Relationship Analysis: Analyzing How Subordinating Conjunctions Change Meaning Quiz

Because is a conjunction of cause. It establishes that the reason ('it was cold') directly explains why the action ('I wore a coat') occurred.

Although shows contrast (going out despite the rain). Because would show cause (going out due to the rain), which is a complete shift in meaning.

Since shows cause (the poor practice is the reason for losing). Unless shows condition (losing is dependent on not meeting a condition, e.g., 'unless we practice better'). This is a shift from cause to condition.

This is false. Here, while is used as a conjunction of time, indicating that the reading and the waiting happened at the same time, not in contrast to each other.

While is the most common subordinating conjunction used to signal that the action in the main clause is occurring at the same time as the action in the subordinate clause (simultaneous time).

This is false. Even though signals contrast; the tiredness is presented as a factor that should have prevented the win, making the win surprising, not the reason for it.

Although signals contrast. 'The dog barked although he saw a squirrel' doesn't make logical sense, but its structural meaning is that the barking occurred in contrast to the sight of the squirrel.

This is false. Although and even though are synonyms that both signal contrast or concession, so using one instead of the other maintains the core meaning of opposition between the clauses.

Although, even though, and while (when used non-temporally) are all used to introduce a contrasting or opposing idea to the main clause.

Unless means 'if not.' It sets up a necessary condition: the action in the main clause will only happen if the condition in the subordinate clause is not met.

Since can be used to mean 'because' (e.g., Since it was dark, we left), establishing a direct cause (darkness) leading to an effect (leaving).

While (at the same time), after (later), and since (from that time) can all be used to establish a temporal (time) relationship between the clauses.

Unless sets up the condition: If it rains (the condition), the action of playing outside will be prevented.

Unless (the original) means the chores are the necessary condition. Because would illogically mean that the failure to go is caused by the chores themselves, not the failure to complete them.

Contrast (although/even though) means the main action happened despite the content of the subordinate clause, making the result surprising and the clauses opposed.

Since can mean 'because' (cause) or 'from that time forward' (time), depending on the context of the sentence.

Unless sets up the condition: the failure to study is the condition that will lead to her failing the class.

This is false. If is the most common subordinating conjunction used to signal a condition (If A, then B).

Because, since, and as are all interchangeable to express a relationship of cause or reason, meaning A and C maintain the meaning.

Although shows that the 'A' is surprising given the lack of studying (contrast). If changed to because, it would illogically mean that the lack of studying was the reason for the 'A' (cause).