When diving into the intricacies of the English language, understanding the role of subordinating conjunctions is essential. These little words often go unnoticed, but they play a crucial role in forming complex sentences. By linking dependent clauses to independent clauses, subordinating conjunctions add depth, detail, and coherence to our language. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common subordinating conjunctions, their functions, and how to use them effectively to enhance your writing and communication skills.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent clause (a group of words that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence) to an independent clause (a group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence). They are essential in creating complex sentences and providing additional information, such as time, reason, condition, or contrast.
Common subordinating conjunctions include: because, although, if, when, while, since, as, before, after, until, unless, even though, and whereas.
Types of Subordinating Conjunctions
Time Subordinating Conjunctions
Time subordinating conjunctions are used to indicate when something happens in relation to something else. They answer the question “when?” Here are some examples:
– After: “We will go out for dinner after we finish our homework.”
– Before: “She called me before she left the house.”
– When: “I feel happy when I listen to music.”
– While: “He read a book while waiting for the bus.”
– Until: “They danced until the sun came up.”
– Since: “I have been studying English since I was a child.”
Time subordinating conjunctions help to establish the sequence of events, making it clear to the reader or listener when actions occur in relation to each other.
Reason Subordinating Conjunctions
Reason subordinating conjunctions are used to explain why something happens or why someone does something. They answer the question “why?” Examples include:
– Because: “She stayed home because she was feeling sick.”
– Since: “Since it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.”
– As: “As he was late, he missed the meeting.”
Using these conjunctions allows you to provide explanations and justifications, giving your sentences more context and depth.
Condition Subordinating Conjunctions
Condition subordinating conjunctions are used to indicate that one event or situation depends on another. They answer the question “under what condition?” Some common examples are:
– If: “If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.”
– Unless: “You won’t succeed unless you work hard.”
– Provided that: “You can borrow my car provided that you return it by tomorrow.”
– As long as: “You can stay out as long as you call me if you’re going to be late.”
These conjunctions help to establish conditions and set the stage for what needs to happen for something else to occur.
Contrast Subordinating Conjunctions
Contrast subordinating conjunctions are used to show a difference or contrast between two ideas or actions. They answer the question “how?” in terms of comparison. Examples include:
– Although: “Although it was cold, we went for a walk.”
– Even though: “Even though she was tired, she finished her project.”
– Whereas: “He enjoys playing football, whereas she prefers basketball.”
– Though: “Though it was expensive, they decided to buy the house.”
Using these conjunctions can help you express contrasts and highlight differences between ideas or actions, making your writing more nuanced.
Forming Complex Sentences
Understanding how to use subordinating conjunctions effectively is key to forming complex sentences. A complex sentence typically consists of an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses connected by a subordinating conjunction.
For example:
– “She was happy because she passed her exam.”
In this sentence, “She was happy” is the independent clause, and “because she passed her exam” is the dependent clause. The subordinating conjunction “because” connects the two, explaining the reason for her happiness.
Another example:
– “Although it was raining, they decided to go hiking.”
In this case, “they decided to go hiking” is the independent clause, and “although it was raining” is the dependent clause. The subordinating conjunction “although” introduces a contrast between the rain and their decision to hike.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When using subordinating conjunctions, it’s important to avoid some common mistakes that can lead to confusion or incorrect sentence structures.
1. Sentence Fragments
A common mistake is creating sentence fragments by using a dependent clause alone without an independent clause. For example:
– Incorrect: “Because she was tired.”
– Correct: “She went to bed early because she was tired.”
In the correct sentence, the dependent clause “because she was tired” is connected to the independent clause “She went to bed early,” forming a complete sentence.
2. Punctuation Errors
Another common mistake involves incorrect punctuation when using subordinating conjunctions. Generally, if the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, a comma is used. If the dependent clause comes after the independent clause, no comma is needed. For example:
– Correct: “Although it was raining, they decided to go hiking.”
– Correct: “They decided to go hiking although it was raining.”
In the first sentence, the dependent clause “Although it was raining” comes first, so a comma is used. In the second sentence, the dependent clause comes after the independent clause, so no comma is needed.
3. Misplacing Subordinating Conjunctions
Sometimes, subordinating conjunctions are misplaced within a sentence, leading to confusion. Ensure that the conjunction is placed at the beginning of the dependent clause. For example:
– Incorrect: “She was happy she passed her exam because.”
– Correct: “She was happy because she passed her exam.”
In the correct sentence, the subordinating conjunction “because” is placed at the beginning of the dependent clause, making the sentence clear and coherent.
Practice Makes Perfect
To master the use of subordinating conjunctions, practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help you become more comfortable with these important words:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences by choosing the appropriate subordinating conjunction from the list: because, although, if, when, while.
1. _______ it was raining, we went to the beach.
2. She will call you _______ she arrives.
3. They stayed home _______ they were sick.
4. You can go to the party _______ you finish your homework.
5. He was reading a book _______ waiting for his friend.
Answers:
1. Although
2. When
3. Because
4. If
5. While
Exercise 2: Combine Sentences
Combine the following pairs of sentences using the appropriate subordinating conjunction from the list: since, unless, even though, as long as, after.
1. She was tired. She went to bed early.
2. He loves to swim. It is sunny.
3. We will go to the park. It stops raining.
4. I will help you. You ask me nicely.
5. They finished their work. They left the office.
Answers:
1. Since she was tired, she went to bed early.
2. He loves to swim as long as it is sunny.
3. We will go to the park after it stops raining.
4. I will help you if you ask me nicely.
5. They finished their work and then left the office.
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are fundamental building blocks in the English language, allowing us to create complex sentences that convey detailed and nuanced information. By understanding and practicing the use of these conjunctions, you can enhance your writing and communication skills, making your sentences more coherent, informative, and engaging.
Remember to avoid common mistakes such as sentence fragments, punctuation errors, and misplacing conjunctions. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll find that using subordinating conjunctions becomes second nature, and your ability to express complex ideas will greatly improve.
Happy learning, and don’t forget to keep practicing!
