Subordinating conjunctions act like bridges that connect different parts of your ideas. They also show when something happened, how things are different, and what might happen. Using subordinating conjunctions effectively allows for the creation of writing that is more nuanced and detailed.
Subordinate conjunctions are words or phrases that introduce dependent clauses. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence; it relies on an independent clause to express a full thought. The subordinating conjunction signals the beginning of the dependent clause and, importantly, establishes the relationship between it and the independent clause.
Example:
Here, "although" is the subordinating conjunction connecting the dependent clause "Although it was raining" to the independent clause "we went for a walk."
Subordinating conjunctions that show cause and effect link two clauses by explaining the reason for an action or the result of an action. They answer the questions, "Why?" or "What happened because of this?"
Common cause and effect subordinating conjunctions include:
Because: This indicates the reason for something.
Example:
The boy stayed inside because it was raining.
(The rain is the reason the boy stayed inside.)
Since: Similar to "because," it explains the reason behind something.
Example:
Since you finished your homework, you can watch TV.
(Finishing homework is the reason for being allowed to watch TV.)
So: This indicates the result or consequence of something.
Example:
It was very hot, so we went swimming.
(Going swimming is the result of the hot weather.)
As: This can also show a cause or reason.
Example:
As the roads were icy, we drove slowly.
(The icy roads are the reason for driving slowly.)
Now that: This shows a cause-and-effect relationship related to time.
Example:
Now that you're older, you can stay up later.
(Being older is the reason for being allowed to stay up later.)
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Comma placement with subordinating conjunctions can be tricky, but there's a general rule to follow. The placement depends on the order of your clauses:
1. Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause + Independent Clause = COMMA
When the sentence begins with the subordinating conjunction and dependent clause, you need a comma to separate it from the main (independent) clause.
Example: Because I was hungry, I ate a sandwich.
2. Independent Clause + Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause = NO COMMA
When the independent clause comes first, you generally don't need a comma.
Example: I ate a sandwich because I was hungry.
Why the Difference?
The comma helps the reader understand the flow of the sentence. When the dependent clause comes first, it sets the stage for the main clause, and the comma acts as a brief pause. When the main clause comes first, the sentence flows naturally without the need for a pause.
Exceptions and Special Cases:
1. Essential vs. Nonessential Clauses:
Sometimes a dependent clause provides information that is crucial to the meaning of the sentence (essential). In this case, no comma is used, even if the dependent clause comes first.
Example:
The car that I bought last year is red.
(No comma because the clause identifies which car.)
2. Clarity:
Occasionally, a comma might be used for clarity even when not strictly required by the rules. If a sentence is long or complex, a comma can help avoid confusion.
Conjunction Type | Conjunctions | Functions |
Cause/Reason | because, since, as, so, now that, inasmuch as | Explains why something happened or the reason behind an action. |
Time | when, while, after, before, until, as soon as, once | Indicates when something happened or will happen in relation to another event. |
Contrast/Concession | although, though, even though, whereas, while | Shows a contrast or exception between two ideas. |
Condition | if, unless, provided that, whether | Sets a requirement or condition for something to happen. |
Place | where, wherever | Specifies the location where something happens. |
Purpose | so that, in order that | Explains the reason for doing something or the goal of an action. |
Some common subordinating conjunctions examples with their functions and illustrative sentences:
1. Time
2. Cause and Effect
3. Contrast/Concession
4. Condition
5. Place
6. Purpose
7. Other Important Subordinating Conjunctions
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