In the vast world of grammar, one of the most fascinating yet often misunderstood elements is the subordinating conjunction. These little words play a pivotal role in constructing complex sentences and enhancing the richness of our language. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced language learner, understanding subordinating conjunctions will significantly improve your writing and speaking skills.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that link a dependent clause to an independent clause. In simpler terms, they connect a clause that cannot stand alone (a dependent clause) to one that can (an independent clause). The result is a complex sentence that provides more detailed information, reasoning, or contrast.
Common subordinating conjunctions include words like because, although, since, if, and when. Each of these words serves a unique purpose, adding depth and nuance to your sentences.
Types of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can be broadly classified into several categories based on the type of relationship they establish between clauses. Let’s explore these categories:
1. Cause and Effect
These conjunctions explain why something happens. They answer the question “Why?” and show the cause of an action or event.
– Because: “She went home early because she was feeling sick.”
– Since: “Since it’s raining, we should stay indoors.”
– As: “As the weather was bad, the event was canceled.”
2. Time
Time subordinating conjunctions indicate when something happens. They answer the question “When?” and show the timing of an event.
– When: “Call me when you arrive.”
– While: “She read a book while waiting for the bus.”
– Before: “Finish your homework before you go out.”
– After: “We’ll eat after they arrive.”
– Until: “Stay here until I get back.”
3. Condition
Conditional conjunctions express that one event will happen only if another specific event occurs first. They answer the question “Under what condition?”
– If: “If it rains, we’ll cancel the picnic.”
– Unless: “You won’t pass the exam unless you study.”
– Provided that: “You can go out provided that you finish your chores.”
4. Contrast
Contrast conjunctions show the difference between two ideas or events. They answer the question “How?”
– Although: “Although it was raining, we went for a walk.”
– Even though: “Even though she was tired, she finished her work.”
– Though: “He stayed up late, though he had an early meeting.”
The Role of Subordinating Conjunctions in Sentence Structure
Understanding how subordinating conjunctions function in a sentence is crucial for mastering complex sentence structures. Let’s break down the anatomy of a sentence that uses a subordinating conjunction.
Independent and Dependent Clauses
– **Independent Clause**: This is a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence. For example, “She was feeling sick.”
– **Dependent Clause**: This is an incomplete thought that cannot stand alone. It depends on the independent clause to make sense. For example, “because she was feeling sick.”
When you combine these two with a subordinating conjunction, you get: “She went home early because she was feeling sick.”
Positioning of Clauses
Subordinating conjunctions can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. The placement of the dependent clause affects the punctuation:
– **Dependent Clause First**: When the dependent clause comes first, it is usually followed by a comma. “Because she was feeling sick, she went home early.”
– **Independent Clause First**: When the independent clause comes first, no comma is generally needed. “She went home early because she was feeling sick.”
Practical Applications of Subordinating Conjunctions
Mastering subordinating conjunctions can greatly enhance your writing and speaking abilities. Here are some practical applications:
1. Writing Essays
In essay writing, subordinating conjunctions help in constructing coherent arguments and adding depth to your points. For example:
– “Although the study shows positive results, further research is needed.”
– “Since the data was inconclusive, we cannot draw a definitive conclusion.”
2. Storytelling
In storytelling, these conjunctions add layers to your narrative, making it more engaging and detailed:
– “When the clock struck midnight, the mysterious figure appeared.”
– “Even though she was scared, she decided to investigate the noise.”
3. Everyday Conversations
In daily conversations, using subordinating conjunctions can make your speech more fluent and natural:
– “I’ll join you for dinner if I finish my work on time.”
– “We can go to the park unless it starts to rain.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
While subordinating conjunctions are incredibly useful, they can also be tricky. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:
1. Misplacing Clauses
Ensure that the dependent clause is properly connected to the independent clause. Misplacing them can make your sentence confusing.
– Incorrect: “She was feeling sick, because she went home early.”
– Correct: “She went home early because she was feeling sick.”
2. Overusing Commas
Remember the rule about comma placement. Use a comma when the dependent clause comes first, but not when the independent clause comes first.
– Incorrect: “Although it was raining, but we went for a walk.”
– Correct: “Although it was raining, we went for a walk.”
3. Using the Wrong Conjunction
Different subordinating conjunctions serve different purposes. Make sure you use the correct one for the relationship you are trying to express.
– Incorrect: “She went home early although she was feeling sick.” (This implies contrast, not cause and effect)
– Correct: “She went home early because she was feeling sick.”
Advanced Usage of Subordinating Conjunctions
For those looking to take their language skills to the next level, mastering the advanced usage of subordinating conjunctions can be incredibly rewarding.
1. Combining Multiple Subordinating Conjunctions
In more complex sentences, you can use multiple subordinating conjunctions to convey intricate relationships between ideas.
– “Because it was raining and since we had no umbrella, we decided to stay home.”
2. Using Subordinating Conjunctions in Formal Writing
In formal writing, subordinating conjunctions help in crafting well-structured and sophisticated sentences.
– “Provided that all conditions are met, the contract will be signed.”
– “As long as the data supports the hypothesis, the theory will be accepted.”
3. Creating Emphasis
Sometimes, the placement of a subordinating conjunction can add emphasis to a particular part of your sentence.
– “Even though he was exhausted, he continued to work, showing remarkable dedication.”
Exercises and Practice
To truly master subordinating conjunctions, practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help you:
1. Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences with the appropriate subordinating conjunction:
1. _______ it was late, she continued to work on her project.
2. He decided to go for a run _______ it was raining.
3. We can’t leave _______ everyone is ready.
4. _______ you finish your homework, you can watch TV.
2. Sentence Construction
Create complex sentences using the following subordinating conjunctions:
1. Because
2. Although
3. If
4. When
3. Error Correction
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences:
1. She went to bed early although she was tired.
2. Since it was raining, but we decided to go hiking.
3. He will come to the party, if he finishes his work on time.
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are powerful tools in the English language. They help in creating complex sentences that add depth, clarity, and sophistication to your communication. By understanding their functions, types, and proper usage, you can significantly enhance both your writing and speaking skills. Remember, practice makes perfect. So, keep experimenting with subordinating conjunctions in your sentences, and soon they will become a natural part of your language repertoire.
