses a complete thought. For example, “She went to the store.”
– **Dependent Clause**: A group of words that also contains a subject and a predicate but does not express a complete thought. It relies on the independent clause to give it meaning. For example, “because she needed milk.”
When these two types of clauses are combined using a subordinating conjunction, they form a complex sentence: “She went to the store because she needed milk.”
Subordinating Conjunctions in Detail
Subordinating conjunctions are pivotal in forming complex sentences. They serve to show various relationships between the dependent and independent clauses, such as time, cause and effect, contrast, and condition.
Time-Related Conjunctions
Time-related subordinating conjunctions indicate when something happens in relation to another event. Examples include **after, before, when, while, since, and until**.
– **After**: “She went to bed after she finished her homework.”
– **Before**: “I will call you before I leave.”
– **When**: “When the sun sets, the sky turns orange.”
– **While**: “He read a book while he waited for the bus.”
– **Since**: “I have been happier since I started yoga.”
– **Until**: “We will wait until you arrive.”
Cause and Effect Conjunctions
These conjunctions illustrate a cause-and-effect relationship between the clauses. Common examples are **because, since, as, and so that**.
– **Because**: “She was late because she missed the bus.”
– **Since**: “Since you asked, I will tell you the truth.”
– **As**: “As it was raining, we canceled the picnic.”
– **So that**: “He left early so that he could catch the train.”
Contrast Conjunctions
Contrast conjunctions show a contrast or exception between the ideas in the clauses. Some examples include **although, though, even though, whereas, and while**.
– **Although**: “Although it was cold, we went for a walk.”
– **Though**: “Though he tried hard, he didn’t win the race.”
– **Even though**: “Even though she was tired, she finished her work.”
– **Whereas**: “She loves coffee, whereas he prefers tea.”
– **While**: “While I like reading, my brother enjoys sports.”
Condition Conjunctions
Condition conjunctions express a conditional relationship between the clauses. Examples are **if, unless, only if, and provided that**.
– **If**: “If it rains, we will stay indoors.”
– **Unless**: “You can’t go out unless you finish your homework.”
– **Only if**: “You will succeed only if you work hard.”
– **Provided that**: “We can go on a trip provided that we save enough money.”
Forming Complex Sentences
Now that we understand the various types of subordinating conjunctions, let’s look at how to form complex sentences. The structure of a complex sentence can vary depending on the placement of the independent and dependent clauses.
Starting with the Dependent Clause
When a complex sentence begins with a dependent clause, it is followed by a comma before the independent clause.
Example:
– **Because** she was tired, she went to bed early.
– **Although** it was raining, they went for a hike.
– **If** you need help, just let me know.
Starting with the Independent Clause
When the independent clause comes first, a comma is usually not needed before the dependent clause.
Example:
– She went to bed early **because** she was tired.
– They went for a hike **although** it was raining.
– Just let me know **if** you need help.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even advanced language learners can sometimes struggle with complex sentences. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:
Misplacing the Comma
One of the most frequent errors is misplacing the comma. Remember:
– Use a comma **after** the dependent clause when it comes first.
– Do **not** use a comma **before** the dependent clause when it follows the independent clause.
Incorrect: She went to bed early, because she was tired.
Correct: She went to bed early because she was tired.
Incorrect: Because she was tired she went to bed early.
Correct: Because she was tired, she went to bed early.
Using the Wrong Conjunction
Choosing the appropriate subordinating conjunction is crucial for conveying the correct relationship between the clauses. Misusing conjunctions can change the meaning of the sentence.
Incorrect: She went to bed early although she was tired. (This implies a contrast, which doesn’t make sense here.)
Correct: She went to bed early **because** she was tired.
Incorrect: We will go to the park unless it rains. (This implies that going to the park depends on it not raining, which may be correct, but often the intended meaning is conditional.)
Correct: We will go to the park **if** it rains.
Sentence Fragments
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence. Ensure that your dependent clause is always paired with an independent clause to form a complete sentence.
Incorrect: Because she was tired. (This is a fragment and doesn’t express a complete thought.)
Correct: **Because** she was tired, she went to bed early.
Incorrect: If it rains. (This is also a fragment.)
Correct: **If** it rains, we will stay indoors.
Practice Makes Perfect
To master the use of conjunctions in complex sentences, consistent practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help you:
Exercise 1: Identify the Clauses
Identify the independent and dependent clauses in the following sentences:
1. Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
2. She didn’t come to the party because she was ill.
3. If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
4. They were happy since they won the game.
Answers:
1. Independent clause: “we went for a walk”
Dependent clause: “Although it was raining”
2. Independent clause: “She didn’t come to the party”
Dependent clause: “because she was ill”
3. Independent clause: “you will pass the exam”
Dependent clause: “If you study hard”
4. Independent clause: “They were happy”
Dependent clause: “since they won the game”
Exercise 2: Complete the Sentences
Complete the following sentences by adding an appropriate dependent clause:
1. She went to the market because…
2. Although he was tired, …
3. If you need help, …
4. They stayed home since…
Possible Answers:
1. She went to the market **because she needed groceries**.
2. Although he was tired, **he continued working**.
3. If you need help, **just call me**.
4. They stayed home **since it was raining**.
Exercise 3: Combine the Sentences
Combine the following pairs of sentences into complex sentences using the given conjunctions:
1. She was hungry. She made a sandwich. (because)
2. I will call you. I arrive at the station. (when)
3. He didn’t pass the exam. He studied hard. (although)
4. You finish your homework. You can watch TV. (after)
Possible Answers:
1. She made a sandwich **because** she was hungry.
2. I will call you **when** I arrive at the station.
3. **Although** he studied hard, he didn’t pass the exam.
4. You can watch TV **after** you finish your homework.
Conclusion
Understanding and using conjunctions effectively in complex sentences is a vital skill for any language learner. Subordinating conjunctions, in particular, are essential for linking ideas and establishing relationships between clauses. By practicing the use of these conjunctions and being mindful of common pitfalls, you can significantly improve your writing and speaking abilities. Remember, like any other aspect of language learning, mastering conjunctions takes time and practice. So, keep practicing, and you will see improvement in no time. Happy learning!
