English Conjunctions: Subordinating Conjunctions

English Conjunctions: Subordinating Conjunctions

• Definition: Subordinating conjunctions connect an independent clause with a dependent clause, establishing a relationship between them.

• Purpose: They indicate the nature of the relationship, such as cause, contrast, condition, time, and place.

• Common Subordinating Conjunctions:

  • Cause: because, since, as
  • Contrast: although, though, whereas, even though
  • Condition: if, unless, provided that, in case
  • Time: when, after, before, while, until, as soon as
  • Place: where, wherever

• Examples:

  • Cause: "I stayed home because it was raining."
  • Contrast: "Although it was cold, we went for a walk."
  • Condition: "If you study hard, you will pass the exam."
  • Time: "Call me when you arrive."
  • Place: "You can sit wherever you like."

• Usage Tips:

  • A dependent clause cannot stand alone; it needs an independent clause for complete meaning.
  • Punctuation: A comma is often used before the subordinating conjunction if it starts the sentence (e.g., "Although it was late, we continued working.").
  • When the dependent clause follows the independent clause, a comma is typically not used (e.g., "We continued working although it was late.").

• Function in Sentences:

  • Helps to create complex sentences.
  • Adds depth and clarity by showing relationships between ideas.

• Practice:

  • Combine independent and dependent clauses using different subordinating conjunctions to enhance sentence variety.

Subordinating Conjunctions

• Connect independent clauses to dependent clauses, forming a complex sentence.
• Establish relationships such as cause, contrast, condition, time, and place between clauses.

Common Subordinating Conjunctions

• Cause:
  • Example conjunctions: because, since, as
• Contrast:
  • Example conjunctions: although, though, whereas, even though
• Condition:
  • Example conjunctions: if, unless, provided that, in case
• Time:
  • Example conjunctions: when, after, before, while, until, as soon as
• Place:
  • Example conjunctions: where, wherever

Examples of Use

• Cause: "I stayed home because it was raining."
• Contrast: "Although it was cold, we went for a walk."
• Condition: "If you study hard, you will pass the exam."
• Time: "Call me when you arrive."
• Place: "You can sit wherever you like."

Usage Guidelines

• Remember that a dependent clause requires an independent clause to create a complete thought.
• Use a comma before a subordinating conjunction if it begins the sentence.
• No comma needed when the dependent clause follows the independent clause.

Function and Benefits

• Enables the formation of complex sentences that enhance writing.
• Provides depth and clarity by illustrating relationships between different ideas.

Practice Suggestions

• Engage in combining independent and dependent clauses with various subordinating conjunctions to improve sentence structure and variety.

This quiz focuses on subordinating conjunctions in English, which connect independent and dependent clauses. Learn the common subordinating conjunctions used to indicate relationships of cause, contrast, condition, time, and place through examples and usage tips.