Conjunctions are an essential part of English grammar, serving as the glue that holds sentences together. They allow us to link ideas, add complexity, and ensure our writing is both coherent and engaging. Among the various types of conjunctions, those used in complex sentences play a particularly pivotal role. Complex sentences, which consist of an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses, help us express nuanced thoughts and intricate relationships between ideas.
Understanding Complex Sentences
Before diving into the conjunctions used in complex sentences, it’s crucial to understand what complex sentences are. A complex sentence is composed of at least one independent clause and one dependent clause. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while a dependent clause cannot. Dependent clauses provide additional information to the main idea but need to be attached to an independent clause to form a complete thought.
For example:
– Independent Clause: “She went to the market.”
– Dependent Clause: “Because she needed some vegetables.”
When combined, they form a complex sentence:
– “She went to the market because she needed some vegetables.”
Types of Conjunctions in Complex Sentences
In complex sentences, conjunctions are used to join the independent clause with the dependent clause. These conjunctions are known as subordinating conjunctions. They indicate the relationship between the two clauses, such as cause and effect, contrast, condition, time, and place.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
Here is a list of some common subordinating conjunctions and their functions:
1. **Cause and Effect**: because, since, as, so that
– Example: “She stayed home because she was feeling sick.”
2. **Contrast**: although, though, even though, whereas
– Example: “Although it was raining, they decided to go hiking.”
3. **Condition**: if, unless, provided that, in case
– Example: “If you study hard, you will pass the exam.”
4. **Time**: when, while, as soon as, before, after, until, since
– Example: “I will call you when I arrive.”
5. **Place**: where, wherever
– Example: “You can sit wherever you like.”
Using Subordinating Conjunctions
The placement of the dependent and independent clauses can vary in complex sentences. The conjunction can come at the beginning or in the middle of the sentence, but this can affect punctuation.
Dependent Clause First
When the dependent clause comes first, it is usually followed by a comma:
– “Because she was tired, she went to bed early.”
– “If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.”
Independent Clause First
When the independent clause comes first, a comma is generally not needed:
– “She went to bed early because she was tired.”
– “We will cancel the picnic if it rains.”
Examples and Practice
To solidify understanding, let’s look at more examples and practice forming complex sentences with different subordinating conjunctions.
Practice with Cause and Effect
– Independent Clause: “He was late.”
– Dependent Clause: “Because he missed the bus.”
Complex Sentence: “He was late because he missed the bus.”
Now you try:
– Independent Clause: “She didn’t finish her homework.”
– Dependent Clause: “Since she had a lot of other work to do.”
Complex Sentence: ___________________________________
Practice with Contrast
– Independent Clause: “He enjoys swimming.”
– Dependent Clause: “Although the water is cold.”
Complex Sentence: “He enjoys swimming although the water is cold.”
Now you try:
– Independent Clause: “She loves spicy food.”
– Dependent Clause: “Even though it makes her sweat.”
Complex Sentence: ___________________________________
Practice with Condition
– Independent Clause: “You will succeed.”
– Dependent Clause: “If you work hard.”
Complex Sentence: “You will succeed if you work hard.”
Now you try:
– Independent Clause: “They will go to the beach.”
– Dependent Clause: “Unless it starts to rain.”
Complex Sentence: ___________________________________
Advanced Usage of Subordinating Conjunctions
As you become more comfortable with using subordinating conjunctions, you can start to explore more advanced aspects of their usage. This includes using multiple subordinating conjunctions in a sentence, as well as understanding how the meaning of a sentence can change with different conjunctions.
Multiple Subordinating Conjunctions
Sometimes, a sentence may contain more than one dependent clause, each introduced by a subordinating conjunction. In such cases, it’s important to maintain clarity and coherence.
Example:
– “Although she was tired because she had worked all day, she still went to the gym.”
In this sentence, the two dependent clauses are “Although she was tired” and “because she had worked all day,” each adding a layer of information to the main clause “she still went to the gym.”
Changing Meaning with Different Conjunctions
The choice of subordinating conjunction can significantly alter the meaning of a sentence. Consider the following examples:
– “She didn’t go to the party because she was sick.” (Cause and Effect)
– “She didn’t go to the party although she was sick.” (Contrast)
In the first sentence, her sickness is the reason she didn’t go to the party. In the second sentence, despite being sick, she chose not to go to the party for another reason.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even advanced learners can sometimes make mistakes when using subordinating conjunctions in complex sentences. Here are some common pitfalls and tips on how to avoid them.
Fragmented Sentences
A common mistake is creating sentence fragments by not attaching the dependent clause to an independent clause.
Incorrect: “Because it was raining.”
Correct: “Because it was raining, the game was canceled.”
Misplaced Commas
Another frequent error is the incorrect use of commas. Remember that when the dependent clause comes first, it should be followed by a comma.
Incorrect: “Although it was cold they went for a walk.”
Correct: “Although it was cold, they went for a walk.”
Overusing Conjunctions
While conjunctions are useful, overusing them can make sentences cumbersome and hard to read. Aim for a balance and ensure that each conjunction serves a clear purpose.
Incorrect: “She went to the store because she needed milk and because she wanted to buy bread and because she had to get eggs.”
Correct: “She went to the store because she needed milk, bread, and eggs.”
Conclusion
Understanding and effectively using conjunctions in complex sentences is a crucial skill for any language learner. Subordinating conjunctions help us express detailed and nuanced relationships between ideas, making our writing more sophisticated and our communication clearer. By practicing with different types of conjunctions and being mindful of common mistakes, you can master the art of crafting complex sentences.
Remember, the key to mastering complex sentences is practice and exposure. Read extensively, write regularly, and pay close attention to how conjunctions are used in various contexts. Over time, you will become more adept at using them naturally and accurately in your own writing and speech.
Keep practicing, and soon you’ll find that creating complex sentences with the appropriate conjunctions becomes second nature. Happy learning!
