Conjunctions are essential components of the English language, acting as the glue that holds sentences together. When we delve into the realm of complex sentences, conjunctions play a pivotal role in connecting independent and dependent clauses, thereby adding depth and clarity to our communication. Understanding how to use conjunctions effectively in complex sentences is crucial for anyone looking to master English, whether for academic, professional, or everyday communication purposes.
What Are Complex Sentences?
Before diving into the intricacies of conjunctions, it’s essential to understand what a complex sentence is. A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while a dependent clause cannot. For example:
– Independent clause: “I went to the store.”
– Dependent clause: “because I needed some milk.”
When combined, they form a complex sentence: “I went to the store because I needed some milk.”
The Role of Conjunctions in Complex Sentences
Conjunctions are words that link clauses, phrases, or words. In complex sentences, conjunctions are primarily used to connect an independent clause with a dependent clause. There are three main types of conjunctions: subordinating conjunctions, coordinating conjunctions, and correlative conjunctions. However, in the context of complex sentences, subordinating conjunctions are the most relevant.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are used to introduce dependent clauses and indicate the relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause. Some common subordinating conjunctions include:
– Because
– Although
– Since
– Unless
– While
– After
– Before
– If
Let’s explore some examples:
1. **Because**: “I stayed home because it was raining.”
– The dependent clause “because it was raining” explains the reason for the action in the independent clause “I stayed home.”
2. **Although**: “Although he was tired, he finished his homework.”
– The dependent clause “Although he was tired” contrasts with the action in the independent clause “he finished his homework.”
3. **Since**: “Since she moved to the city, she has made many new friends.”
– The dependent clause “Since she moved to the city” provides a time reference for the action in the independent clause “she has made many new friends.”
Functions and Examples of Common Subordinating Conjunctions
Understanding the specific functions of different subordinating conjunctions can help you use them more effectively in your writing and speech. Let’s examine some of the most common subordinating conjunctions and their functions.
Cause and Effect
Subordinating conjunctions like “because,” “since,” and “as” are used to show a cause-and-effect relationship between clauses.
– **Because**: “I went to bed early because I was tired.”
– The dependent clause “because I was tired” explains the reason for the action in the independent clause “I went to bed early.”
– **Since**: “Since it was raining, we canceled the picnic.”
– The dependent clause “Since it was raining” provides the reason for the action in the independent clause “we canceled the picnic.”
– **As**: “As it was getting late, we decided to leave.”
– The dependent clause “As it was getting late” explains why the action in the independent clause “we decided to leave” occurred.
Contrast
Subordinating conjunctions like “although,” “though,” “even though,” and “whereas” are used to show contrast between clauses.
– **Although**: “Although it was cold, we went for a walk.”
– The dependent clause “Although it was cold” contrasts with the action in the independent clause “we went for a walk.”
– **Though**: “Though she is young, she is very responsible.”
– The dependent clause “Though she is young” contrasts with the statement in the independent clause “she is very responsible.”
– **Even though**: “Even though he was injured, he finished the race.”
– The dependent clause “Even though he was injured” contrasts with the action in the independent clause “he finished the race.”
– **Whereas**: “Whereas John is outgoing, his brother is quite shy.”
– The dependent clause “Whereas John is outgoing” contrasts with the statement in the independent clause “his brother is quite shy.”
Time
Subordinating conjunctions like “when,” “while,” “after,” “before,” “until,” and “as soon as” are used to indicate the timing of actions.
– **When**: “When she arrived, the meeting had already started.”
– The dependent clause “When she arrived” provides a time reference for the action in the independent clause “the meeting had already started.”
– **While**: “While I was cooking, the phone rang.”
– The dependent clause “While I was cooking” provides a time reference for the action in the independent clause “the phone rang.”
– **After**: “After he finished his work, he went for a walk.”
– The dependent clause “After he finished his work” provides a time reference for the action in the independent clause “he went for a walk.”
– **Before**: “Before she left, she checked her emails.”
– The dependent clause “Before she left” provides a time reference for the action in the independent clause “she checked her emails.”
– **Until**: “We stayed at the party until it ended.”
– The dependent clause “until it ended” provides a time reference for the action in the independent clause “We stayed at the party.”
– **As soon as**: “As soon as I get home, I’ll call you.”
– The dependent clause “As soon as I get home” provides a time reference for the action in the independent clause “I’ll call you.”
Condition
Subordinating conjunctions like “if,” “unless,” “provided that,” and “as long as” are used to show conditions.
– **If**: “If it rains, we will stay home.”
– The dependent clause “If it rains” sets a condition for the action in the independent clause “we will stay home.”
– **Unless**: “You can’t go out unless you finish your homework.”
– The dependent clause “unless you finish your homework” sets a condition for the action in the independent clause “You can’t go out.”
– **Provided that**: “You can go to the party provided that you are back by midnight.”
– The dependent clause “provided that you are back by midnight” sets a condition for the action in the independent clause “You can go to the party.”
– **As long as**: “As long as you follow the rules, you won’t get into trouble.”
– The dependent clause “As long as you follow the rules” sets a condition for the statement in the independent clause “you won’t get into trouble.”
Purpose
Subordinating conjunctions like “so that” and “in order that” are used to show purpose or intention.
– **So that**: “She studied hard so that she could pass the exam.”
– The dependent clause “so that she could pass the exam” indicates the purpose of the action in the independent clause “She studied hard.”
– **In order that**: “He saved money in order that he could buy a new car.”
– The dependent clause “in order that he could buy a new car” indicates the purpose of the action in the independent clause “He saved money.”
Combining Multiple Conjunctions
It’s not uncommon to find sentences that use multiple conjunctions to convey more complex relationships between ideas. When combining multiple conjunctions, it’s crucial to maintain clarity and coherence. Consider the following example:
“Although it was raining, we decided to go hiking because we had planned the trip for weeks.”
In this sentence, two conjunctions are used:
1. **Although**: introduces a contrast between the weather and the decision to go hiking.
2. **Because**: explains the reason behind the decision to go hiking.
Punctuation in Complex Sentences
Proper punctuation is essential when constructing complex sentences to ensure clarity. Generally, 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 typically needed. For example:
– **Dependent clause first**: “Because it was raining, we stayed inside.”
– **Independent clause first**: “We stayed inside because it was raining.”
When using conjunctions that indicate contrast, such as “although” or “though,” the comma rule still applies:
– **Dependent clause first**: “Although he was tired, he finished his homework.”
– **Independent clause first**: “He finished his homework although he was tired.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Using conjunctions in complex sentences can be tricky, and several common mistakes can occur. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for and tips on how to avoid them:
Overusing Conjunctions
While conjunctions are essential, overusing them can make sentences convoluted and hard to follow. It’s crucial to strike a balance and use conjunctions only when necessary. For example:
– Overuse: “Because it was raining and because we had no umbrellas, and because we didn’t want to get wet, we stayed inside.”
– Better: “Because it was raining and we had no umbrellas, we stayed inside.”
Misplacing Dependent Clauses
Placing dependent clauses incorrectly can lead to confusion. Ensure that the dependent clause is directly related to the independent clause it modifies. For example:
– Incorrect: “We stayed inside, because it was raining, and we had no umbrellas.”
– Correct: “Because it was raining and we had no umbrellas, we stayed inside.”
Ignoring Punctuation Rules
Ignoring punctuation rules can result in run-on sentences or sentence fragments. Always punctuate complex sentences correctly to maintain clarity. For example:
– Incorrect: “Although it was raining we went for a walk.”
– Correct: “Although it was raining, we went for a walk.”
Practical Exercises for Mastery
To master the use of conjunctions in complex sentences, practice is essential. Here are a few exercises to help you hone your skills:
Exercise 1: Identify the Conjunction
Read the following sentences and identify the conjunction and the dependent clause:
1. “Since she moved to the city, she has made many new friends.”
2. “We canceled the picnic because it was raining.”
3. “Although he was tired, he finished his homework.”
4. “You can’t go out unless you finish your homework.”
5. “She studied hard so that she could pass the exam.”
Exercise 2: Create Complex Sentences
Combine the following pairs of independent and dependent clauses to form complex sentences:
1. Independent clause: “I went to bed early.”
Dependent clause: “I was tired.”
2. Independent clause: “He finished the race.”
Dependent clause: “He was injured.”
3. Independent clause: “We stayed at the party.”
Dependent clause: “It ended.”
4. Independent clause: “I’ll call you.”
Dependent clause: “I get home.”
5. Independent clause: “You won’t get into trouble.”
Dependent clause: “You follow the rules.”
Exercise 3: Correct the Mistakes
Correct the following sentences to ensure proper use of conjunctions and punctuation:
1. “Although he was tired he finished his homework.”
2. “We stayed inside, because it was raining, and we had no umbrellas.”
3. “She studied hard so that she could pass the exam, and because she wanted a good grade.”
4. “Because it was raining and because we had no umbrellas, and because we didn’t want to get wet, we stayed inside.”
5. “You can’t go out unless you finish your homework, and you have to clean your room.”
Conclusion
Conjunctions are indispensable tools for constructing complex sentences, allowing us to convey intricate ideas and relationships between actions, reasons, contrasts, and conditions. By understanding the different types of conjunctions and their functions, and by practicing their use, you can enhance your writing and speaking skills in English. Whether you’re writing an academic paper, crafting a professional email, or engaging in everyday conversation, mastering conjunctions in complex sentences will enable you to communicate more effectively and eloquently.
