Subordinating conjunctions are an essential component of complex sentences in English. They help to connect independent clauses with dependent clauses, creating a relationship between the two. By understanding how subordinating conjunctions work, you can enhance your writing and comprehension skills, making your communication more effective and nuanced. This article will delve into the world of subordinating conjunctions, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of their functions, types, and usage.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words or phrases that link a dependent clause to an independent clause. The dependent clause, which cannot stand alone as a complete sentence, relies on the independent clause to form a coherent thought. Subordinating conjunctions introduce the dependent clause and indicate the nature of the relationship between the two clauses.
Some common subordinating conjunctions include: because, although, since, if, when, while, after, before, and unless. Each of these conjunctions serves a specific purpose and indicates a particular type of relationship, such as cause and effect, contrast, time, condition, or reason.
Types of Relationships Indicated by Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can indicate various types of relationships between the dependent and independent clauses. Understanding these relationships can help you use subordinating conjunctions more effectively in your writing.
1. Cause and Effect
When a subordinating conjunction indicates a cause-and-effect relationship, it shows that one event or action is the result of another. Common subordinating conjunctions that express cause and effect include because, since, as, and so that.
Example:
– I stayed home because it was raining.
– Since she was tired, she went to bed early.
2. Contrast
Subordinating conjunctions that indicate contrast show a difference or opposition between the two clauses. Some common subordinating conjunctions for contrast are although, though, even though, and whereas.
Example:
– Although it was cold, we went for a walk.
– She loves to read, whereas he prefers to watch movies.
3. Time
Subordinating conjunctions that indicate time show when an event or action occurs in relation to another. Common time-related subordinating conjunctions include when, while, after, before, until, as soon as, and once.
Example:
– We will start the meeting when everyone arrives.
– After finishing her homework, she went out to play.
4. Condition
Subordinating conjunctions that indicate condition show that one event or action depends on another. Common subordinating conjunctions for condition include if, unless, provided that, and as long as.
Example:
– If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.
– You can go out to play as long as you finish your chores.
5. Reason
Subordinating conjunctions that indicate reason show the rationale or explanation for an event or action. Common reason-related subordinating conjunctions include because, since, and as.
Example:
– She left early because she had an appointment.
– As he was not feeling well, he stayed home.
Position of Subordinating Conjunctions in Sentences
Subordinating conjunctions can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. When the subordinating conjunction starts the sentence, the dependent clause comes first, followed by a comma and the independent clause. When the subordinating conjunction is in the middle, no comma is needed between the clauses.
Example:
– Because it was raining, we stayed inside. (Dependent clause first)
– We stayed inside because it was raining. (Independent clause first)
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Using subordinating conjunctions correctly can be challenging, especially for language learners. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:
1. Misplacing the Comma
When the dependent clause comes first, remember to place a comma between the dependent and independent clauses. However, if the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed.
Incorrect:
– Because it was raining we stayed inside.
– We stayed inside, because it was raining.
Correct:
– Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
– We stayed inside because it was raining.
2. Using the Wrong Subordinating Conjunction
Each subordinating conjunction has a specific function and indicates a particular relationship. Using the wrong conjunction can confuse the meaning of your sentence. Make sure to choose the correct subordinating conjunction based on the relationship you want to express.
Incorrect:
– I stayed home although it was raining. (Should be because for cause and effect)
– She went to bed early whereas she was tired. (Should be because for reason)
Correct:
– I stayed home because it was raining.
– She went to bed early because she was tired.
3. Creating Sentence Fragments
A dependent clause introduced by a subordinating conjunction cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Make sure to attach it to an independent clause to form a complete thought.
Incorrect:
– Although it was raining. (Fragment)
– If you finish your homework. (Fragment)
Correct:
– Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
– If you finish your homework, you can go out to play.
Practice Exercises
To master the use of subordinating conjunctions, practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help you improve your skills.
Exercise 1: Identifying Subordinating Conjunctions
Underline the subordinating conjunctions in the following sentences:
1. We went to the park although it was raining.
2. Because she studied hard, she passed the exam.
3. He will come to the party if he finishes his work.
4. After they ate dinner, they watched a movie.
5. She stayed home since she was feeling unwell.
Exercise 2: Completing Sentences
Complete the following sentences with an appropriate subordinating conjunction:
1. I will call you _______ I arrive home.
2. She didn’t go to the party _______ she was tired.
3. _______ it was raining, we went for a walk.
4. He will help you _______ you ask him.
5. They waited _______ the train arrived.
Exercise 3: Creating Sentences
Create your own sentences using the following subordinating conjunctions:
1. Although
2. Because
3. If
4. After
5. When
Advanced Usage of Subordinating Conjunctions
For advanced learners, understanding the nuanced usage of subordinating conjunctions can further enhance your language skills. Here are some advanced tips:
1. Using Multiple Subordinating Conjunctions
In complex sentences, you may need to use more than one subordinating conjunction to link multiple dependent clauses to the main clause.
Example:
– Because it was raining and since we had no umbrella, we decided to stay home.
2. Inversion for Emphasis
In formal writing, you can invert the sentence structure for emphasis by placing the dependent clause at the beginning.
Example:
– Rarely because it was raining did we stay home.
3. Combining with Coordinating Conjunctions
You can combine subordinating conjunctions with coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) to create more complex sentences.
Example:
– She went to bed early because she was tired, but she couldn’t sleep.
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are vital tools in the construction of complex sentences. By understanding their functions and mastering their usage, you can greatly improve your writing and communication skills. Remember to practice regularly and pay attention to the relationships between clauses to choose the correct subordinating conjunction. With time and effort, you will become more confident and proficient in using subordinating conjunctions in your writing.
