Subordinating conjunctions are one of the essential building blocks of complex sentences in the English language. They serve to connect an independent clause with a dependent clause, ensuring that sentences flow smoothly and logically. This article will delve into the world of subordinating conjunctions, their types, uses, and the nuances that come with mastering them.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that join a dependent clause to an independent clause, creating a relationship between the two. Unlike coordinating conjunctions (like “and,” “but,” and “or”), which connect clauses of equal importance, subordinating conjunctions show that one clause is subordinate to or dependent on another.
Consider the sentence: “I stayed home because it was raining.” Here, “because” is the subordinating conjunction that connects the dependent clause “it was raining” to the independent clause “I stayed home.”
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
There are numerous subordinating conjunctions in English. Some of the most common include:
– **Because**
– **Although**
– **Since**
– **Unless**
– **If**
– **When**
– **While**
– **After**
– **Before**
– **Until**
Each of these conjunctions serves a specific purpose and can be used to express different types of relationships between clauses.
Cause and Effect
Subordinating conjunctions like “because,” “since,” and “as” are used to show a cause-and-effect relationship between two clauses.
Example: “She didn’t go to the party because she was feeling sick.”
In this sentence, “because” connects the reason for not going to the party (feeling sick) with the main action (not going to the party).
Contrast
To indicate contrast, subordinating conjunctions such as “although,” “though,” “even though,” and “whereas” are used.
Example: “Although it was raining, we decided to go hiking.”
Here, “although” introduces a contrast between the weather conditions and the decision to go hiking.
Condition
Subordinating conjunctions like “if,” “unless,” “provided that,” and “as long as” are used to set conditions.
Example: “If you study hard, you will pass the exam.”
The conjunction “if” sets a condition for passing the exam (studying hard).
Time
To indicate time, subordinating conjunctions such as “when,” “while,” “after,” “before,” “until,” “as soon as,” and “since” are employed.
Example: “I will call you when I arrive.”
In this sentence, “when” specifies the time frame in which the call will happen.
Purpose
Subordinating conjunctions like “so that,” “in order that,” and “lest” are used to show purpose.
Example: “She studied hard so that she could get into a good college.”
Here, “so that” indicates the purpose of studying hard (to get into a good college).
Placement of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can be placed at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. When placed at the beginning, a comma is usually needed to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause. When placed in the middle, no comma is generally required.
Example with conjunction at the beginning: “Although it was late, he continued working.”
Example with conjunction in the middle: “He continued working although it was late.”
Different Functions of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are versatile and can serve multiple functions depending on the context in which they are used. Let’s explore some of these functions in more detail.
Adverbial Clauses
Subordinating conjunctions often introduce adverbial clauses, which function as adverbs within a sentence. These clauses can provide information about time, place, reason, condition, contrast, and manner.
Example: “After she finished her homework, she went for a walk.”
In this sentence, “after” introduces an adverbial clause that provides information about the timing of her walk.
Relative Clauses
While subordinating conjunctions primarily introduce adverbial clauses, they can also introduce relative clauses, which provide additional information about a noun in the main clause.
Example: “The book that she gave me is very interesting.”
Here, “that” introduces a relative clause that provides more information about the book.
Nominal Clauses
Subordinating conjunctions can introduce nominal clauses (also known as noun clauses), which function as nouns within a sentence. These clauses can act as subjects, objects, or complements.
Example: “What she said surprised everyone.”
In this example, “what” introduces a nominal clause that serves as the subject of the sentence.
Complex Sentences and Subordinating Conjunctions
Understanding subordinating conjunctions is crucial for constructing complex sentences. A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause connected by a subordinating conjunction.
Example: “While I was cooking, the phone rang.”
This complex sentence is formed by connecting the independent clause “the phone rang” with the dependent clause “while I was cooking” using the subordinating conjunction “while.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Using subordinating conjunctions can be tricky, and language learners often make mistakes when trying to incorporate them into their writing and speech. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Misplacing the Conjunction
One common mistake is placing the subordinating conjunction incorrectly, which can lead to confusion or grammatical errors.
Incorrect: “Because it was raining, and I stayed home.”
Correct: “Because it was raining, I stayed home.”
Tip: Ensure that the subordinating conjunction directly connects the dependent clause to the independent clause without unnecessary words.
Mistake 2: Missing Commas
When a subordinating conjunction is placed at the beginning of a sentence, it is important to use a comma to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause.
Incorrect: “Although it was cold we went for a walk.”
Correct: “Although it was cold, we went for a walk.”
Tip: Always use a comma after the dependent clause when it comes before the independent clause.
Mistake 3: Overusing Subordinating Conjunctions
While subordinating conjunctions are useful, overusing them can make sentences overly complex and difficult to understand.
Incorrect: “Although he was tired, because he had worked all day, and since he hadn’t eaten, he still went to the gym.”
Correct: “Although he was tired because he had worked all day and hadn’t eaten, he still went to the gym.”
Tip: Aim for clarity and simplicity by not overloading sentences with multiple subordinating conjunctions.
Practical Exercises
To master subordinating conjunctions, it is essential to practice using them in various contexts. Here are some exercises to help you improve your skills.
Exercise 1: Identifying Subordinating Conjunctions
Read the following sentences and identify the subordinating conjunctions.
1. “I will call you when I arrive.”
2. “She didn’t go to the party because she was feeling sick.”
3. “Although it was raining, we decided to go hiking.”
4. “If you study hard, you will pass the exam.”
5. “He continued working although it was late.”
Answers:
1. when
2. because
3. although
4. if
5. although
Exercise 2: Completing Sentences
Complete the following sentences using appropriate subordinating conjunctions.
1. “I couldn’t attend the meeting __________ I was out of town.”
2. “__________ you finish your homework, you can watch TV.”
3. “She went to bed early __________ she was tired.”
4. “__________ it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.”
5. “He will call you __________ he arrives.”
Possible Answers:
1. because
2. After
3. because
4. Although
5. when
Exercise 3: Creating Complex Sentences
Combine the following pairs of simple sentences into complex sentences using subordinating conjunctions.
1. “She was tired. She kept working.”
2. “It was raining. We went for a walk.”
3. “He studied hard. He passed the exam.”
4. “She finished her homework. She went for a walk.”
5. “I was cooking. The phone rang.”
Possible Answers:
1. Although she was tired, she kept working.
2. Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
3. Because he studied hard, he passed the exam.
4. After she finished her homework, she went for a walk.
5. While I was cooking, the phone rang.
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are vital tools for constructing complex and meaningful sentences in English. By connecting dependent and independent clauses, they help convey relationships such as cause and effect, contrast, condition, time, and purpose. Mastering subordinating conjunctions will enhance your writing and speaking skills, making your communication more nuanced and effective.
Remember to practice using subordinating conjunctions in various contexts to build your confidence and proficiency. With time and practice, you will find that these small but powerful words can greatly enrich your language abilities. Happy learning!
