Subordinating Conjunctions: The Ultimate Guide for Better Writing

Sharing is caring!

Subordinating conjunctions are a powerful tool for creating complex sentences. Many writers find these small words to be a challenging aspect of grammar. However, mastering subordinating conjunctions is essential for creating complex sentences and conveying ideas effectively. In this article, we’ll explore what subordinating conjunctions are, how they work, and provide examples to help you better understand their usage.

In this article, we’ll cover the most common subordinating conjunctions and how to use them correctly. We’ll also provide examples and exercises to help you practice using subordinating conjunctions in your writing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer, this article will help you master subordinating conjunctions and take your writing to the next level.

Subordinating Conjunctions: The Power of Complex Sentences!

The Role of Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are one of the essential building blocks of complex sentences. They play a crucial role in connecting dependent clauses to independent clauses, allowing writers to express more nuanced relationships between ideas. In this section, we’ll explore the two primary roles of subordinating conjunctions: creating complex sentences and expressing relationships between ideas.

Creating Complex Sentences

One of the primary roles of subordinating conjunctions is to create complex sentences. A complex sentence is a sentence that contains an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. The dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and relies on the independent clause for meaning.

To create a complex sentence, a writer must use a subordinating conjunction to connect the dependent clause to the independent clause. Some common subordinating conjunctions include:

• after
• although
• as
• because
• before
• if
• since
• though
• unless
• until
• when
• where
• while

Here are a few examples of complex sentences created with subordinating conjunctions:

• Although I love chocolate, I try not to eat it every day.
• If it rains, we’ll stay inside and play board games.
• Since I started exercising regularly, I’ve noticed an improvement in my mood.
• While I was cooking dinner, my cat knocked over a vase.

Expressing Relationships Between Ideas

Another critical role of subordinating conjunctions is to express relationships between ideas. Subordinating conjunctions can signal a variety of relationships, including cause and effect, time, condition, and contrast.

Here are a few examples of subordinating conjunctions used to express relationships between ideas:

• Cause and Effect: Because, since, as
• Time: After, before, when, while, until
• Condition: If, unless, provided that, in case
• Contrast: Although, even though, whereas, while

Using subordinating conjunctions to express relationships between ideas can help writers create more nuanced and sophisticated arguments. Here are a few examples of sentences that use subordinating conjunctions to express relationships between ideas:

• Because I was running late, I missed my train.
• After I finish this project, I’m going to take a vacation.
• If you want to lose weight, you need to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
• Although I agree with some of your points, I think your argument is flawed.

In conclusion, subordinating conjunctions play a crucial role in creating complex sentences and expressing relationships between ideas. By mastering the use of subordinating conjunctions, writers can create more sophisticated and nuanced arguments.

Types of Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are words that join dependent clauses to independent clauses. They are used to show the relationship between the two clauses, whether it’s time, cause and effect, contrast, or condition. In this section, we will discuss the different types of subordinating conjunctions and provide examples for each.

Time Conjunctions

Time conjunctions are used to show the relationship between two events in time. They include words such as “when,” “after,” “before,” “while,” and “since.” Here are some examples:

• After I finish my homework, I will watch TV.
• Before you leave, please turn off the lights.
• While I was sleeping, someone stole my laptop.
• Since it’s raining, we should stay indoors.

Cause and Effect Conjunctions

Cause and effect conjunctions are used to show the relationship between two events where one event is the cause and the other is the effect. They include words such as “because,” “since,” “so,” and “as.” Here are some examples:

• Because I ate too much, I feel sick.
• Since it’s late, we should go to bed.
• So many people attended the concert that the venue was overcrowded.
• As it’s a holiday, we don’t have to go to work.

Contrast Conjunctions

Contrast conjunctions are used to show the relationship between two events that are in contrast to each other. They include words such as “although,” “even though,” “while,” and “whereas.” Here are some examples:

• Although it’s raining, I’m going for a walk.
• Even though he’s rich, he’s not happy.
• While I prefer tea, my sister prefers coffee.
• Whereas I like spicy food, my brother likes mild food.

Condition Conjunctions

Condition conjunctions are used to show the relationship between two events where one event is dependent on the other. They include words such as “if,” “unless,” “provided that,” and “in case.” Here are some examples:

• If it rains, we will stay indoors.
• Unless you study hard, you will fail the exam.
• Provided that you finish your work, you can go out and play.
• In case of an emergency, call 911.

In conclusion, subordinating conjunctions are essential in forming complex sentences. By using them correctly, you can add variety and depth to your writing.

Commonly Used Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are essential for connecting two clauses together and making the relationship between them clear. Here are some of the most commonly used subordinating conjunctions in English:

• After: This conjunction is used to show that one action occurs after another. Example: After I finish my work, I will watch a movie.
• Although: Although is used to show a contrast between two ideas. Example: Although it was raining, we still went for a walk.
• As: This conjunction can be used to show time, cause, or comparison. Example: As I was walking to the store, I saw a friend.
• Because: Because is used to show the reason for something. Example: I stayed home because I was feeling sick.
• Before: This conjunction is used to show that one action occurs before another. Example: Before I go to bed, I always brush my teeth.
• If: If is used to show a condition. Example: If it rains, we will stay inside.
• Since: This conjunction is used to show that one action started before another and continues to the present. Example: Since I started exercising, I feel more energized.
• That: That is used to introduce a clause that provides additional information about the subject of the sentence. Example: I know that you are busy.
• Unless: Unless is used to show a condition that must be met for something to happen. Example: Unless you study, you will fail the test.
• While: While is used to show that two actions occur at the same time. Example: While I was cooking dinner, my friend arrived.

It’s important to remember that subordinating conjunctions are just one part of creating complex sentences. Using them effectively can help make your writing more interesting and engaging.

Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions in Sentences

Subordinating conjunctions are used to connect dependent clauses to independent clauses. They help to create complex sentences, which are more interesting and informative than simple sentences. Here are some examples of subordinating conjunctions in sentences:

1. Because: I couldn’t go to the party because I had to study for my exam.
2. Although: Although it was raining, John went for a walk.
3. While: While I was cooking dinner, my husband was watching TV.
4. Since: Since she was feeling sick, she decided to stay home.
5. If: If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.
6. Unless: I won’t be able to come unless you give me the address.
7. As: As I was walking to the store, I saw my friend.
8. Before: Before I go to bed, I always brush my teeth.
9. After: After I finish my work, I will go for a walk.
10. Whenever: Whenever I hear that song, it reminds me of my childhood.

As you can see, subordinating conjunctions can be used to show cause and effect, contrast, time, condition, and more. They can help you to create more complex and interesting sentences. However, it is important to use them correctly to avoid confusing or unclear sentences.

In addition to the examples above, there are many other subordinating conjunctions that you can use in your writing. Some common ones include “since,” “as if,” “even though,” “in order that,” and “provided that.” By using a variety of subordinating conjunctions, you can add depth and complexity to your writing.

Remember, the key to using subordinating conjunctions correctly is to make sure that the dependent clause is connected to an independent clause and that the sentence makes sense. With practice, you can become more comfortable using subordinating conjunctions and create more interesting and informative sentences.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Avoiding Run-On Sentences

One common mistake when using subordinating conjunctions is creating run-on sentences. A run-on sentence happens when two independent clauses are joined together without proper punctuation or a conjunction. This can be easily avoided by using a subordinating conjunction to connect the clauses.

For example, instead of writing “I like to read books, I also enjoy watching movies,” you can use a subordinating conjunction to create two separate sentences or a complex sentence: “I like to read books. Although I also enjoy watching movies.” or “Although I like to read books, I also enjoy watching movies.”

Correct Placement of Conjunctions

Another mistake is placing the conjunction in the wrong position. The subordinating conjunction should come at the beginning of the dependent clause, not in the middle or at the end.

For example, instead of writing “I will go to the store, after I finish my homework,” you should write “After I finish my homework, I will go to the store.”

It’s also important to remember that some subordinating conjunctions have specific meanings and should be used appropriately. For instance, “although” is used to show a contrast, while “because” is used to show a cause and effect relationship.

Here are some common subordinating conjunctions and their meanings:

By avoiding these common mistakes and using subordinating conjunctions correctly, you can improve the clarity and coherence of your writing.

Exercises to Practice Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are an essential component of English grammar, and mastering them can help you become a better writer. Here are some exercises that will help you practice using subordinating conjunctions correctly.

Exercise 1: Complete the Sentence

In this exercise, you will be given a sentence with a missing subordinating conjunction. Your task is to choose the correct conjunction from the options provided.

Example: ________ I arrived at the party, everyone had left.

Options: After, Although, Before, Because

Answer: After

1. ________ he had finished his work, he went to bed.
   Options: After, Although, Before, Because
2. ________ I have enough money, I will buy a new car.
   Options: After, Although, Before, Because
3. ________ he is sick, he still goes to work.
   Options: After, Although, Before, Because

Exercise 2: Identify the Subordinating Conjunction

In this exercise, you will be given a sentence with a subordinating conjunction. Your task is to identify the conjunction and the clause it introduces.

Example: After I arrived at the party, everyone had left.

Subordinating Conjunction: After
Clause: I arrived at the party

1. Although he had finished his work, he went to bed.
   Subordinating Conjunction: Although
   Clause: he had finished his work
2. Before I go to bed, I always brush my teeth.
   Subordinating Conjunction: Before
   Clause: I go to bed
3. Because he is sick, he can’t go to work.
   Subordinating Conjunction: Because
   Clause: he is sick

Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentences

In this exercise, you will create your own sentences using subordinating conjunctions. Try to use a variety of conjunctions and clauses to make your sentences interesting and varied.

Example: Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.

1. After I finish work, I am going to the gym.
2. Because I am tired, I am going to bed early tonight.
3. Before I go on vacation, I need to finish all my work.
4. Even though he is rich, he is not happy.
5. Unless it stops raining, we won’t be able to have a picnic.

By practicing these exercises, you will become more confident in using subordinating conjunctions correctly, which will help you improve your writing and communication skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a subordinating conjunction and a coordinating conjunction?

A subordinating conjunction connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, while a coordinating conjunction connects two independent clauses. In simpler terms, a subordinating conjunction makes one clause dependent on the other, while a coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses of equal importance.

Can you provide some examples of subordinating conjunctions used in complex sentences?

Sure! Some common subordinating conjunctions include “although,” “because,” “if,” “since,” “when,” and “while.” Here are some examples of complex sentences that use subordinating conjunctions:

• Although it was raining, we still went for a walk.
• Because I woke up late, I missed my morning meeting.
• If you need any help, just let me know.
• Since it’s your birthday, we’re going out for dinner tonight.
• When the movie ended, we went out for ice cream.
• While I was studying, my roommate was watching TV.

How do subordinating clauses function within a sentence?

A subordinating clause, also known as a dependent clause, cannot stand alone as a sentence. It relies on the main clause, or independent clause, to make sense. Subordinating clauses typically begin with a subordinating conjunction and provide additional information about the main clause, such as time, cause, or condition.

What are some common errors to avoid when using subordinating conjunctions?

One common error is using a coordinating conjunction instead of a subordinating conjunction. Another is placing the subordinating clause in the wrong position in the sentence, which can lead to confusion or awkward phrasing. It’s also important to use the correct tense and subject-verb agreement in the subordinating clause.

How can I identify subordinating conjunctions in a sentence?

Subordinating conjunctions are typically easy to spot because they introduce a dependent clause. Look for words like “although,” “because,” “if,” “since,” “when,” and “while” at the beginning of a clause.

What are some tips for using subordinating conjunctions effectively in my writing?

First, make sure the subordinating clause is relevant and adds to the meaning of the sentence. Avoid using too many subordinating clauses in one sentence, as this can make it difficult to follow. Finally, vary your use of subordinating conjunctions to add variety and interest to your writing.

• Author
• Recent Posts

ESLBUZZ

ESLBUZZ is a cloud-based language learning application dedicated to providing high-quality educational resources to language students worldwide. We have experienced tutors, teachers, writers, and editors committed to helping students achieve their language goals.

Latest posts by ESLBUZZ (see all)

• Plural of Species: Rules and Examples - November 8, 2023
• 50th Birthday Wishes to Boost Your English Vocabulary and Writing Skills - October 28, 2023
• Plural of Synopsis: Mastering English Grammar Made Easy! - October 23, 2023