What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. Think of them as the glue that holds complex sentences together, showing the relationship between two ideas. The dependent clause can't stand alone as a complete sentence, but when joined by a subordinating conjunction, it makes sense within the larger sentence.
For example, "because it was raining" is a dependent clause. It doesn't make sense on its own. But, "I stayed inside because it was raining" makes perfect sense. The word "because" is the subordinating conjunction.
Why Use Subordinating Conjunctions?
Using subordinating conjunctions does a few important things for your writing:
- Creates Complex Sentences: They allow you to combine shorter, choppier sentences into longer, more sophisticated ones. This makes your writing flow better and sound more natural.
- Shows Relationships: They clearly signal how two ideas relate to each other. Is one the cause of the other? Is one happening despite the other? The conjunction tells the reader.
- Adds Variety: A mix of simple and complex sentences keeps your reader engaged. Relying only on simple sentences can make your writing sound monotonous.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions and Their Meanings
These conjunctions fall into several categories based on the relationship they indicate.
Cause and Effect
These show why something happened.
- Because: She succeeded on the test because she studied diligently.
- Since: The project was delayed since the main supplier went out of business.
- As: He felt tired as he hadn't slept well.
Time
These indicate when something happened or how long it lasted.
- When: We'll go to the park when the sun comes out.
- While: He listened to music while he completed his homework.
- After: The team celebrated after they won the championship.
- Before: Please clean your room before your friends arrive.
- Until/Till: We waited until the bus arrived.
- As soon as: Call me as soon as you get home.
- Once: You'll feel better once you get some rest.
Condition
These introduce a situation that must be met for something else to happen.
- If: I'll go to the party if you come with me.
- Unless: You won't pass the exam unless you study harder.
- Provided that/Providing that: We'll finish the report provided that we get all the data by Friday.
- In case: Take an umbrella in case it rains.
Concession (Contrast/Surprise)
These show an unexpected relationship between two ideas.
- Although: He went for a run although he felt unwell.
- Though: She enjoyed the movie, though it was a bit too long.
- Even though: They decided to hike even though the weather forecast was bad.
- Whereas: Some people prefer coffee, whereas others like tea.
- While: (Can also indicate contrast) He is very outgoing, while his sister is quite shy.
Purpose
These explain the reason or goal behind an action.
- So that: He spoke slowly so that everyone could understand.
- In order that: She saved money in order that she could buy a new car. (Less common in everyday speech, more formal.)
Building Complex Sentences
The structure of a complex sentence with a subordinating conjunction is generally:
Independent Clause + Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause or Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause + , + Independent Clause
Let's look at some examples:
- Independent + Dependent: The students were excited because the school year was ending.
Independent Clause: "The students were excited" Subordinating Conjunction: "because" * Dependent Clause: "the school year was ending"
- Dependent + Independent: ***Although* the traffic was heavy, we arrived on time.**
Subordinating Conjunction: "Although" Dependent Clause: "the traffic was heavy" Independent Clause: "we arrived on time" Note the comma after the dependent clause when it comes first.
Practice with Examples
- Time: I'll call you when I'm finished with this meeting.
* If the dependent clause comes first: ***When* I'm finished with this meeting, I'll call you.**
- Condition: You'll get a refund if you have the original receipt.
* If the dependent clause comes first: ***If* you have the original receipt, you'll get a refund.**
- Concession: He kept working even though he was exhausted.
* If the dependent clause comes first: ***Even though* he was exhausted, he kept working.**
- Cause: She missed the train since her alarm didn't go off.
* If the dependent clause comes first: ***Since* her alarm didn't go off, she missed the train.**
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
- Don't create a comma splice: Make sure you're not just sticking two independent clauses together with a comma. Subordinating conjunctions attach a dependent clause, not another independent one.
Incorrect: The dog barked, because it saw a squirrel. (Both "The dog barked" and "it saw a squirrel" could be sentences.) Correct: The dog barked because it saw a squirrel. (The second part is now dependent.)
- Punctuation: Remember to use a comma when the dependent clause comes before the independent clause. If the independent clause comes first, you usually don't need a comma.
Correct: Unless you apologize, I won't forgive you. Correct: I won't forgive you unless you apologize.
When to Get Help
Writing clear, complex sentences can take practice. If you're struggling to connect your ideas smoothly or ensure your grammar is correct, professional editing services can be a great help. At EssayGazebo.com, we offer expert editing and AI humanization to make your writing shine.
Conclusion
Mastering subordinating conjunctions is a key step toward more effective and engaging writing. They help you express nuanced relationships between ideas and build sentences that flow logically. By understanding their function and practicing with examples, you can significantly improve the clarity and sophistication of your own work.