Subordinating conjunctions are essential tools in the English language, allowing us to create complex sentences that express relationships between ideas. Mastering their use is critical for clear and effective communication, both in writing and speaking.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding subordinating conjunctions, covering their definition, structure, types, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced applications. Whether you are a student, a teacher, or simply someone looking to improve your English skills, this resource will equip you with the knowledge and practice you need to confidently use subordinating conjunctions.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Subordinating Conjunctions
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Subordinating Conjunctions
- Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions
- Usage Rules for Subordinating Conjunctions
- Common Mistakes with Subordinating Conjunctions
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of Subordinating Conjunctions
A subordinating conjunction is a word or phrase that connects a subordinate (dependent) clause to a main (independent) clause. Unlike coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet), which join elements of equal grammatical rank, subordinating conjunctions create complex sentences where one clause is dependent on the other for its meaning. The subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a sentence, while the main clause can.
Subordinating conjunctions indicate a relationship between the two clauses, such as time, cause, effect, contrast, condition, place, or purpose. They provide context and detail, making the sentence more informative and nuanced.
The clause introduced by the subordinating conjunction is also known as an adverbial clause because it often functions as an adverb, modifying the verb in the main clause.
For example, in the sentence “Because it was raining, I took my umbrella,” the subordinating conjunction “because” connects the subordinate clause “Because it was raining” to the main clause “I took my umbrella.” The subordinate clause explains the reason why the action in the main clause occurred.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure of a sentence using a subordinating conjunction involves a main clause and a subordinate clause. The subordinate clause begins with the subordinating conjunction and contains a subject and a verb.
The order of the clauses can vary, but the meaning remains the same.
Structure 1: Subordinating Conjunction + Subject + Verb, Main Clause (Subject + Verb).
Example: If it rains, we will stay inside.
Structure 2: Main Clause (Subject + Verb) + Subordinating Conjunction + Subject + Verb.
Example: We will stay inside if it rains.
When the subordinate clause comes before the main clause, a comma usually separates the two clauses. However, when the main clause comes first, a comma is generally not needed.
Consider these examples to further illustrate the structural breakdown:
- Although she was tired, she finished the race. (Subordinate clause first, comma used)
- She finished the race although she was tired. (Main clause first, no comma)
Understanding this basic structure is crucial for correctly constructing sentences with subordinating conjunctions and avoiding grammatical errors.
Types and Categories of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can be categorized based on the type of relationship they express between the main clause and the subordinate clause. The most common categories are time, cause and effect, contrast and comparison, condition, place, and purpose.
Each category includes specific conjunctions that indicate the particular relationship.
Time
Time conjunctions indicate when an action occurs in relation to another action. Common time conjunctions include: after, as, as soon as, before, since, until, when, whenever, while.
Example: I will call you when I arrive.
Cause and Effect
Cause and effect conjunctions explain why something happens or what the result of something is. Common cause and effect conjunctions include: because, since, as, so that, in order that.
Example: Because it was late, we went home.
Contrast and Comparison
Contrast and comparison conjunctions show how two ideas are different or similar. Common contrast and comparison conjunctions include: although, though, even though, whereas, while.
Example: Although it was expensive, I bought it.
Condition
Condition conjunctions describe a situation that must be true for something else to happen. Common condition conjunctions include: if, unless, provided that, as long as, in case.
Example: If it rains, the game will be canceled.
Place
Place conjunctions indicate location. Common place conjunctions include: where, wherever.
Example: You can sit wherever you like.
Purpose
Purpose conjunctions explain the reason for doing something. Common purpose conjunctions include: so that, in order that, that.
Example: I study hard so that I can pass the exam.
Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions
Understanding how subordinating conjunctions are used in sentences is crucial for mastering their usage. The following sections provide extensive examples for each category, illustrating the diverse ways these conjunctions can connect clauses and express different relationships.
Time Examples
Time conjunctions connect clauses to indicate when events occur relative to each other. This table provides examples using common time conjunctions.
| Subordinating Conjunction | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| After | After the movie ended, we went for ice cream. |
| As | As I was walking down the street, I saw a friend. |
| As | The rain started as we reached home. |
| As soon as | As soon as the bell rings, the students can leave. |
| Before | Before you leave, make sure to lock the door. |
| Since | Since I moved here, I’ve been much happier. |
| Until | I will wait here until you return. |
| When | When the sun sets, it gets cooler. |
| Whenever | Whenever I feel stressed, I listen to music. |
| While | While I was cooking, the phone rang. |
| While | While she was practicing the piano, her brother was doing his homework. |
| Once | Once you understand the rules, the game is easy. |
| Till | We stayed up till midnight. |
| Ere | Ere the sun sets, we must reach the village. |
| Now that | Now that the exams are over, we can relax. |
| The moment | The moment he arrived, the party started. |
| Immediately | Immediately after the concert, the crowd dispersed. |
| Directly | Directly he finished his speech, everyone applauded. |
| Subsequent to | Subsequent to the meeting, a decision was made. |
| Simultaneously | Simultaneously as the music played, the dancers began their routine. |
| Contemporaneously | Contemporaneously with the scientific discoveries, societal changes occurred. |
| At the time that | At the time that the incident happened, I was out of town. |
| Previous to | Previous to the invention of the car, people relied on horses. |
Cause and Effect Examples
Cause and effect conjunctions explain why something happens or what the result of something is. The following table provides examples of how these conjunctions connect causes and effects.
| Subordinating Conjunction | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Because | Because I studied hard, I passed the test. |
| Since | Since it was raining, we stayed inside. |
| As | As it was getting late, we decided to leave. |
| So that | I exercise regularly so that I can stay healthy. |
| In order that | He saved money in order that he could buy a car. |
| Seeing that | Seeing that everyone agreed, we moved forward with the plan. |
| Inasmuch as | Inasmuch as you have completed the project, you will receive a bonus. |
| Considering that | Considering that he has no experience, he did a great job. |
| Due to the fact that | Due to the fact that the roads were icy, the school was closed. |
| On account of | On account of the heavy traffic, we were late for the meeting. |
| For | She couldn’t attend the meeting, for she was unwell. |
| Now that | Now that the project is complete, we can celebrate. |
| As long as | As long as you work hard, you will succeed. |
| Insomuch as | Insomuch as he tried his best, we cannot fault him. |
| For the reason that | For the reason that he was unprepared, he failed the exam. |
| On the grounds that | The appeal was rejected on the grounds that there was insufficient evidence. |
| Out of | Out of desperation, he made a risky decision. |
| By reason of | By reason of his diligence, he achieved great success. |
| Since the time that | Since the time that he started working here, he has improved significantly. |
| Being that | Being that it’s a holiday, the stores are closed. |
| In consequence of | In consequence of the storm, many trees fell. |
| Resulting from | Resulting from the accident, he suffered injuries. |
| Arising from | Arising from the economic downturn, many businesses closed. |
Contrast and Comparison Examples
Contrast and comparison conjunctions highlight the differences or similarities between two ideas. The table below showcases examples using common contrast and comparison conjunctions.
| Subordinating Conjunction | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Although | Although it was raining, we went for a walk. |
| Though | Though he was tired, he kept working. |
| Even though | Even though it was difficult, she succeeded. |
| Whereas | Whereas some people prefer coffee, others prefer tea. |
| While | While I enjoy reading, my brother prefers watching movies. |
| Where | Where he sees problems, I see opportunities. |
| In contrast to | In contrast to his brother, he is very outgoing. |
| Contrary to | Contrary to popular belief, cats can be trained. |
| Unlike | Unlike her sister, she enjoys spicy food. |
| As much as | As much as I like ice cream, I can’t eat it every day. |
| Just as | Just as he predicted, it started to rain. |
| Similarly | Similarly to the first experiment, the second one yielded positive results. |
| Equally | Equally as important as hard work is having a positive attitude. |
| In the same way that | In the same way that plants need sunlight, humans need social interaction. |
| Compared to | Compared to last year, the sales have increased significantly. |
| When | When one door closes, another opens. |
| On the one hand | On the one hand, it’s expensive; on the other hand, it’s high quality. |
| Conversely | She is an introvert; conversely, her husband is an extrovert. |
| Notwithstanding | Notwithstanding the difficulties, we persisted. |
| Despite the fact that | Despite the fact that he was tired, he continued working. |
| Regardless of the fact that | Regardless of the fact that it was raining, they went for a picnic. |
| Even if | Even if it’s difficult, don’t give up. |
| While on the contrary | While he prefers classical music, on the contrary, she enjoys rock. |
Condition Examples
Condition conjunctions introduce a condition that must be met for the main clause to be true. The following table provides examples using common condition conjunctions.
| Subordinating Conjunction | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| If | If it rains, we will stay home. |
| Unless | Unless you study, you will fail. |
| Provided that | Provided that you have a ticket, you can enter. |
| As long as | As long as you promise to be careful, you can borrow my car. |
| In case | In case it rains, take an umbrella. |
| On condition that | On condition that you keep it secret, I’ll tell you. |
| Assuming that | Assuming that the weather is good, we’ll go to the beach. |
| Supposing that | Supposing that you won the lottery, what would you do? |
| Given that | Given that he’s new to the job, he’s doing well. |
| Only if | Only if you try will you succeed. |
| Even if | Even if it’s hard, you should try. |
| If and only if | You can log in if and only if you have the correct password. |
| When | When the temperature drops, the lake freezes. |
| Whenever | Whenever you feel overwhelmed, take a break. |
| In the event that | In the event that there is a fire, use the emergency exit. |
| So long as | So long as you are honest, I will trust you. |
| Granting that | Granting that you are correct, we still need more evidence. |
| Considering that | Considering that it’s his first attempt, he did remarkably well. |
| If ever | If ever you need help, don’t hesitate to ask. |
| Lest | He ran quickly lest he should miss the train. |
| Whether or not | Whether or not you agree, we’re proceeding with the plan. |
| Insofar as | Insofar as it depends on me, I will support you. |
| Providing | Providing that you follow the instructions, you will succeed. |
Place Examples
Place conjunctions indicate location in relation to the main clause. The table below provides examples using common place conjunctions.
| Subordinating Conjunction | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Where | I will go where you go. |
| Wherever | You can sit wherever you like. |
| Anywhere | Anywhere you go, I will follow. |
| Everywhere | Everywhere he travels, he takes his camera. |
| In which | This is the house in which I was born. |
| From where | From where I stand, the view is amazing. |
| To where | He traveled to where his ancestors lived. |
| Whither | Whither thou goest, I will go. |
Purpose Examples
Purpose conjunctions explain the reason or intent behind an action in the main clause. The table below provides examples using common purpose conjunctions.
| Subordinating Conjunction | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| So that | I study hard so that I can pass the exam. |
| In order that | He saved money in order that he could buy a house. |
| That | He shouted that everyone would hear him. |
| Lest | They whisper lest someone should overhear them. |
| For fear that | He locked the door for fear that someone would break in. |
Usage Rules for Subordinating Conjunctions
Using subordinating conjunctions correctly involves understanding a few key rules. First, the subordinate clause must contain both a subject and a verb.
Second, the placement of the subordinate clause can affect the sentence’s flow and emphasis. When the subordinate clause comes first, it is usually followed by a comma.
When it comes after the main clause, a comma is generally not needed.
Rule 1: The subordinate clause must have a subject and a verb.
Correct: Because she studied, she passed the exam.
Incorrect: Because of studying, she passed the exam.
Rule 2: Use a comma after the subordinate clause when it precedes the main clause.
Correct: If it rains, we will stay inside.
Incorrect: If it rains we will stay inside.
Rule 3: Do not use a comma when the subordinate clause follows the main clause (unless for stylistic reasons or clarity).
Correct: We will stay inside if it rains.
Incorrect: We will stay inside, if it rains.
Rule 4: Be mindful of the specific meaning of each subordinating conjunction. Using the wrong conjunction can change the meaning of the sentence.
Correct: Because I was tired, I went to bed early. (Cause and effect)
Incorrect: Although I was tired, I went to bed early. (Contrast – doesn’t make logical sense)
Rule 5: Avoid using “because” at the beginning of a sentence when a stronger emphasis is needed. Instead, restructure the sentence or use a different conjunction.
Weaker: Because it was important, I attended the meeting.
Stronger: Since it was important, I attended the meeting.
Common Mistakes with Subordinating Conjunctions
Even experienced English speakers sometimes make mistakes when using subordinating conjunctions. Being aware of these common errors can help you avoid them in your own writing and speaking.
Mistake 1: Using a comma incorrectly.
Incorrect: I went to the store, because I needed milk.
Correct: I went to the store because I needed milk.
Correct: Because I needed milk, I went to the store.
Mistake 2: Using the wrong subordinating conjunction.
Incorrect: Although it rained, I was happy because the garden needed water.
Correct: Because it rained, I was happy because the garden needed water.
Mistake 3: Creating a sentence fragment.
Incorrect: Because it was raining. (This is not a complete sentence.)
Correct: Because it was raining, I took an umbrella.
Mistake 4: Misplacing the subordinating conjunction.
Incorrect: I ate dinner after I finished work, quickly.
Correct: After I finished work, I ate dinner quickly.
Correct: I ate dinner quickly after I finished work.
Mistake 5: Using “because of” instead of “because” followed by a clause.
Incorrect: Because of it was raining, we stayed inside.
Correct: Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
Correct: Because of the rain, we stayed inside.
Practice Exercises
These exercises are designed to help you practice using subordinating conjunctions correctly. Each exercise focuses on a different aspect of their usage, from identifying them in sentences to correcting errors.
Exercise 1: Identifying Subordinating Conjunctions
Instructions: Identify the subordinating conjunction in each sentence.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. After the game, we went out for pizza. | After |
| 2. Because it was cold, I wore a coat. | Because |
| 3. Although she was tired, she kept working. | Although |
| 4. If it rains, we will stay inside. | If |
| 5. You can sit wherever you like. | Wherever |
| 6. I study so that I can pass the exam. | So that |
| 7. Since you asked, I’ll tell you the truth. | Since |
| 8. While I was waiting, I read a book. | While |
| 9. Unless you hurry, you’ll be late. | Unless |
| 10. As soon as the bell rings, class is dismissed. | As soon as |
Exercise 2: Completing Sentences
Instructions: Complete each sentence using an appropriate subordinating conjunction from the list: because, if, although, when, while.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. ______ it was raining, we decided to stay home. | Because |
| 2. ______ you finish your homework, you can watch TV. | If |
| 3. ______ she is rich, she is not happy. | Although |
| 4. I will call you ______ I arrive. | When |
| 5. ______ I was cooking, the phone rang. | While |
| 6. He succeeded ______ he worked hard. | Because |
| 7. ______ he had the opportunity, he seized it. | When |
| 8. She continued to smile, ______ she was feeling sad inside. | Although |
| 9. We will go for a picnic ______ the weather is good. | If |
| 10. ______ I was studying, my brother was playing video games. | While |
Exercise 3: Correcting Errors
Instructions: Correct the errors in the following sentences related to subordinating conjunctions.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Because of it rained, we stayed inside. | Because it rained, we stayed inside. / Because of the rain, we stayed inside. |
| 2. I will go to the party, although I am tired. | I will go to the party although I am tired. / Although I am tired, I will go to the party. |
| 3. If it will rain, we will cancel the trip. | If it rains, we will cancel the trip. |
| 4. Since of the traffic, we were late. | Because of the traffic, we were late. / Since there was traffic, we were late. |
| 5. Although, I like chocolate, I prefer vanilla. | Although I like chocolate, I prefer vanilla. |
| 6. I studied hard so I pass the exam. | I studied hard so that I could pass the exam. |
| 7. Unless you don’t study, you will fail. | Unless you study, you will fail. / If you don’t study, you will fail. |
| 8. Because I needed milk, so I went to the store. | Because I needed milk, I went to the store. |
| 9. When I will see him, I will tell him the news. | When I see him, I will tell him the news. |
| 10. While I was cook, the phone rang. | While I was cooking, the phone rang. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of subordinating conjunctions can further enhance their writing and speaking skills. This includes recognizing the subtle differences between similar conjunctions, using them for rhetorical effect, and understanding their role in complex sentence structures.
For instance, the choice between “since” and “because” can subtly influence the tone of a sentence. “Since” often implies that the reason is already known or understood, while “because” introduces a new reason.
Furthermore, mastering the art of sentence combining using subordinating conjunctions allows for more sophisticated and concise writing. This involves taking multiple short sentences and combining them into a single, complex sentence that effectively conveys the relationship between ideas.
Consider the following example:
Original Sentences: It was raining. We decided to stay home.
Combined Sentence: Because it was raining, we decided to stay home.
By understanding these advanced concepts, learners can elevate their English proficiency and communicate with greater precision and clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This section addresses common questions that learners often have about subordinating conjunctions, providing clear and concise answers to help solidify understanding.
- What is the difference between a subordinating conjunction and a coordinating conjunction?
Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, creating a complex sentence. Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) connect two independent clauses or other elements of equal grammatical rank.
- Do I always need a comma when using a subordinating conjunction?
A comma is generally used after the subordinate clause when it comes before the main clause. When the main clause comes first, a comma is usually not needed unless for stylistic reasons or clarity.
- Can I start a sentence with a subordinating conjunction?
Yes, you can start a sentence with a subordinating conjunction. However, make sure that the subordinate clause is followed by a main clause to form a complete sentence.
- Is it incorrect to use “because” at the beginning of a sentence?
While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with “because” can sometimes sound less formal or weaker. Consider using “since” or restructuring the sentence for a stronger emphasis.
- What if I’m unsure which subordinating conjunction to use?
Consider the relationship you want to express between the clauses (time, cause, contrast, etc.). Look up the definitions of different conjunctions and choose the one that best fits the context.
- Can a subordinate clause contain another subordinate clause?
Yes, a subordinate clause can contain another subordinate clause, creating a complex hierarchical structure. This is common in advanced writing and allows for expressing intricate relationships between ideas.
- How do I avoid
avoid making mistakes with subordinating conjunctions?
Practice regularly, review the rules of usage, and pay attention to how subordinating conjunctions are used in well-written texts. Seek feedback on your writing to identify and correct any errors.
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are vital components of the English language, enabling the construction of complex and nuanced sentences. By understanding their definition, structure, types, usage rules, and common mistakes, learners can significantly enhance their communication skills.
Consistent practice and attention to detail will lead to greater confidence and proficiency in using subordinating conjunctions effectively. Whether you are writing an academic paper, delivering a presentation, or simply engaging in conversation, mastering these conjunctions will allow you to express your ideas with clarity and precision.