Subordinating conjunctions are an essential component of English grammar that can greatly enhance your writing and speaking abilities. By understanding and mastering these conjunctions, you can create more complex and nuanced sentences that convey your thoughts more effectively. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of subordinating conjunctions, exploring their functions, types, and usage in various contexts.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words or phrases that connect an independent clause (a complete sentence) with a dependent clause (an incomplete sentence that cannot stand alone). The primary function of a subordinating conjunction is to show the relationship between the two clauses, often indicating time, cause and effect, contrast, or condition.
Some common subordinating conjunctions include: because, although, since, unless, if, when, while, after, before, and as. Each of these conjunctions serves a specific purpose in linking the clauses and adding depth to your sentences.
Types of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can be categorized based on the type of relationship they express between the clauses. Here, we’ll explore four main types: time, cause and effect, contrast, and condition.
1. Time
Time-related subordinating conjunctions indicate when an action occurs. They help specify the timing of one event relative to another. Examples include:
– **After**: “We can go out after we finish our homework.”
– **Before**: “She always reads a book before she goes to bed.”
– **When**: “Call me when you arrive at the airport.”
– **While**: “He was cooking dinner while she set the table.”
– **Since**: “I haven’t seen him since he moved to another city.”
By using these conjunctions, you can clarify the sequence of events and make your writing more precise.
2. Cause and Effect
Cause and effect subordinating conjunctions explain why something happens or the result of an action. They show the relationship between a cause and its consequence. Examples include:
– **Because**: “She stayed home because she was feeling sick.”
– **Since**: “Since it was raining, the event was postponed.”
– **As**: “As it was getting late, we decided to leave.”
– **So that**: “He studied hard so that he could pass the exam.”
These conjunctions help you articulate reasons and outcomes, making your arguments and explanations more compelling.
3. Contrast
Contrast subordinating conjunctions highlight differences or contradictions between two ideas. They are used to introduce a contrasting point or to show an exception. Examples include:
– **Although**: “Although it was cold, they went for a walk.”
– **Even though**: “Even though she was tired, she finished her project.”
– **Whereas**: “He loves classical music, whereas she prefers jazz.”
– **Though**: “Though the task was difficult, they managed to complete it.”
Using these conjunctions can add complexity to your sentences, allowing you to present opposing ideas in a balanced manner.
4. Condition
Condition subordinating conjunctions set up a condition that must be met for something else to happen. They are often used in conditional sentences. Examples include:
– **If**: “If it rains, we will stay indoors.”
– **Unless**: “You won’t succeed unless you work hard.”
– **Provided that**: “You can borrow my car provided that you return it by tomorrow.”
– **As long as**: “You can go out as long as you finish your chores.”
These conjunctions help you express hypothetical situations and the conditions required for certain outcomes.
Usage and Placement of Subordinating Conjunctions
Understanding how to use and place subordinating conjunctions correctly is crucial for constructing coherent sentences. Here are some guidelines to help you use them effectively:
1. Position in the Sentence
Subordinating conjunctions can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. When the dependent clause comes first, it is usually followed by a comma. When the independent clause comes first, a comma is generally not needed. For example:
– “Because it was raining, we canceled the picnic.” (dependent clause first)
– “We canceled the picnic because it was raining.” (independent clause first)
2. Combining Clauses
When combining an independent clause with a dependent clause, ensure that the subordinating conjunction clearly indicates the relationship between the two. This clarity helps readers understand the logical connection between the ideas. For example:
– “She was late to the meeting because her car broke down.” (cause and effect)
– “Although he was tired, he decided to go for a run.” (contrast)
– “If you study hard, you will pass the exam.” (condition)
– “We can start the project when everyone is ready.” (time)
3. Avoiding Fragments
A common mistake when using subordinating conjunctions is creating sentence fragments. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Make sure to pair it with an independent clause to form a complete thought. For example:
– Incorrect: “Although it was raining.” (fragment)
– Correct: “Although it was raining, they continued with the event.”
4. Varying Sentence Structure
Using subordinating conjunctions allows you to vary your sentence structure, making your writing more engaging. Instead of relying solely on simple sentences, you can create complex sentences that convey more information and demonstrate your command of the language. For example:
– Simple: “She went to the store. She bought some groceries.”
– Complex: “She went to the store because she needed to buy some groceries.”
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
While subordinating conjunctions are powerful tools, they can also lead to common pitfalls if not used correctly. Here are some tips to help you avoid these mistakes:
1. Misusing Conjunctions
Each subordinating conjunction has a specific purpose. Misusing them can lead to confusion or ambiguity. Make sure you understand the meaning and function of each conjunction before using it. For example:
– Incorrect: “He stayed home whereas it was raining.” (misuse of “whereas”)
– Correct: “He stayed home because it was raining.”
2. Overusing Certain Conjunctions
Relying too heavily on a few subordinating conjunctions can make your writing repetitive and monotonous. Try to vary your conjunctions to keep your writing fresh and interesting. For example, instead of always using “because,” you can also use “since” or “as” to indicate cause and effect.
3. Creating Awkward Sentences
Sometimes, using subordinating conjunctions can lead to awkward or convoluted sentences. If a sentence feels awkward, consider rephrasing it or breaking it into two simpler sentences. For example:
– Awkward: “Because of the fact that it was raining, we decided to cancel the event.”
– Improved: “Because it was raining, we decided to cancel the event.”
Practice Exercises
To help you master subordinating conjunctions, here are some practice exercises. Try to complete these sentences by adding an appropriate subordinating conjunction.
1. __________ it was snowing, they decided to go skiing.
2. She didn’t go to the party __________ she was feeling unwell.
3. __________ he was very busy, he took the time to help me.
4. You can borrow my book __________ you promise to return it.
5. __________ I finish my homework, I’ll watch a movie.
Answers:
1. Because
2. Because
3. Although
4. As long as
5. After
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are indispensable tools for constructing complex and meaningful sentences in English. By understanding their types, functions, and proper usage, you can enhance your writing and communication skills. Remember to vary your sentence structures, avoid common pitfalls, and practice regularly to become more proficient in using subordinating conjunctions. With time and effort, you’ll find that these conjunctions can significantly enrich your language and help you express your ideas with clarity and precision.
