When we dive into the world of complex sentences, one of the fundamental elements we encounter is the use of conjunctions. Conjunctions are the glue that hold different parts of a sentence together, enabling us to express more sophisticated and nuanced ideas. In this article, we will explore conjunctions in complex sentences, their types, and how they function to create meaning.
What Are Conjunctions?
Conjunctions are words that link clauses, phrases, or words within a sentence. They help to establish relationships between different parts of a sentence, which can be of equal or unequal value. There are three primary types of conjunctions: coordinating, subordinating, and correlative. However, in the context of complex sentences, we will primarily focus on subordinating conjunctions.
Types of Conjunctions
Before we delve deeper into subordinating conjunctions, let’s briefly review the three main types of conjunctions:
1. **Coordinating Conjunctions:** These conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses that are of equal importance. The most common coordinating conjunctions are **for**, **and**, **nor**, **but**, **or**, **yet**, and **so** (often remembered by the acronym FANBOYS).
2. **Subordinating Conjunctions:** These conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, creating a complex sentence. Examples include **because**, **although**, **since**, **unless**, and **while**.
3. **Correlative Conjunctions:** These conjunctions work in pairs to connect related elements within a sentence. Examples include **either…or**, **neither…nor**, and **both…and**.
Subordinating Conjunctions in Complex Sentences
Subordinating conjunctions are the key players in complex sentences. A complex sentence consists of an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. The subordinating conjunction introduces the dependent clause and indicates the relationship between the dependent and independent clauses.
Function of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions serve several important functions in complex sentences:
1. **Indicating Cause and Effect:** Subordinating conjunctions like **because**, **since**, and **as** show a cause-and-effect relationship between the independent and dependent clauses.
– Example: She stayed home **because** she was feeling ill.
2. **Showing Contrast:** Conjunctions such as **although**, **though**, and **even though** highlight a contrast between the two clauses.
– Example: **Although** it was raining, they decided to go for a walk.
3. **Expressing Condition:** Conjunctions like **if**, **unless**, and **provided that** introduce conditions for the action in the independent clause.
– Example: You can go to the party **if** you finish your homework.
4. **Indicating Time:** Conjunctions such as **when**, **while**, **before**, and **after** specify the timing of the action.
– Example: Call me **when** you arrive.
5. **Showing Purpose:** Conjunctions like **so that** and **in order that** indicate the purpose of the action in the independent clause.
– Example: She left early **so that** she could catch the train.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
Here is a list of some common subordinating conjunctions and their typical uses:
– **Because**: Indicates reason or cause.
– Example: He didn’t go to the meeting **because** he was sick.
– **Although** / **Though** / **Even though**: Shows contrast.
– Example: **Although** it was late, she continued working.
– **If**: Expresses a condition.
– Example: **If** it rains, the event will be canceled.
– **Since**: Indicates time or reason.
– Example: They have been friends **since** childhood.
– **When**: Indicates time.
– Example: She called me **when** she arrived.
– **While**: Indicates time or contrast.
– Example: **While** he was cooking, she was setting the table.
– **Unless**: Indicates condition.
– Example: You won’t succeed **unless** you try.
– **After**: Indicates time.
– Example: We can go out **after** the meeting.
– **Before**: Indicates time.
– Example: Finish your homework **before** you play video games.
– **So that**: Indicates purpose.
– Example: She saved money **so that** she could buy a car.
Positioning of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a complex sentence. The placement of the subordinating conjunction can affect the punctuation of the sentence.
1. **Subordinating Conjunction at the Beginning**: When the dependent clause comes first, it is usually followed by a comma.
– Example: **Because** it was raining, we stayed indoors.
2. **Subordinating Conjunction in the Middle**: When the independent clause comes first, a comma is typically not used.
– Example: We stayed indoors **because** it was raining.
Creating Complex Sentences
Let’s look at some examples of how subordinating conjunctions can be used to create complex sentences. Notice how the conjunctions help to clarify the relationship between the clauses.
1. **Time**:
– **When** the bell rings, the students will leave the classroom.
– The students will leave the classroom **when** the bell rings.
2. **Cause and Effect**:
– **Because** she studied hard, she passed the exam.
– She passed the exam **because** she studied hard.
3. **Condition**:
– **If** it gets cold, we will light a fire.
– We will light a fire **if** it gets cold.
4. **Contrast**:
– **Although** he was tired, he finished his work.
– He finished his work **although** he was tired.
5. **Purpose**:
– **So that** they could catch the bus, they left early.
– They left early **so that** they could catch the bus.
Complex Sentences in Writing
Understanding how to use subordinating conjunctions to form complex sentences is crucial for effective writing. Complex sentences allow writers to convey more detailed and intricate ideas by combining related thoughts and adding depth to their writing.
Tips for Using Complex Sentences
1. **Vary Sentence Structure**: Avoid using only simple or compound sentences. Mixing in complex sentences can make your writing more engaging and dynamic.
2. **Be Clear**: Ensure that the relationship between the clauses is clear. Misplacing a subordinating conjunction or using the wrong one can confuse the reader.
3. **Punctuation**: Pay attention to punctuation rules. Use a comma when the dependent clause comes first but omit it when the independent clause precedes the dependent clause.
Examples of Complex Sentences in Writing
Here are some examples of how complex sentences can be used effectively in writing:
1. **Narrative Writing**:
– **While** she was walking through the park, she saw a beautiful butterfly.
– She saw a beautiful butterfly **while** she was walking through the park.
2. **Expository Writing**:
– **Because** photosynthesis requires sunlight, plants cannot survive in complete darkness.
– Plants cannot survive in complete darkness **because** photosynthesis requires sunlight.
3. **Persuasive Writing**:
– **If** we want to reduce pollution, we must invest in renewable energy sources.
– We must invest in renewable energy sources **if** we want to reduce pollution.
4. **Descriptive Writing**:
– **Although** the house was old, it had a certain charm.
– The house had a certain charm **although** it was old.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Even though subordinating conjunctions are incredibly useful, they can also lead to common errors if not used correctly. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for and tips on how to avoid them:
Fragmented Sentences
A common mistake is to leave a dependent clause hanging without an independent clause, resulting in a sentence fragment.
– Incorrect: **Because** it was raining.
– Correct: **Because** it was raining, we stayed indoors.
Comma Splices
Another frequent error is using a comma to join two independent clauses without a conjunction, leading to a comma splice.
– Incorrect: It was raining, we stayed indoors.
– Correct: It was raining, **so** we stayed indoors.
Mismatched Conjunctions
Using the wrong subordinating conjunction can confuse the reader and change the intended meaning of the sentence.
– Incorrect: He was happy **although** he got a promotion.
– Correct: He was happy **because** he got a promotion.
Overusing Complex Sentences
While complex sentences are valuable, overusing them can make your writing dense and difficult to follow. Balance complex sentences with simple and compound sentences for better readability.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of subordinating conjunctions and complex sentences, try these practice exercises. Combine the sentences using the appropriate subordinating conjunction.
1. She went to the store. She needed to buy milk. (**because**)
– ______________________________________________________
2. It was raining. They decided to go for a walk. (**although**)
– ______________________________________________________
3. You finish your homework. You can go to the party. (**if**)
– ______________________________________________________
4. He was cooking. She was setting the table. (**while**)
– ______________________________________________________
5. She saved money. She could buy a car. (**so that**)
– ______________________________________________________
Conclusion
Conjunctions, particularly subordinating conjunctions, are essential tools in crafting complex sentences. They allow us to express detailed and nuanced ideas by linking dependent and independent clauses. By understanding how to use subordinating conjunctions effectively, you can enhance your writing, making it more engaging and sophisticated. Remember to vary your sentence structures, be clear in your relationships between clauses, and practice regularly to master the art of complex sentences. Happy writing!
