Subordinating conjunctions are a crucial part of English grammar that every language learner should master. These small but mighty words help to create complex sentences by linking an independent clause with a dependent clause. Understanding and using subordinating conjunctions correctly can significantly enhance your writing and speaking abilities, making your communication more nuanced and sophisticated.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while a dependent clause cannot. The dependent clause provides additional information to the main clause but is not a complete thought by itself.
Some common subordinating conjunctions include:
– although
– because
– since
– unless
– while
– when
– after
– before
– if
By using these conjunctions, you can show a relationship between two ideas, such as cause and effect, contrast, condition, time, and place.
Cause and Effect
One of the most common uses of subordinating conjunctions is to show a cause-and-effect relationship between two clauses. Words like “because,” “since,” and “as” are often used for this purpose.
Examples:
– I stayed home because I was feeling sick.
– Since it was raining, we decided to cancel the picnic.
– As he was late, the meeting started without him.
In these examples, the dependent clauses (“because I was feeling sick,” “since it was raining,” and “as he was late”) provide the reason for the action in the main clause.
Contrast
Subordinating conjunctions can also be used to show contrast between two ideas. Words like “although,” “though,” and “whereas” are commonly used for this purpose.
Examples:
– Although it was cold, we went for a walk.
– She enjoys playing soccer, though she is not very good at it.
– He is very outgoing, whereas his brother is quite shy.
In these sentences, the dependent clauses (“although it was cold,” “though she is not very good at it,” and “whereas his brother is quite shy”) contrast with the main clause.
Condition
Subordinating conjunctions like “if,” “unless,” and “provided that” are used to express conditions.
Examples:
– We will go to the beach if the weather is good.
– You cannot enter the club unless you are a member.
– Provided that you finish your homework, you can watch TV.
Here, the dependent clauses (“if the weather is good,” “unless you are a member,” and “provided that you finish your homework”) set conditions for the actions in the main clauses.
Time
Subordinating conjunctions such as “when,” “while,” “before,” and “after” indicate time relationships between two events.
Examples:
– I will call you when I arrive.
– She was reading a book while waiting for the bus.
– Let’s finish our work before we leave.
– We went out for dinner after the meeting.
In these examples, the dependent clauses (“when I arrive,” “while waiting for the bus,” “before we leave,” and “after the meeting”) provide a time frame for the actions in the main clauses.
Place
Although less common, subordinating conjunctions can also indicate place. Words like “where” and “wherever” are used for this purpose.
Examples:
– This is the place where we met.
– Wherever you go, I will follow.
In these sentences, the dependent clauses (“where we met” and “wherever you go”) indicate a location in relation to the main clause.
Forming Complex Sentences
To use subordinating conjunctions effectively, it’s important to understand how to form complex sentences. A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause connected by a subordinating conjunction.
For example:
– Independent clause: “I stayed home.”
– Dependent clause: “Because I was feeling sick.”
– Complex sentence: “I stayed home because I was feeling sick.”
Notice that the dependent clause adds more information to the main clause but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
Positioning of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can be placed at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. If the subordinating conjunction and dependent clause come at the beginning of the sentence, a comma should follow the dependent clause.
Examples:
– Because I was feeling sick, I stayed home.
– I stayed home because I was feeling sick.
In the first example, the dependent clause (“Because I was feeling sick”) comes at the beginning, followed by a comma and the independent clause (“I stayed home”). In the second example, the dependent clause follows the independent clause without a comma.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
While subordinating conjunctions are relatively straightforward, there are some common pitfalls that language learners should be aware of.
Fragmented Sentences
A common mistake is to write a dependent clause as if it were a complete sentence. This results in a sentence fragment, which is grammatically incorrect.
Incorrect: Because I was feeling sick.
Correct: I stayed home because I was feeling sick.
To avoid this, always ensure that a dependent clause is connected to an independent clause.
Overusing Subordinating Conjunctions
While subordinating conjunctions are useful, overusing them can make your writing seem cluttered and confusing. Aim for a balance between simple and complex sentences to maintain clarity and readability.
Incorrect Placement of Commas
As mentioned earlier, if a subordinating conjunction and its dependent clause come at the beginning of a sentence, a comma should follow the dependent clause. Omitting the comma can make the sentence difficult to read.
Incorrect: Because I was feeling sick I stayed home.
Correct: Because I was feeling sick, I stayed home.
Advanced Usage
Once you are comfortable with the basic use of subordinating conjunctions, you can explore more advanced structures. For instance, you can use multiple subordinating conjunctions in a sentence to show more complex relationships between ideas.
Examples:
– Although she was tired because she had worked late, she still went to the gym.
– He decided to go for a walk even though it was raining because he needed some fresh air.
In these sentences, multiple subordinating conjunctions (“although,” “because,” and “even though”) are used to link several ideas together, creating more complex and nuanced sentences.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to master subordinating conjunctions is through practice. Try incorporating them into your writing and speaking as much as possible. Here are a few exercises to get you started:
1. Combine the following pairs of sentences using an appropriate subordinating conjunction:
– She was late. She missed the bus.
– He studied hard. He wanted to pass the exam.
– It was raining. We went for a walk.
2. Rewrite the following sentences by moving the dependent clause to the beginning of the sentence:
– I stayed home because I was feeling sick.
– We decided to cancel the picnic since it was raining.
– The meeting started without him as he was late.
3. Write a short paragraph about your day, using at least five different subordinating conjunctions.
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are an essential component of English grammar that allow you to create complex and meaningful sentences. By understanding their functions and practicing their use, you can significantly improve your writing and speaking skills. Remember to pay attention to common pitfalls and strive for a balance in your sentence structures. With consistent practice, you’ll find that using subordinating conjunctions becomes second nature, enriching your communication abilities in the process.
