In the realm of language learning, understanding how to connect ideas effectively is pivotal. One of the fundamental tools for achieving this is the subordinating conjunction. Subordinating conjunctions are words that link a dependent clause to an independent clause, thereby providing a relationship between the two clauses. This relationship can indicate time, cause, condition, contrast, and more. Mastering subordinating conjunctions not only enhances your writing and speaking skills but also deepens your comprehension of complex sentences.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words or phrases that join a dependent clause to an independent clause. A dependent clause (also known as a subordinate clause) cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought. In contrast, an independent clause can stand alone as a sentence because it does express a complete thought.
For example, in the sentence, “I will go to the store because I need milk,” the word “because” is a subordinating conjunction. It links the independent clause “I will go to the store” with the dependent clause “I need milk,” establishing a cause-and-effect relationship between the two.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
Here is a list of some of the most frequently used subordinating conjunctions:
– **After**: Indicates time (e.g., I will call you after I finish my homework.)
– **Although**: Indicates contrast (e.g., Although it was raining, we went for a walk.)
– **As**: Can indicate time or cause (e.g., As I was leaving, the phone rang.)
– **Because**: Indicates cause (e.g., She was upset because she lost her wallet.)
– **Before**: Indicates time (e.g., Finish your dinner before you leave the table.)
– **If**: Indicates condition (e.g., If it rains, we will stay indoors.)
– **Since**: Can indicate time or cause (e.g., Since you arrived, the atmosphere has improved.)
– **Though**: Indicates contrast (e.g., Though he is young, he is very competent.)
– **Unless**: Indicates condition (e.g., We will not go unless you come with us.)
– **When**: Indicates time (e.g., Call me when you get home.)
– **While**: Indicates time or contrast (e.g., While I was cooking, he was setting the table.)
These conjunctions are just a few examples, but they form the backbone of complex sentence construction in English.
Types of Relationships Indicated by Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions help establish various relationships between clauses. Understanding these relationships can significantly improve both your writing and comprehension skills.
Time
Subordinating conjunctions like “after,” “before,” “when,” “while,” and “since” indicate a temporal relationship between the clauses.
– **After**: I will call you after I finish my homework.
– **Before**: Finish your dinner before you leave the table.
– **When**: Call me when you get home.
– **While**: While I was cooking, he was setting the table.
– **Since**: It’s been a long time since I last saw you.
These conjunctions help to sequence events and make the timing of actions clear.
Cause and Effect
Conjunctions like “because,” “since,” and “as” indicate a cause-and-effect relationship.
– **Because**: She was upset because she lost her wallet.
– **Since**: Since you arrived, the atmosphere has improved.
– **As**: As I was tired, I decided to take a nap.
Using these conjunctions allows you to explain why something happened or the reason behind an action.
Condition
Subordinating conjunctions such as “if,” “unless,” and “provided that” set up a conditional relationship.
– **If**: If it rains, we will stay indoors.
– **Unless**: We will not go unless you come with us.
– **Provided that**: You can go to the party provided that you finish your homework.
These conjunctions are essential for constructing hypothetical scenarios and discussing possibilities.
Contrast
Conjunctions like “although,” “though,” and “even though” show a contrast or concession.
– **Although**: Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
– **Though**: Though he is young, he is very competent.
– **Even though**: Even though she was tired, she finished her work.
These conjunctions help to present differing viewpoints or unexpected outcomes.
How to Use Subordinating Conjunctions
Using subordinating conjunctions correctly is crucial for crafting coherent and complex sentences. Here are some guidelines to help you use them effectively.
Combining Clauses
When a subordinating conjunction is used, it typically appears at the beginning of the dependent clause. This dependent clause can either precede or follow the independent clause.
– **Dependent clause first**: Because I was tired, I went to bed early.
– **Independent clause first**: I went to bed early because I was tired.
Both structures are grammatically correct, but placing the dependent clause first often adds emphasis to it.
Punctuation
When the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, a comma is usually used to separate the two.
– **With comma**: Although it was late, we decided to watch a movie.
When the independent clause comes first, no comma is typically needed.
– **Without comma**: We decided to watch a movie although it was late.
Understanding these punctuation rules will help you write more clearly and effectively.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when using subordinating conjunctions:
– **Fragmented sentences**: Ensure that your dependent clause is always connected to an independent clause. For example, “Because I was tired.” is a fragment. It should be “Because I was tired, I went to bed early.”
– **Misplaced conjunctions**: Make sure the conjunction logically fits the relationship you want to express. For example, using “although” when you mean “because” can confuse the reader.
– **Overuse**: Avoid overloading your sentences with too many subordinating conjunctions, as this can make your writing cumbersome and hard to follow.
Exercises and Practice
To solidify your understanding, it’s helpful to practice using subordinating conjunctions in various sentences. Here are a few exercises to get you started.
Exercise 1: Identify the Subordinating Conjunction
In each of the following sentences, identify the subordinating conjunction:
1. She stayed home because she was feeling sick.
2. After the movie ended, we went out for ice cream.
3. Although he studied hard, he didn’t pass the exam.
4. We will go hiking if the weather is nice.
5. Since you asked nicely, I’ll help you with your project.
Exercise 2: Combine Sentences Using Subordinating Conjunctions
Combine the following pairs of sentences using the appropriate subordinating conjunction:
1. It started to rain. We had to cancel the picnic. (because)
2. I was reading a book. The phone rang. (when)
3. She practiced every day. She wanted to improve her skills. (so that)
4. He is very talented. He is still learning. (although)
5. You finish your homework. You can watch TV. (after)
Exercise 3: Rewrite the Sentences
Rewrite the following sentences, placing the dependent clause at the beginning:
1. I went to bed early because I was tired.
2. We decided to watch a movie although it was late.
3. You can go to the party provided that you finish your homework.
4. He didn’t pass the exam even though he studied hard.
5. We will stay indoors if it rains.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
As you become more comfortable with subordinating conjunctions, you can explore more advanced usages and nuances to add depth to your writing.
Multiple Subordinating Conjunctions
In complex sentences, you might use more than one subordinating conjunction. For example:
– “Although it was raining, we went for a walk because we wanted to get some fresh air.”
This sentence uses both “although” and “because” to provide a nuanced explanation.
Subordinating Conjunctions in Literature
Subordinating conjunctions are often used in literature to create intricate and layered narratives. Authors use them to weave together complex ideas and events. For instance:
– “Since it was a dark and stormy night, and because she was alone in the house, she decided to lock all the doors and windows.”
In this sentence, “since” and “because” are used to build suspense and explain the character’s actions.
Subordinating Conjunctions in Academic Writing
In academic writing, subordinating conjunctions help to present arguments, provide evidence, and draw conclusions. For example:
– “Although the study has some limitations, the results suggest that further research is warranted because the findings are significant.”
This sentence uses “although” to acknowledge limitations and “because” to justify the need for further research.
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are essential tools in the English language that help to connect ideas, indicate relationships, and create complex sentences. By mastering these conjunctions, you can enhance your writing and speaking skills, making your communication more effective and nuanced.
Remember to practice identifying and using subordinating conjunctions in various contexts. Pay attention to the relationships they indicate, and be mindful of punctuation rules. With time and practice, you’ll find that subordinating conjunctions become a natural part of your language repertoire.
Keep exploring and experimenting with subordinating conjunctions, and you’ll discover new ways to enrich your language skills. Happy learning!
