Defining the Role: Explaining the Function of Subordinating Conjunctions Quiz

  • 5th Grade
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| Questions: 20 | Updated: Jan 7, 2026
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1. What is the function of the word 'although' in this sentence: 'Although it was late, he kept working'?

Explanation

The conjunction 'although' introduces a concession (it was late) that is surprising or contrary to the main clause (he kept working), signaling a relationship of contrast.

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About This Quiz
Defining The Role: Explaining The Function Of Subordinating Conjunctions Quiz - Quiz

Subordinating conjunctions signal relationships such as cause, time, condition, or contrast. In this subordinating conjunction function quiz, you’ll focus on explaining how these conjunctions shape meaning within complex sentences. You’ll analyze clause roles, identify logical connections, and clarify why certain conjunctions are chosen. Each question deepens your understanding of how... see morecomplex sentences communicate layered ideas effectively.
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2. The subordinating conjunction because introduces a clause that explains the _______ for the main action.

Explanation

The function of 'because' is to introduce the dependent clause that provides the cause or reason explaining the action or state in the independent clause.

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3. The function of the conjunction 'until' is to show two actions that happen at the same exact time.

Explanation

This is false. 'Until' shows a time relationship that marks the endpoint or limit of an action, not two simultaneous actions. 'While' or 'as' show simultaneous time.

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4. In the sentence 'I will help you, if you promise to clean up,' what kind of relationship does the conjunction 'if' create?

Explanation

The conjunction 'if' introduces a conditional clause, meaning the main action (helping) is entirely dependent upon the condition (promising to clean up) being met.

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5. Which conjunctions are used to indicate a relationship of cause or reason? (Select all that apply)

Explanation

Both 'because' and 'since' (when used to mean 'for the reason that') introduce a dependent clause that provides the underlying reason for the independent clause.

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6. What is the function of the conjunction 'when' in this sentence: ‘He smiled when his mother entered the room’?

Explanation

The conjunction 'when' is used to establish a precise point in time or a time frame for the action described in the independent clause.

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7. In the sentence ‘We stayed inside since the temperature dropped,’ the word since functions to introduce the _______.

Explanation

Here, 'since' is used as a synonym for 'because' and introduces the reason (the temperature drop) for the main action (staying inside).

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8. If a dependent clause starts with 'unless,' the main clause will happen only if the condition is not met.

Explanation

This statement is true. 'Unless' means 'if not.' Therefore, the main action depends on the negative condition (if the opposite doesn't happen).

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9. The conjunction 'unless' functions to introduce a:

Explanation

The primary function of 'unless' is to introduce a clause that states the condition that prevents the main action from occurring.

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10. What kind of relationship does the conjunction 'while' typically show between two clauses? (Select all that apply)

Explanation

While' primarily means 'at the same time as' (Simultanous Action) but can also be used, especially at the start of a sentence, to show contrast (e.g., While I like math, I prefer science).

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11. In the sentence 'I packed a coat so that I would not get cold,' the conjunction 'so that' is used to show the:

Explanation

The phrase 'so that' is a subordinating conjunction used to introduce a clause that explains the goal, intention, or purpose of the action in the main clause (packing the coat).

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12. The conjunction although is used to introduce a relationship of _______ between the two parts of the sentence.

Explanation

The word 'although' is used to introduce an idea that is surprising or opposite to what is expected, therefore showing contrast or concession.

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13. The conjunction 'before' is used to show a conditional relationship between the two clauses.

Explanation

This is false. 'Before' is a time conjunction, establishing the order in which two events occur, not a conditional relationship.

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14. What is the function of the conjunction 'after' in this sentence: ‘We cleaned up after the party was over’?

Explanation

The conjunction 'after' introduces the event that was completed (the party) before the action in the main clause (the clean-up) took place, showing sequence.

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15. Which conjunctions create a relationship of time? (Select all that apply)

Explanation

Both 'before' and 'since' (when used to refer to a point in time) introduce clauses that establish a time relationship with the main clause.

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16. What function is missing from the following list of conjunction purposes: Time, Cause, Contrast, Condition?

Explanation

The list includes the four main functions, but it is missing the function of Purpose, which is often introduced by conjunctions like 'so that' or 'in order that'.

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17. The word if is always used to introduce a clause that states a _______.

Explanation

The primary and defining function of the subordinating conjunction 'if' is to introduce a clause that sets the condition necessary for the main action to occur.

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18. The function of the subordinating conjunction 'because' is the same as the function of the coordinating conjunction 'so'.

Explanation

This is false. 'Because' introduces the cause (reason), while 'so' introduces the result (effect). They show opposite relationships in the sentence structure.

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19. In the sentence 'She waited by the phone until he finally called,' what is the purpose of the conjunction 'until'?

Explanation

Until' functions as a limit or endpoint in time, indicating that the action of waiting continued up to the moment he called, and then stopped.

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20. Which conjunctions introduce an idea that could be considered a surprising or unexpected idea? (Select all that apply)

Explanation

Both 'although' and 'though' are used to introduce an idea that is acknowledged but usually unexpected given the content of the independent clause, signaling concession or contrast.

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What is the function of the word 'although' in this sentence:...
The subordinating conjunction because introduces a clause that...
The function of the conjunction 'until' is to show two actions that...
In the sentence 'I will help you, if you promise to clean up,' what...
Which conjunctions are used to indicate a relationship of cause or...
What is the function of the conjunction 'when' in this sentence: ‘He...
In the sentence ‘We stayed inside since the temperature dropped,’...
If a dependent clause starts with 'unless,' the main clause will...
The conjunction 'unless' functions to introduce a:
What kind of relationship does the conjunction 'while' typically show...
In the sentence 'I packed a coat so that I would not get cold,' the...
The conjunction although is used to introduce a relationship of...
The conjunction 'before' is used to show a conditional relationship...
What is the function of the conjunction 'after' in this sentence:...
Which conjunctions create a relationship of time? (Select all that...
What function is missing from the following list of conjunction...
The word if is always used to introduce a clause that states a...
The function of the subordinating conjunction 'because' is the same as...
In the sentence 'She waited by the phone until he finally called,'...
Which conjunctions introduce an idea that could be considered a...
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