Subordinating conjunctions are an essential part of the English language, serving as the glue that holds together complex sentences and adding depth and nuance to our communication. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, mastering subordinating conjunctions can significantly enhance your writing and speaking skills. In this article, we’ll delve into what subordinating conjunctions are, how they function, and how you can use them effectively in your sentences.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words or phrases that connect an independent clause with one or more dependent clauses. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while a dependent clause cannot. The subordinating conjunction introduces the dependent clause and indicates the relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause.
Some common subordinating conjunctions include:
– after
– although
– because
– before
– even if
– even though
– if
– once
– since
– though
– unless
– until
– when
– whenever
– whereas
– while
Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions in Sentences
To understand how subordinating conjunctions work, let’s look at some examples:
1. **Because**: “I stayed home because it was raining.”
– “I stayed home” is the independent clause.
– “because it was raining” is the dependent clause introduced by the subordinating conjunction “because.”
2. **Although**: “Although he was tired, he finished his homework.”
– “he finished his homework” is the independent clause.
– “Although he was tired” is the dependent clause introduced by the subordinating conjunction “although.”
3. **If**: “If you study hard, you will pass the exam.”
– “you will pass the exam” is the independent clause.
– “If you study hard” is the dependent clause introduced by the subordinating conjunction “if.”
Types of Relationships Indicated by Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can indicate a variety of relationships between the clauses they connect. Here are some of the most common types:
Cause and Effect
Subordinating conjunctions such as “because,” “since,” and “as” are often used to show a cause-and-effect relationship.
– “She left early **because** she wasn’t feeling well.”
– “Since it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.”
– “As the sun set, the temperature dropped.”
Contrast
Subordinating conjunctions like “although,” “though,” and “even though” are used to show contrast.
– “Although he was late, he still managed to catch the train.”
– “She kept working, even though she was exhausted.”
– “Though it was cold, they went for a walk.”
Time
Subordinating conjunctions such as “when,” “before,” “after,” “until,” and “while” indicate relationships in time.
– “Call me **when** you arrive.”
– “She finished her homework **before** she went out to play.”
– “We’ll wait **until** the rain stops.”
– “He read a book **while** he waited for the bus.”
Condition
Subordinating conjunctions like “if,” “unless,” and “provided that” express conditions.
– “If you need help, let me know.”
– “You can’t go out **unless** you finish your chores.”
– “We can go to the park, **provided that** it doesn’t rain.”
Position of Subordinating Conjunctions in a Sentence
Subordinating conjunctions can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. When the dependent clause comes first, it is usually followed by a comma. When the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed.
– “Because it was raining, I stayed home.”
– “I stayed home because it was raining.”
– “Although he was tired, he finished his homework.”
– “He finished his homework although he was tired.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learning to use subordinating conjunctions correctly can be challenging. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
Fragmented Sentences
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence. Ensure that your dependent clause is always connected to an independent clause.
– Incorrect: “Because it was raining.”
– Correct: “Because it was raining, I stayed home.”
Misplaced Commas
When the dependent clause comes first, use a comma to separate it from the independent clause. When the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed.
– Incorrect: “I stayed home, because it was raining.”
– Correct: “I stayed home because it was raining.”
Overusing Certain Conjunctions
Variety is the spice of language. Avoid overusing the same subordinating conjunctions. Instead, try to use a range of conjunctions to make your writing more interesting.
– Overused: “Because it was raining, I stayed home. Because I was bored, I watched TV.”
– Varied: “Because it was raining, I stayed home. Since I was bored, I watched TV.”
Advanced Usage of Subordinating Conjunctions
As you become more comfortable with subordinating conjunctions, you can start experimenting with more complex sentence structures. Here are some advanced tips:
Using Multiple Subordinating Conjunctions
You can use multiple subordinating conjunctions in a single sentence to add depth and detail.
– “Because it was raining and since I had no umbrella, I decided to stay home.”
Combining with Coordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can be combined with coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) for more complex sentences.
– “I stayed home because it was raining, and I watched TV.”
Elliptical Constructions
In some cases, you can omit parts of the sentence when they are understood from the context. This is known as an elliptical construction.
– “She is taller than he is” can be shortened to “She is taller than he.”
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to master subordinating conjunctions is through practice. Try incorporating them into your writing and speaking whenever possible. Here are some exercises to help you get started:
Exercise 1: Identify the Subordinating Conjunction
Read the following sentences and identify the subordinating conjunction:
1. “Although it was late, he continued to work on his project.”
2. “She decided to go for a walk because the weather was nice.”
3. “If you finish your homework, you can watch TV.”
Exercise 2: Combine Sentences Using Subordinating Conjunctions
Combine the following pairs of sentences using the appropriate subordinating conjunction:
1. “He was tired. He went to bed early.” (because)
2. “It started to rain. We went inside.” (when)
3. “She studied hard. She passed the exam.” (so that)
Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentences
Write three sentences using different subordinating conjunctions. Be sure to include both the dependent and independent clauses.
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are a powerful tool in the English language, enabling us to create complex sentences that convey a wide range of relationships between ideas. By understanding and mastering subordinating conjunctions, you can enhance your writing and speaking skills, making your communication more precise and nuanced. Remember to practice regularly, and soon you’ll find that using subordinating conjunctions becomes second nature. Happy learning!
