In the vast and intricate world of grammar, subordinating conjunctions hold a crucial place. These tiny yet powerful words help us weave complex and meaningful sentences by connecting clauses in a harmonious manner. If you are aiming to elevate your writing or speech, understanding subordinating conjunctions is essential.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent clause (also known as a subordinate clause) to an independent clause. The dependent clause adds additional information but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. When combined with an independent clause, the entire sentence becomes richer and more informative.
For example, consider the sentence: “I will go to the park if it doesn’t rain.” Here, “if” is the subordinating conjunction that connects the dependent clause “if it doesn’t rain” with the independent clause “I will go to the park.”
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
There are many subordinating conjunctions in the English language. Some of the most common ones include:
– **After**
– **Although**
– **As**
– **Because**
– **Before**
– **Even though**
– **If**
– **Once**
– **Since**
– **Though**
– **Unless**
– **Until**
– **When**
– **While**
Each of these conjunctions serves a unique purpose and sets a specific relationship between the clauses it connects.
Time-Related Subordinating Conjunctions
Time-related subordinating conjunctions help to indicate when something happens. These include:
– **After**: “We will eat dinner after we finish our homework.”
– **Before**: “She always takes a walk before she goes to bed.”
– **When**: “Call me when you arrive at the airport.”
– **Until**: “He waited until the rain stopped.”
– **Since**: “I have been waiting since morning.”
Cause and Effect Subordinating Conjunctions
These conjunctions show a cause-and-effect relationship between two clauses:
– **Because**: “She was late because the bus broke down.”
– **Since**: “Since it is raining, we should stay indoors.”
– **As**: “As it was getting dark, we decided to head home.”
Contrast Subordinating Conjunctions
Contrast subordinating conjunctions highlight differences or contrasts between two ideas:
– **Although**: “Although it was raining, they went for a hike.”
– **Even though**: “Even though he studied hard, he didn’t pass the exam.”
– **Though**: “Though it was expensive, they decided to buy it.”
Condition Subordinating Conjunctions
These conjunctions set conditions for the action in the independent clause:
– **If**: “If you study hard, you will pass the exam.”
– **Unless**: “You won’t succeed unless you try.”
– **Provided that**: “You can go out provided that you finish your homework.”
How to Use Subordinating Conjunctions
Using subordinating conjunctions correctly involves understanding how they connect clauses and the punctuation rules that apply.
Position in a Sentence
Subordinating conjunctions can be placed at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.
– When a subordinating conjunction begins a sentence, a comma is used to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause:
– “Although it was cold, we went for a swim.”
– When the subordinating conjunction is in the middle of the sentence, no comma is needed:
– “We went for a swim although it was cold.”
Combining Clauses
The dependent clause can come before or after the independent clause, giving you flexibility in how you construct your sentences:
– “Because she was tired, she went to bed early.” (Dependent clause first)
– “She went to bed early because she was tired.” (Independent clause first)
Importance of Subordinating Conjunctions in Writing
Subordinating conjunctions are vital for creating complex, nuanced sentences that convey more information and show the relationship between ideas. They help in:
– **Providing context**: They allow you to add background information that can clarify the main point.
– Example: “She brought an umbrella because it was supposed to rain.”
– **Showing relationships**: They illustrate how two ideas are related in terms of time, cause and effect, contrast, or condition.
– Example: “He didn’t go to the party although he was invited.”
– **Improving flow**: They create smoother transitions between ideas, enhancing the readability of your text.
– Example: “I will call you when I arrive.”
Exercises to Master Subordinating Conjunctions
To master the use of subordinating conjunctions, practice is key. Here are some exercises:
1. **Combine Sentences**: Combine the following pairs of sentences using an appropriate subordinating conjunction.
– “She was hungry. She ate a sandwich.”
– “It was raining. They went for a walk.”
– “He studied hard. He didn’t pass the exam.”
2. **Identify Subordinating Conjunctions**: Identify the subordinating conjunction in each of the following sentences.
– “I will call you if I get home early.”
– “Although it was late, he continued to work.”
– “Since it is a holiday, the office is closed.”
3. **Create Complex Sentences**: Write complex sentences using the following subordinating conjunctions: because, after, unless.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even advanced learners can make mistakes when using subordinating conjunctions. Here are some common pitfalls and tips to avoid them:
– **Misplacing the comma**: Remember that a comma is only needed when the dependent clause comes first. Incorrect: “Although it was raining but we went out.” Correct: “Although it was raining, we went out.”
– **Using the wrong conjunction**: Ensure that the conjunction you choose accurately reflects the relationship between the clauses. Incorrect: “He went to the store unless he needed milk.” Correct: “He went to the store because he needed milk.”
– **Creating sentence fragments**: Make sure your dependent clause is always connected to an independent clause. Incorrect: “Because it was raining.” Correct: “Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.”
Advanced Usage of Subordinating Conjunctions
For those looking to refine their use of subordinating conjunctions further, consider these advanced tips:
Varying Sentence Structure
Mixing up your sentence structure can make your writing more engaging. Instead of always starting with the independent clause, sometimes begin with the dependent clause:
– “If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.”
– “We will cancel the picnic if it rains.”
Using Multiple Subordinating Conjunctions
In more complex sentences, you may use multiple subordinating conjunctions to connect several ideas:
– “Although he was tired because he had worked late, he still went to the gym since he had promised his friend.”
Combining with Other Conjunctions
You can combine subordinating conjunctions with coordinating conjunctions (like “and,” “but,” “or”) for more intricate sentence structures:
– “She didn’t go to the party because she was tired, but she sent a gift.”
Conclusion
Mastering subordinating conjunctions can significantly enhance your writing and speaking skills. These conjunctions not only help to create complex sentences but also provide clarity and depth to your communication. By practicing their usage and being mindful of common mistakes, you can become more proficient in crafting well-structured and meaningful sentences. So, take the time to study subordinating conjunctions, and soon you’ll find yourself using them with confidence and ease.
