What Are The Subordinating Conjunctions

What are Subordinating Conjunctions? A Deep Dive into Dependent Clauses

Subordinating conjunctions are words that join a dependent clause to an independent clause. They show the relationship between the two clauses, indicating things like time, place, reason, contrast, or condition. Understanding these words is crucial for constructing complex and nuanced sentences, and mastering their use significantly enhances your writing skills. This comprehensive guide will explore the various types of subordinating conjunctions, provide examples of their usage, and delve into their grammatical functions. We will also address common confusions and answer frequently asked questions. Mastering subordinating conjunctions will elevate your writing from simple sentences to sophisticated, expressive prose.

Understanding Independent and Dependent Clauses

Before diving into the specifics of subordinating conjunctions, it's essential to grasp the distinction between independent and dependent clauses.

Independent Clause: An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. Example: The dog barked loudly.
Dependent Clause: A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a sentence because it doesn't express a complete thought. It relies on an independent clause for its meaning. Example: because the mailman walked by.

Subordinating conjunctions are the glue that connects these two types of clauses, creating complex sentences.

Types of Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions can be categorized based on the type of relationship they establish between the clauses. While some overlap exists, this categorization aids understanding.

1. Subordinating Conjunctions Showing Time

These conjunctions indicate when an action or event occurred in relation to another. Common examples include:

after: After the rain stopped, the sun came out.
before: Before going to bed, she brushed her teeth.
since: Since I started working, I haven't had much free time.
until/till: He waited until the bus arrived.
when: When the phone rang, he jumped.
whenever: Whenever I see her, I smile.
while: While I was cooking, he cleaned the house.
as: As I walked down the street, I saw a cat.
as soon as: As soon as the game ended, everyone left.

2. Subordinating Conjunctions Showing Place

These conjunctions indicate where an action or event took place. Common examples are:

where: Where there's smoke, there's fire.
wherever: Wherever you go, I'll follow.

3. Subordinating Conjunctions Showing Reason or Cause

These conjunctions explain why something happened. Common examples include:

because: Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
since: Since you're already here, why not stay for dinner? (Note: 'since' can indicate time or reason)
as: As the days grew shorter, we felt colder. (Note: 'as' can indicate time or reason)

4. Subordinating Conjunctions Showing Purpose

These conjunctions explain the reason behind an action. Common examples include:

so that: He studied hard so that he could pass the exam.
in order that: She saved money in order that she could buy a car.

5. Subordinating Conjunctions Showing Condition

These conjunctions express a condition that must be met for something else to happen. Common examples include:

if: If it rains, we'll stay inside.
unless: Unless you study hard, you won't pass the exam.
provided that: Provided that you finish your work, you can leave early.
in case: Take an umbrella in case it rains.
even if: Even if it snows, we'll go for a walk.

6. Subordinating Conjunctions Showing Contrast or Concession

These conjunctions show a contrast or exception to a main idea. Common examples include:

although: Although it was cold, she went for a swim.
though: Though he was tired, he finished the race.
even though: Even though she's rich, she's very humble.
while: While he's a good singer, he's a terrible dancer. (Note: 'while' can indicate time or contrast)
whereas: He loves spicy food, whereas she prefers mild flavors.

7. Subordinating Conjunctions Showing Comparison

These conjunctions compare one thing to another. Common examples are:

as if: He acted as if he didn't know.
as though: She looked as though she had seen a ghost.
than: He is taller than she is.

How Subordinating Conjunctions Function in Sentences

Subordinating conjunctions are not just connecting words; they play a crucial grammatical role. They:

Introduce dependent clauses: They mark the beginning of a dependent clause, signaling that it cannot stand alone as a sentence.
Establish the relationship between clauses: They clarify the relationship between the independent and dependent clauses, indicating the time, place, reason, contrast, or condition.
Affect the punctuation: The punctuation used depends on the placement of the dependent clause. If the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, a comma is usually needed after the dependent clause. If the dependent clause comes after the independent clause, a comma is usually not needed.

Examples:

Dependent clause first: Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
Independent clause first: We stayed inside because it was raining.

Common Mistakes and Confusions

Several common mistakes arise when using subordinating conjunctions:

Comma splices: Incorrectly joining two independent clauses with only a subordinating conjunction and a comma. This should be corrected by using a semicolon, a period, or a coordinating conjunction.
Run-on sentences: Joining too many clauses together without proper punctuation or the use of coordinating conjunctions.
Incorrect usage of conjunctions: Using the wrong conjunction to show the relationship between the clauses. Carefully consider the intended meaning to choose the appropriate conjunction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What's the difference between a subordinating conjunction and a coordinating conjunction?

A: Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, whereas coordinating conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) connect two independent clauses of equal grammatical rank.

Q: Can a sentence have multiple subordinating conjunctions?

A: Yes, a sentence can contain multiple subordinating conjunctions, creating more complex sentence structures. However, it's important to ensure clarity and avoid overly convoluted sentences.

Q: How do I know which subordinating conjunction to use?

A: The choice of subordinating conjunction depends on the relationship you want to express between the clauses. Carefully consider the meaning and choose the conjunction that best reflects that relationship.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Subordination

Subordinating conjunctions are essential tools for crafting sophisticated and nuanced sentences. By understanding their various types and functions, you can significantly improve your writing clarity, precision, and overall effectiveness. While mastering their use requires practice, the rewards—a richer, more expressive style—are well worth the effort. Remember to pay close attention to punctuation and avoid common errors. With consistent practice and attention to detail, you will confidently navigate the complexities of dependent and independent clauses, resulting in writing that is both compelling and grammatically sound. The journey to becoming a more proficient writer begins with a firm grasp of the subtle yet powerful roles played by subordinating conjunctions.