Complex sentences add depth and variety to our writing and speaking by combining multiple ideas into a single sentence. One of the key elements that enable us to construct complex sentences is the use of subordinating conjunctions. Subordinating conjunctions create a relationship between two clauses, making one clause dependent on the other. This article aims to explore the role of subordinating conjunctions in complex sentences, providing a comprehensive guide for language learners.
Understanding Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are words that link a dependent clause (also known as a subordinate clause) to an independent clause. The dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. Instead, it relies on the independent clause to give it meaning. Common subordinating conjunctions include words like because, although, if, when, since, and unless.
The Role of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions serve several purposes in complex sentences:
1. **Indicating Cause and Effect:** Subordinating conjunctions like because and since show a cause-and-effect relationship between the clauses. For example:
– “She stayed home because she was sick.”
– “He succeeded since he worked hard.”
2. **Showing Contrast:** Words like although, though, and even though introduce a contrast or contradiction between the clauses. For example:
– “Although it was raining, we went for a hike.”
– “She continued to work even though she was tired.”
3. **Indicating Time:** Subordinating conjunctions such as when, while, before, and after specify the timing of an action in relation to another action. For example:
– “Call me when you arrive.”
– “After he finished his homework, he went out to play.”
4. **Expressing Condition:** Words like if, unless, and provided that introduce a conditional relationship between the clauses. For example:
– “You can go to the party if you finish your chores.”
– “She won’t succeed unless she tries harder.”
Types of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can be categorized based on the type of relationship they express. Here are some common categories:
1. Cause and Effect
– **Because**: “I didn’t go to the meeting because I was busy.”
– **Since**: “I’ve been happy since I started my new job.”
– **As**: “She couldn’t attend the party as she had a prior engagement.”
2. Contrast
– **Although**: “Although it was difficult, she managed to finish the task.”
– **Though**: “He kept running though he was exhausted.”
– **Even though**: “I enjoyed the movie even though it was long.”
3. Time
– **When**: “I’ll call you when I get home.”
– **While**: “She read a book while waiting for the bus.”
– **Before**: “We need to finish this before the deadline.”
– **After**: “We’ll go out to eat after the meeting.”
4. Condition
– **If**: “We’ll go to the beach if the weather is nice.”
– **Unless**: “You can’t leave unless you finish your work.”
– **Provided that**: “You can borrow my car provided that you return it by tomorrow.”
Constructing Complex Sentences
Constructing complex sentences involves combining an independent clause with a dependent clause using a subordinating conjunction. Here are some guidelines to help you create well-formed complex sentences:
1. Identify the Independent and Dependent Clauses
The first step is to identify the independent and dependent clauses. The independent clause is a complete sentence on its own, while the dependent clause relies on the independent clause to make sense.
Example:
– Independent clause: “He went to the store.”
– Dependent clause: “Because he needed some groceries.”
2. Choose the Appropriate Subordinating Conjunction
Select a subordinating conjunction that accurately represents the relationship between the clauses. For example, if you want to show a cause-and-effect relationship, you might choose because or since.
3. Combine the Clauses
Place the subordinating conjunction at the beginning of the dependent clause and combine it with the independent clause.
Example:
– “He went to the store because he needed some groceries.”
4. Punctuation
When the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, use a comma to separate the two clauses. However, if the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed.
Examples:
– “Because he needed some groceries, he went to the store.”
– “He went to the store because he needed some groceries.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Misplacing the Subordinating Conjunction
One common mistake is placing the subordinating conjunction incorrectly, which can confuse the meaning of the sentence. Always ensure that the subordinating conjunction is placed at the beginning of the dependent clause.
Incorrect: “He went to the store he needed some groceries because.”
Correct: “He went to the store because he needed some groceries.”
2. Using the Wrong Subordinating Conjunction
Another common mistake is using a subordinating conjunction that does not accurately represent the relationship between the clauses. Make sure to choose a conjunction that fits the context of your sentence.
Incorrect: “She was late if she missed the bus.”
Correct: “She was late because she missed the bus.”
3. Forgetting the Comma
When the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, forgetting to use a comma can make the sentence difficult to read.
Incorrect: “Because he was tired he went to bed early.”
Correct: “Because he was tired, he went to bed early.”
Advanced Usage of Subordinating Conjunctions
For advanced language learners, understanding the nuances and variations of subordinating conjunctions can further enhance your writing and speaking skills.
1. Using Subordinating Conjunctions with Multiple Clauses
You can use subordinating conjunctions to link multiple dependent clauses to a single independent clause.
Example:
– “Because he was tired and since he had to wake up early, he went to bed early.”
2. Combining Subordinating and Coordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can be combined with coordinating conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or) to add more complexity to your sentences.
Example:
– “She stayed home because she was sick, and she watched movies all day.”
3. Using Inversion for Emphasis
In some cases, you can invert the order of the clauses to emphasize the dependent clause. This is more common in formal writing or literary contexts.
Example:
– “Tired though he was, he continued to work.”
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of subordinating conjunctions and complex sentences, try the following practice exercises:
Exercise 1: Identify the Clauses
Identify the independent and dependent clauses in the following sentences:
1. “Although it was raining, we went for a walk.”
2. “She will succeed if she works hard.”
3. “I stayed home because I was feeling unwell.”
Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Subordinating Conjunction
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate subordinating conjunction:
1. “_________ it was late, he decided to go for a run.”
2. “You can’t enter the club _________ you are a member.”
3. “She was happy _________ she received good news.”
Exercise 3: Create Complex Sentences
Combine the following pairs of clauses into complex sentences using subordinating conjunctions:
1. He missed the bus. He was late for work.
2. She studied hard. She wanted to pass the exam.
3. They went for a picnic. The weather was nice.
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are a crucial component of complex sentences, allowing us to express relationships between ideas with clarity and precision. By understanding and correctly using subordinating conjunctions, you can enhance your writing and speaking skills, making your communication more effective and nuanced. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll find that constructing complex sentences becomes second nature.
