Subordinating Conjunctions
Conjunctions play a crucial role in connecting words, phrases, and clauses. Among them, subordinating conjunctions hold a special place as they are used to introduce dependent clauses, which cannot stand alone as complete sentences. By understanding and properly using subordinating conjunctions, you can enhance the complexity and variety of your writing.
In this blog post, we will delve into the world of subordinating conjunctions, exploring their functions, common examples, and how to use them effectively.
What is Subordinating Conjunctions?
A subordinating conjunction is a word or phrase that joins a dependent clause to an independent clause. Dependent clauses are clauses that cannot stand on their own as complete sentences. They must be joined to an independent clause in order to make sense.
Examples of subordinating conjunctions
| after | although | as | as long as |
| as soon as | because | before | even though |
| if | in order that | in that | once |
| provided that | since | so that | than |
| that | though | unless | until |
| when | whenever | where | whereas |
| while | who | whom | whose |
Functions of Subordinating Conjunctions:
Subordinating conjunctions introduce subordinate or dependent clauses, which rely on the main clause to form a complete sentence. These clauses provide additional information, establish relationships, express cause and effect, and indicate time, place, or condition. Subordinating conjunctions act as the bridge between the dependent clause and the main clause, connecting them logically.
Common Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions:
- Time: when, while, after, before, since, until, as soon as.
Example: “I will start studying when I finish my chores.” - Place: where, wherever.
Example: “I will meet you where we first met.” - Condition: if, unless, provided that, as long as.
Example: “You can borrow my car if you promise to return it.” - Comparison: as, than.
Example: “She is taller than her sister.” - Cause and Effect: because, since, so, as, in order that.
Example: “He stayed up late because he had a lot of work to do.” - Purpose: so that, in order that.
Example: “She saved money so that she could go on vacation.” - Concession: although, even though, though.
Example: “Though it was raining, they went for a walk.”
Using Subordinating Conjunctions Effectively:
- Understand the relationship: Determine the logical relationship between the dependent clause and the main clause. Is it time, cause and effect, condition, or another relationship? This understanding will help you select the appropriate subordinating conjunction.
- Placement and punctuation: Place the subordinating conjunction at the beginning of the dependent clause, followed by a comma if the dependent clause comes before the main clause. No comma is necessary if the dependent clause comes after the main clause.
- Maintain sentence clarity: Ensure that the subordinating conjunctions establish a clear relationship between the clauses and maintain sentence coherence. Avoid excessive use of subordinating conjunctions, which can make the sentence convoluted.
- Vary sentence structure: Experiment with different subordinating conjunctions to create varied sentence structures and make your writing more engaging and sophisticated.
Subordinate conjunction examples in sentences
- I will go to the store after I finish my homework.
- Although I was tired, I still went to the party.
- I will eat my vegetables as long as you give me dessert.
- I will call you as soon as I get home.
- I went to the park because I wanted to get some fresh air.
- I went to bed before I watched the news.
- Even though I was scared, I went on the roller coaster.
- If you study hard, you will do well on the test.
- I went to the doctor in order to get a checkup.
- I am going to the store so that I can buy some milk.
- Once I finish my homework, I will go outside and play.
- I will go to the party provided that you come with me.
- I am going to the store since I need some groceries.
- I am going to the library so that I can study.
- I will go to the park when I get off work.
- I will go to the movies whenever I have time.
- I will go to the store where I can buy some clothes.
- I will go to the party whereas you can stay home.
- I will go to the gym while I wait for you.
- I will go to the park with my friends who are going there.
- I will go to the movies with my friends whose names are John, Mary, and Peter.
- Although it was raining, they decided to go for a walk.
- I will call you as soon as I reach home.
- She couldn’t sleep because she was too excited.
- After I finish this book, I will start a new one.
- They always go to the park whenever the weather is nice.
- I will go shopping unless it’s too crowded.
- We should leave early in case there’s heavy traffic.
- He will stay at home since he doesn’t feel well.
- I won’t go to the party unless you come with me.
- We couldn’t find a parking spot, so we had to park far away.
- She will sing a song while I play the guitar.
- He opened the window, so fresh air came in.
- As I was running late, I missed the bus.
- We can play soccer as long as it doesn’t rain.
- She put on her coat because it was cold outside.
- I will buy groceries before I go home.
- Since he studied hard, he scored well on the exam.
- They went to the beach despite the cloudy weather.
- We will start the meeting once everyone arrives.
- If you eat too much, you might feel sick.
- She saved money in order that she could travel.
- We will have a picnic wherever the group decides.
- Unless you study, you won’t pass the test.
- He was tired, so he took a nap.
- After they finish eating, they will go for a walk.
- I will cook dinner as soon as I get home.
- She will bring her umbrella in case it rains.
- They stayed up all night because they were watching movies.
- I will take my dog for a walk before it gets dark.
- Since he arrived early, he found a good seat.
- Although it was a long journey, they enjoyed the trip.
- I will buy groceries as long as the store is open.
- They will go hiking unless the weather is bad.
- I couldn’t find my keys, so I had to borrow yours.
- She always listens to music while she exercises.
- He missed the train because he left home late.
- I will join you once I finish my work.
- They can play video games wherever they want.
- Unless you practice, you won’t improve your skills.
- She will come to the party as soon as she finishes her work.
- I will water the plants before I leave for vacation.
- Since it’s a special occasion, I will dress up.
- Although it’s expensive, she wants to buy it.
- We will start the meeting as soon as the boss arrives.
- They will go swimming unless it’s too cold outside.
- I will visit my grandparents after I finish school.
- She put on sunscreen because it was sunny.
- He will go to the gym before he goes to work.
- Since it’s raining, they decided to stay indoors.
- Unless you take care of yourself, you might get sick.
- I will help you with your project as long as you ask.
- They couldn’t go to the concert because the tickets were sold out.
- I will go shopping while you finish your homework.
- She apologized to her friend after she made a mistake.
- He will buy a new car once he saves enough money.
- Since it’s your birthday, we will celebrate.
- Unless you hurry, we will miss the train.
- I will study hard so that I can pass the exam.
- They will stay home in case someone comes to visit.
- After she finishes cooking, she will set the table.
- I will play the piano as soon as I finish my chores.
- She will bring an extra jacket in case it gets cold.
- They couldn’t go to the party because they had other plans.
- I will exercise before I take a shower.
- Since he worked late, he missed dinner.
- Unless you pay the bill, they won’t serve you.
- He will go on vacation as long as his boss approves it.
- They stayed up all night so that they could finish the project.
- I will clean the house after I finish my work.
- She will go shopping while her husband watches TV.
- He couldn’t attend the meeting because he was sick.
- I will go for a walk as soon as it stops raining.
- They will wait at the bus stop until the bus arrives.
- Since it’s a holiday, they decided to go on a trip.
- Unless you apologize, she won’t forgive you.
- I will write a letter before I go to bed.
- She will cook dinner as soon as her guests arrive.
- They couldn’t go to the concert unless they bought tickets.
- I will take a break while you finish your presentation.
- Since it’s your anniversary, we will go out for dinner.
- Unless you practice regularly, you won’t improve.
- He will help you with your homework as long as you ask.
- They will stay at home in case it rains.
- After she finishes reading, she will return the book.
- I will watch a movie as soon as I finish my work.
- She will bring her laptop in case she needs to work.
- They missed the bus because they were talking.
- I will clean the house before I invite guests.
- Since it’s hot outside, they decided to go swimming.
- Unless you study hard, you won’t pass the exam.
- He will water the plants as long as it doesn’t rain.
- They couldn’t play outside because it was too windy.
- I will have a cup of coffee before I start my day.
- She will finish her project as soon as possible.
- They will play soccer unless it’s raining.
- Since it’s his birthday, we will throw a surprise party.
- Unless you arrive on time, we will start without you.
- I will save money so that I can buy a new car.
- She will bring her camera in case she sees something interesting.
- They missed the train because they were stuck in traffic.
Subordinating conjunctions are essential tools for connecting dependent and independent clauses, enabling you to express complex ideas and relationships in your writing. By mastering the use of subordinating conjunctions, you can enhance the depth and coherence of your sentences.
Remember to choose the appropriate subordinating conjunctions based on the intended relationship and maintain sentence clarity and variety. With practice, you will become proficient in using subordinating conjunctions effectively, elevating the quality of your writing.
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FAQ’s
What are subordinating conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words or phrases that connect dependent clauses to independent clauses. They introduce subordinate clauses, which cannot stand alone as complete sentences.
What is the function of subordinating conjunctions?
The function of subordinating conjunctions is to establish relationships between the dependent clause and the main clause. They indicate time, cause and effect, condition, place, comparison, purpose, concession, and more.
What are some examples of subordinating conjunctions?
Common examples of subordinating conjunctions include: although, because, since, while, after, before, until, as soon as, if, unless, provided that, wherever, as long as, so that, in order that, though, and many more.
How do subordinating conjunctions affect sentence structure?
Subordinating conjunctions connect the dependent clause to the main clause, and they often require specific punctuation and word order. The dependent clause usually comes after the main clause, and a comma is used if the dependent clause precedes the main clause.
Can you provide some example sentences using subordinating conjunctions?
Certainly! Here are a few examples:
– Although it was raining, they decided to go for a walk.
– Because she studied hard, she aced the exam.
– After they finish eating, they will go to the movies.
– If you need any help, just let me know.
– Unless he apologizes, she won’t forgive him.
How can I use subordinating conjunctions effectively in my writing?
To use subordinating conjunctions effectively, consider the relationship between the clauses and choose the appropriate subordinating conjunction. Maintain sentence clarity and coherence, and vary your sentence structures to make your writing more engaging.
