In the vast and intricate world of English grammar, subordinating conjunctions hold a pivotal role in constructing complex sentences. These small yet powerful words serve as the glue that binds independent and dependent clauses, facilitating a nuanced and detailed expression of ideas. Whether you’re a beginner grappling with sentence structures or an advanced learner aiming to refine your linguistic skills, understanding subordinating conjunctions is essential.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It depends on the main clause to provide context and meaning. On the other hand, an independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence because it expresses a complete thought.
Common subordinating conjunctions include words like because, although, since, if, while, when, until, after, and before. These words help to establish a relationship between the two clauses, indicating things like time, cause and effect, contrast, condition, and purpose.
Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions in Sentences
To gain a better understanding, let’s look at some examples of subordinating conjunctions in action:
1. **Because**:
– I stayed home because it was raining.
– Here, “because it was raining” is the dependent clause that explains the reason for staying home.
2. **Although**:
– Although she was tired, she finished her homework.
– In this sentence, “although she was tired” is the dependent clause that contrasts with the main action of finishing homework.
3. **Since**:
– Since he moved to the city, he has made many new friends.
– “Since he moved to the city” provides the time frame for making new friends.
4. **If**:
– If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
– “If you study hard” sets the condition for passing the exam.
5. **While**:
– While I was cooking, the phone rang.
– “While I was cooking” indicates the time during which the phone rang.
Types of Relationships Expressed by Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can indicate several types of relationships between the clauses they connect. Understanding these relationships can help you use subordinating conjunctions more effectively in your writing.
1. Time
Subordinating conjunctions like when, while, before, after, since, until, and as soon as indicate a time relationship. They help to specify when an action or event takes place.
– When the sun sets, the temperature drops.
– Before you leave, please turn off the lights.
– After the meeting ended, they went for lunch.
– Since he graduated, he has been working in marketing.
– Until you finish your chores, you cannot go out.
2. Cause and Effect
Conjunctions like because, since, as, so that, and in order that express a cause-and-effect relationship.
– Because it was raining, the match was postponed.
– Since you are here, we can start the meeting.
– As it was getting late, they decided to leave.
– She saved money so that she could travel.
– They practiced hard in order that they could win the competition.
3. Contrast
Subordinating conjunctions such as although, though, even though, whereas, and while highlight a contrast or contradiction between the clauses.
– Although it was cold, they went swimming.
– Though he is rich, he lives a simple life.
– Even though she was unwell, she attended the meeting.
– Whereas John is tall, his brother is short.
– While some people prefer tea, others prefer coffee.
4. Condition
Conjunctions like if, unless, provided that, as long as, and in case set a condition for the action in the main clause.
– If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.
– Unless you apologize, he won’t forgive you.
– Provided that you finish your work, you can leave early.
– As long as you follow the rules, you will be fine.
– Take an umbrella in case it rains.
5. Purpose
Subordinating conjunctions such as so that and in order that indicate the purpose behind an action.
– She studied hard so that she could get a scholarship.
– They moved to the city in order that they could find better jobs.
Punctuation with Subordinating Conjunctions
Understanding the punctuation rules associated with subordinating conjunctions is crucial for writing clear and grammatically correct sentences. The placement of the subordinating conjunction and the dependent clause affects how we punctuate these sentences.
When the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, a comma is used to separate the two clauses. For example:
– Although it was raining, they went for a walk.
– Since you are here, we can start the meeting.
However, when the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed between the two clauses. For example:
– They went for a walk although it was raining.
– We can start the meeting since you are here.
Common Mistakes with Subordinating Conjunctions
Even advanced English learners can make mistakes when using subordinating conjunctions. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
1. Sentence Fragments
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence. It must be connected to an independent clause to form a complete sentence. For example:
– Incorrect: Because it was raining.
– Correct: Because it was raining, they stayed indoors.
2. Misplaced Commas
As discussed earlier, the position of the dependent clause affects comma usage. Incorrect placement of commas can lead to confusion. For example:
– Incorrect: They stayed indoors, because it was raining.
– Correct: They stayed indoors because it was raining.
3. Confusing Conjunctions
Some subordinating conjunctions may seem similar but are used in different contexts. For example, because and since both indicate cause, but since can also indicate time. Understanding the specific use of each conjunction is crucial.
Exercises to Practice Subordinating Conjunctions
Practice makes perfect. Here are some exercises to help you master subordinating conjunctions:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with appropriate subordinating conjunctions from the list: because, although, since, if, while.
1. _______ it was late, they continued working.
2. She went to the store _______ she needed milk.
3. _______ you finish your homework, you can watch TV.
4. _______ he was eating, he was reading a book.
5. They decided to go hiking _______ the weather was nice.
Exercise 2: Combine the Sentences
Combine the following pairs of sentences using subordinating conjunctions.
1. He was tired. He continued working. (although)
2. She finished her homework. She watched TV. (after)
3. You study hard. You will pass the exam. (if)
4. It was raining. They went for a walk. (even though)
5. He moved to the city. He found a job. (since)
Exercise 3: Identify the Conjunction
Identify the subordinating conjunction in each sentence and state the type of relationship it indicates (time, cause and effect, contrast, condition, purpose).
1. Since it was raining, they stayed indoors.
2. She took an umbrella in case it rained.
3. While he was cooking, the phone rang.
4. Although he is rich, he lives simply.
5. If you follow the instructions, you will succeed.
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are essential tools in the English language, enabling us to create complex and meaningful sentences. By understanding and practicing their use, you can enhance your writing and communication skills. Remember, the key to mastering subordinating conjunctions lies in recognizing the relationships they express and applying the correct punctuation rules. With consistent practice and attention to detail, you will find yourself using these conjunctions with ease and confidence.
