Subordinating conjunctions are essential tools in the English language, used to connect dependent clauses to independent clauses, creating more complex and meaningful sentences. These words, such as “because,” “although,” and “while,” help establish relationships like cause and effect, time, and contrast. By using subordinating conjunctions, writers can add depth, clarity, and variety to their sentences. Understanding how to use them effectively is a key step toward improving your writing skills and mastering sentence structure. In this article, we’ll explore what subordinating conjunctions are, why they matter, and how to use them with confidence.
What Is a Subordinating Conjunction?
Subordinating conjunctions are words or phrases that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, showing the relationship between the two. They help form complex sentences by adding extra details. They also help clarify the purpose, time, cause, condition, or contrast within a sentence. Without subordinating conjunctions, dependent clauses would not make sense on their own, as they rely on the independent clause to complete their meaning.
Download: Understanding Subordinating Conjunctions
Examples:
- “She stayed at home because it was raining.”
- “I will call you when I arrive.”
In these sentences, “because” and “when” are subordinating conjunctions that introduce dependent clauses, providing reasons and time references, respectively.
Subordinating conjunctions differ from coordinating conjunctions in their function. While coordinating conjunctions (like “and,” “but,” or “or”) join clauses of equal importance, subordinating conjunctions introduce a dependent clause, emphasizing its relationship to the main idea.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
Here are some subordinating conjunctions, grouped by function, with examples to help you remember how to use them:
Download: Categories of Subordinating Conjunctions
1. Time
These conjunctions indicate when an action occurs in relation to another.
Common conjunctions include: after, before, when, while, as, since, until, as soon as, once.
Examples:
- “After she finished her homework, she went out to play.”
- “Before we leave, make sure to lock the doors.”
- “He called me as soon as he got the news.”
- “While the children were playing, the parents prepared dinner.”
2. Cause and Effect
These conjunctions explain the reason or result of an action.
Common conjunctions: because, since, as, so that.
Examples:
- “She stayed home because she wasn’t feeling well.”
- “Since you missed the bus, I’ll drive you to school.”
- “He explained the process clearly so that everyone could understand.”
3. Condition/Possibilities
These conjunctions set a condition under which actions occur or outcomes become possible.
Common conjunctions: if, unless, provided that, as long as, even if, in case.
Examples:
- “If it rains, the match will be canceled.”
- “You can borrow the book as long as you return it on time.”
- “We’ll call off the trip unless the weather improves.”
- “We’ll explore other options in case this plan fails.”
4. Contrast/Concession
These conjunctions highlight a contrast between two ideas or unexpected results.
Common conjunctions: although, though, even though, whereas, while.
Examples:
- “Although the project was challenging, it was completed on time.”
- “He kept running even though he was exhausted.”
- “While I enjoy hiking, I prefer relaxing at the beach.”
5. Purpose
These conjunctions explain the goal or intent of an action.
Common conjunctions: so that, in order that, so as to, for the purpose of.
Examples:
- “She left early so that she could catch the train.”
- “The guide was written in order that beginners could follow it easily.”
6. Comparison
These conjunctions compare one clause to another.
Common conjunctions: than, as…as.
Examples:
- “She runs faster than her brother.”
- “He is as skilled as his mentor.”
7. Place
These conjunctions indicate where an action occurs.
Common conjunctions: where, wherever.
Examples:
- “Leave the keys where I can find them.”
- “He follows her wherever she goes.”
Functions of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are vital for building sophisticated and meaningful sentences. They not only connect clauses but also establish logical relationships between them. Here’re several key functions of subordinating conjunctions:
Download: Functions of Subordinating Conjunctions
1. Add Depth and Complexity
Subordinating conjunctions are instrumental in creating complex sentences by combining an independent clause with a dependent clause. This combination allows writers to present additional information or context, enriching their writing.
Examples:
- Simple sentence: “She was tired.”
- Complex sentence: “Although she was tired, she finished her work.”
2. Show Relationships Between Ideas
Subordinating conjunctions clarify logical relationships between ideas, such as cause and effect, contrast, time, condition, or place.
Examples:
- Cause and Effect: “The crops thrived since it rained heavily.”
- Time: “We’ll go out after the storm passes.”
- Condition: “You’ll succeed if you work hard.”
- Contrast: “Although he was nervous, he gave a great speech.”
- Place: “Let’s meet where we had lunch last week.”
3. Enhance Clarity and Coherence
By linking related ideas, subordinating conjunctions improve the flow and readability of writing, making it easier for readers to follow the author’s train of thought.
Example:
- “We can start the meeting after John arrives.”
Tips for Using Subordinating Conjunctions
Proper use of subordinating conjunctions is essential for clear and effective writing. Here are some guidelines to follow:
1. Pay Attention to Clause Order
A dependent clause introduced by a subordinating conjunction can appear before or after the main clause. When it precedes the main clause, it’s typically followed by a comma.
Download: Tips for Using Subordinating Conjunctions
Examples:
- Dependent clause first: “Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.”
- Independent clause first: “We stayed indoors because it was raining.”
2. Avoid Sentence Fragments
Ensure that the dependent clause is always connected to an independent clause to form a complete sentence.
Examples:
- Fragment: “Although she was hungry.”
- Complete sentence: “Although she was hungry, she waited for dinner.”
Download: Avoid Sentence Fragments
3. Don’t Overuse Them
Balance is key in writing. Overloading sentences with too many subordinating conjunctions can make them overly complex and difficult to read.
Examples: Avoid Overusing Subordinating Conjunctions
- Overuse: “Although he wanted to stay, and because it was getting late, and since he had an early meeting, he decided to leave.”
- Improved: “Although he wanted to stay, he decided to leave because it was getting late and he had an early meeting.”
How to Use Subordinating Conjunctions in Sentences
Using subordinating conjunctions effectively requires an understanding of sentence structure and the relationship between clauses. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help construct sentences with subordinating conjunctions.
Download: How to use Subordinating Conjunctions in Sentences Worksheet
1. Understand Clause Placement
A subordinating conjunction connects two types of clauses:
- Independent Clause: A complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence.
- Dependent Clause: An incomplete thought that relies on the independent clause to make sense.
For example:
- Independent Clause: “I stayed home.”
- Dependent Clause: “Because it was raining.”
→ When combined: “I stayed home because it was raining.”
2. Positioning Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.
- At the beginning: When the sentence starts with a dependent clause, it is followed by a comma.
- Example: “Because it was raining, I stayed home.”
- In the middle: When the dependent clause follows the independent clause, no comma is needed.
- Example: “I stayed home because it was raining.”
3. Punctuation Rules
- Always use a comma when the dependent clause comes first.
- Correct: “Although I was tired, I finished my homework.”
- Do not use a comma when the dependent clause comes after the independent clause.
- Correct: “I finished my homework although I was tired.”
By mastering the placement of subordinating conjunctions and following punctuation rules, you can create sentences that are clear, cohesive, and expressive. Practice these techniques to enhance your sentence structure and writing style.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of subordinating conjunctions with the following exercises.
1. Identify the Subordinating Conjunctions
Underline the subordinating conjunction in each sentence:
- I couldn’t go outside because it was snowing.
- She smiled although she was nervous.
- We waited at the station until the train arrived.
Download: Identify Subordinating Conjunctions Worksheet
2. Complete the Sentences
Fill in the blanks with an appropriate subordinating conjunctions
- We couldn’t start the meeting ______ the manager arrived.
- She stayed up late ______ she had an early meeting.
- He will stay here _____ you come back.
- The lights went out _____ there was a power outage.
- _____ the weather improves, we will cancel the picnic.
Download: Subordinating Conjunctions Practice Worksheet
3. Write Your Own Sentences
Create three sentences using the following subordinating conjunctions
- Since
- While
- Although
Challenge Activity
Rewrite the following sentences by moving the dependent clause to the beginning of the sentence. Add commas where needed:
- “I couldn’t sleep because the storm was too loud.”
- “He stayed late at work even though he was feeling sick.”
These exercises will help you identify, complete, and construct sentences with subordinating conjunctions, improving your grammar and writing skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are subordinating conjunctions and subordinators the same?
Yes, the terms are often used interchangeably. Subordinators refer to the same words (like “because,” “although,” and “if”) that connect dependent and independent clauses.
2. What are comparative conjunctions?
Comparative conjunctions like “than” and “as … as” are used to compare one clause to another. They function as subordinating conjunctions when they introduce dependent clauses.
- Example with “than”: “She is taller than her brother.”
- Example with “as … as”: “He is not as skilled as she is.”
3. Can subordinating conjunctions connect two independent clauses?
No, subordinating conjunctions only connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. For joining two independent clauses, you need coordinating conjunctions or punctuation like a semicolon.
4. Do subordinating conjunctions always require a dependent clause?
Yes, subordinating conjunctions must introduce a dependent clause. Without it, they cannot function properly in a sentence.
Wrapping Up!
Subordinating conjunctions are the glue that holds complex sentences together. They are powerful tools that connect dependent and independent clauses, allowing you to create more complex and meaningful sentences. They help clarify relationships such as cause and effect, time, condition, and contrast, making your writing more engaging and effective. By understanding their placement and usage, you can improve sentence variety and flow in your writing.
Whether you’re writing essays, stories, or professional documents, mastering subordinating conjunctions is essential for clear and impactful communication. Regular practice, such as identifying, completing, and constructing sentences with these conjunctions, will help solidify your skills.
Remember, small changes like using “because,” “although,” or “while” can elevate the quality of your sentences and make your writing stand out. Start incorporating subordinating conjunctions into your writing today to see the difference they can make!
Ready to take your learning further? Visit Worksheetzone for fun and interactive practice worksheets and exercises on subordinating conjunctions and much more!
