Subordinating conjunctions play a crucial role in the structure and meaning of sentences. They help to connect clauses, establish relationships between ideas, and add depth to writing and speech. Understanding and using subordinating conjunctions correctly can significantly improve your fluency and comprehension in English. This article aims to provide a thorough exploration of subordinating conjunctions, their functions, and practical examples to help you master their usage.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that link a dependent clause (also known as a subordinate clause) to an independent clause. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while a dependent clause cannot. The subordinating conjunction serves to show the relationship between the two clauses, indicating time, cause and effect, contrast, condition, and more.
Common subordinating conjunctions include words such as because, although, if, when, while, since, and unless. Each of these words introduces a dependent clause and connects it to the main clause, providing additional information and context.
Types of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can be categorized based on the type of relationship they express between the clauses. Here are some of the most common categories:
1. Cause and Effect
These subordinating conjunctions show a cause-and-effect relationship between two clauses.
– Because: “She was late because she missed the bus.”
– Since: “Since it was raining, we canceled the picnic.”
– As: “As he was tired, he went to bed early.”
2. Time
These conjunctions indicate a time relationship between the clauses.
– When: “When the bell rings, the students leave the classroom.”
– While: “While I was cooking, the phone rang.”
– Before: “Before you go to bed, brush your teeth.”
– After: “After he finished his homework, he played video games.”
– Until: “She waited until he arrived.”
3. Contrast
These conjunctions show a contrast or opposition between two ideas.
– Although: “Although it was cold, they went for a walk.”
– Though: “Though she was tired, she continued working.”
– Even though: “Even though he is young, he is very responsible.”
– Whereas: “He likes coffee, whereas she prefers tea.”
4. Condition
These subordinating conjunctions introduce conditional clauses.
– If: “If it rains, we will stay indoors.”
– Unless: “You won’t succeed unless you try.”
– Provided that: “You can go out provided that you finish your homework.”
– As long as: “As long as you follow the rules, you will be fine.”
5. Purpose
These conjunctions express the purpose or intention behind an action.
– So that: “She studied hard so that she could pass the exam.”
– In order that: “They left early in order that they might catch the train.”
6. Comparison
These conjunctions are used to show a comparison between two clauses.
– Than: “She is taller than her brother.”
– As…as: “He is as intelligent as his father.”
Placement of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. When the subordinating conjunction is at the beginning, the dependent clause comes first, followed by a comma, and then the independent clause. When the subordinating conjunction is in the middle, the independent clause comes first, followed by the subordinating conjunction and the dependent clause, without a comma.
Examples:
– Beginning of the sentence: “Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.”
– Middle of the sentence: “We stayed indoors because it was raining.”
Punctuation Rules
When a dependent clause precedes the independent clause, a comma is used to separate them. However, when the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed.
Examples:
– “Although he was tired, he finished his work.”
– “He finished his work although he was tired.”
Common Mistakes with Subordinating Conjunctions
1. Using the Wrong Conjunction
Choosing the incorrect subordinating conjunction can change the meaning of a sentence or make it unclear. For instance, using “because” instead of “although” can confuse the cause-and-effect relationship with contrast.
Incorrect: “Because it was raining, I went for a walk.”
Correct: “Although it was raining, I went for a walk.”
2. Misplacing Commas
Incorrect comma placement can make a sentence difficult to read or change its meaning. Remember the basic rule: use a comma when the dependent clause comes first.
Incorrect: “Because it was raining I stayed indoors.”
Correct: “Because it was raining, I stayed indoors.”
3. Creating Sentence Fragments
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence. Ensure that every dependent clause is paired with an independent clause.
Incorrect: “Although he was tired.”
Correct: “Although he was tired, he finished his work.”
Advanced Usage of Subordinating Conjunctions
Once you are comfortable with the basic usage of subordinating conjunctions, you can start exploring more advanced structures and variations.
1. Complex Sentences
Subordinating conjunctions allow you to create complex sentences that convey detailed and nuanced information. By combining multiple clauses, you can express a variety of ideas in a single sentence.
Example:
“Although it was raining, we went for a walk because we had promised to meet our friends, who were waiting for us at the park.”
2. Multiple Subordinating Conjunctions
You can use more than one subordinating conjunction in a sentence to show multiple relationships between clauses.
Example:
“Because she was tired and since it was late, she decided to go to bed early.”
3. Elliptical Clauses
In some cases, part of the dependent clause can be omitted if it is understood from the context. This is known as an elliptical clause.
Example:
“Although tired, he continued working.” (The full clause would be “Although he was tired, he continued working.”)
Practical Exercises
To solidify your understanding of subordinating conjunctions, try these exercises:
1. Identify the Subordinating Conjunction
In the following sentences, identify the subordinating conjunction and the dependent clause:
1. “When the sun sets, the temperature drops.”
2. “She stayed home because she was sick.”
3. “Although he studied hard, he didn’t pass the exam.”
4. “You can go out as long as you finish your chores.”
5. “Since it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.”
2. Combine Sentences Using Subordinating Conjunctions
Combine the following pairs of sentences using an appropriate subordinating conjunction:
1. “It was raining. We went for a walk.”
2. “She was tired. She finished her work.”
3. “He speaks French. He lives in France.”
4. “You will succeed. You must try.”
5. “She was hungry. She didn’t eat.”
3. Correct the Mistakes
Correct the mistakes in the following sentences:
1. “Because it was raining I stayed indoors.”
2. “Although he was tired. He finished his work.”
3. “He finished his work although, he was tired.”
4. “Since it was raining, we stayed indoors, we watched a movie.”
5. “Because he was late, he didn’t missed the bus.”
Conclusion
Mastering subordinating conjunctions is essential for anyone looking to improve their English language skills. These conjunctions help to create more complex and nuanced sentences, allowing you to express a wider range of ideas and relationships. By understanding the different types of subordinating conjunctions, their correct placement, and common mistakes to avoid, you can enhance both your written and spoken English.
Keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to experiment with more advanced structures as you become more comfortable with the basics. With time and practice, you’ll find that using subordinating conjunctions becomes second nature, adding depth and clarity to your communication.
