Subordinating conjunctions are a critical element in English grammar that help to establish relationships between clauses, making our sentences more cohesive and meaningful. By using subordinating conjunctions, we can link an independent clause with a dependent clause, allowing us to express complex ideas clearly and effectively. In this article, we will delve into the world of subordinating conjunctions, exploring their functions, types, and usage in sentences. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, understanding subordinating conjunctions will enhance your writing and speaking skills.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, whereas a dependent clause cannot. The subordinating conjunction serves as a bridge between these two clauses, indicating a relationship such as time, cause and effect, condition, contrast, or purpose.
Some common subordinating conjunctions include:
– because
– although
– since
– unless
– if
– while
– when
– after
– before
– until
Functions of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions serve various functions in sentences, each providing a different type of relationship between the clauses. Let’s explore these functions in more detail:
1. Time
When subordinating conjunctions express time, they indicate when something happens in relation to another event. Examples include:
– When: “I will call you when I arrive.”
– Before: “We need to finish our homework before we go out.”
– After: “She decided to take a nap after she completed her assignments.”
– Until: “He waited until the rain stopped.”
– While: “She read a book while waiting for the bus.”
2. Cause and Effect
These subordinating conjunctions show a cause-and-effect relationship between clauses. Examples include:
– Because: “He stayed home because he was sick.”
– Since: “Since it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.”
– As: “She couldn’t attend the meeting as she had another appointment.”
3. Condition
Subordinating conjunctions of condition express circumstances under which something will happen. Examples include:
– If: “If you study hard, you will pass the exam.”
– Unless: “You won’t succeed unless you put in the effort.”
– Provided that: “We can go for a hike provided that the weather is nice.”
4. Contrast
These subordinating conjunctions indicate a contrast or opposition between clauses. Examples include:
– Although: “Although it was cold, we went for a walk.”
– Even though: “She decided to go out even though she was tired.”
– Though: “He continued working though he was feeling unwell.”
5. Purpose
Subordinating conjunctions of purpose indicate the reason or intention behind an action. Examples include:
– So that: “She saved money so that she could buy a new car.”
– In order that: “He left early in order that he could catch the train.”
Placement and Punctuation
When using subordinating conjunctions, the placement of clauses and punctuation are essential to ensure clarity and correctness. The dependent clause can either come before or after the independent clause.
1. Dependent Clause Before Independent Clause
When the dependent clause comes first, it is usually followed by a comma to separate it from the independent clause. For example:
– “Because it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.”
– “If you study hard, you will pass the exam.”
2. Independent Clause Before Dependent Clause
When the independent clause comes first, a comma is generally not needed. For example:
– “We decided to stay indoors because it was raining.”
– “You will pass the exam if you study hard.”
Common Mistakes and Tips
As with any aspect of grammar, there are common mistakes that learners should be aware of when using subordinating conjunctions. Here are some tips to avoid these pitfalls:
1. Avoiding Sentence Fragments
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence. Ensure that it is always connected to an independent clause. For example:
– Incorrect: “Because it was raining.”
– Correct: “We stayed indoors because it was raining.”
2. Using the Correct Conjunction
Different subordinating conjunctions express different relationships. Be sure to use the correct one to convey your intended meaning. For example:
– Incorrect: “She went out because she was tired.” (This does not make logical sense)
– Correct: “She went out although she was tired.”
3. Maintaining Parallel Structure
When using subordinating conjunctions in sentences with multiple clauses, ensure that the structure of the clauses is parallel for clarity and readability. For example:
– Incorrect: “She likes to read while he enjoys playing video games.”
– Correct: “She likes to read while he likes to play video games.”
Practice and Application
The best way to master subordinating conjunctions is through practice. Here are some exercises to help you apply what you have learned:
Exercise 1: Identify the Subordinating Conjunction
Read the following sentences and identify the subordinating conjunction:
1. “I will call you when I arrive.”
2. “He stayed home because he was sick.”
3. “Although it was cold, we went for a walk.”
4. “You won’t succeed unless you put in the effort.”
5. “She saved money so that she could buy a new car.”
Exercise 2: Combine Sentences Using Subordinating Conjunctions
Combine the following pairs of sentences using the appropriate subordinating conjunction:
1. I was late. I missed the bus. (because)
2. She studied hard. She wanted to pass the exam. (so that)
3. He continued working. He was feeling unwell. (though)
4. You will pass the exam. You study hard. (if)
5. We decided to stay indoors. It was raining. (since)
Exercise 3: Rewrite Sentences
Rewrite the following sentences by placing the dependent clause at the beginning of the sentence:
1. “We decided to stay indoors because it was raining.”
2. “You will pass the exam if you study hard.”
3. “She went out although she was tired.”
4. “He waited until the rain stopped.”
5. “She read a book while waiting for the bus.”
Advanced Usage of Subordinating Conjunctions
For advanced learners, it’s important to understand that subordinating conjunctions can be used in more complex structures and can even be combined with other grammatical elements for nuanced meanings.
1. Combining Subordinating Conjunctions with Relative Clauses
Subordinating conjunctions can be used in combination with relative clauses to add more detail and information to a sentence. For example:
– “She moved to the city because she got a job there, which she had always wanted.”
2. Using Subordinating Conjunctions in Conditional Sentences
Conditional sentences often use subordinating conjunctions like “if” and “unless” to express hypothetical situations. For example:
– “If I had known about the traffic, I would have left earlier.”
– “You won’t be able to attend the event unless you register in advance.”
3. Infinitive Phrases with Subordinating Conjunctions
Infinitive phrases can follow subordinating conjunctions to express purpose or intention. For example:
– “She studied all night in order to pass the exam.”
– “He left early so as to avoid the rush hour traffic.”
4. Subordinating Conjunctions in Complex Sentences
Complex sentences often use multiple subordinating conjunctions to link several dependent clauses to an independent clause. For example:
– “Although it was raining, we went for a walk, because we had already made plans.”
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions play a vital role in English grammar by linking dependent clauses to independent clauses and expressing various relationships such as time, cause and effect, condition, contrast, and purpose. Mastering the use of subordinating conjunctions will enhance your ability to write and speak more clearly and effectively.
By understanding their functions, practicing their usage, and applying them in complex structures, you can become more proficient in using subordinating conjunctions. Remember to avoid common mistakes, maintain parallel structure, and practice regularly to reinforce your learning.
Whether you are crafting a compelling essay, engaging in a meaningful conversation, or simply writing a letter, subordinating conjunctions will help you convey your thoughts and ideas with greater precision and clarity. Happy learning!
