Subordinating conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions, like coordinating conjunctions, are an essential part of constructing sentences in English. However, unlike coordinating conjunctions, which connect independent clauses, subordinating conjunctions connect subordinate (dependent) clauses to main (independent) clauses. Subordinating conjunctions introduce adverbial clauses, which act as adverbs modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They also indicate the relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause.
Here are some common subordinating conjunctions:
1. **After**: Shows when something happened in relation to another action.
Example: She went to bed after she finished her homework.
2. **Although**: Indicates a contrast between two ideas.
Example: Although it was raining, they went for a walk.
3. **Because**: Explains the reason for an action.
Example: She stayed home because she was feeling unwell.
4. **If**: Introduces a conditional clause.
Example: If it rains, we will stay indoors.
5. **Since**: Indicates a cause-effect relationship or time.
Example: Since it’s getting late, we should leave soon.
6. **While**: Shows a simultaneous action or contrast.
Example: She sang while she cooked dinner.
7. **Until**: Indicates the time when something will happen.
Example: He will wait until you arrive.
8. **Unless**: Introduces a condition that must be met for something to happen.
Example: She won’t go out unless it stops raining.
9. **Whereas**: Shows a contrast between two things or ideas.
Example: He likes coffee, whereas she prefers tea.
10. **Though**: Similar to “although,” it introduces a contrast.
Example: Though it was hot, they enjoyed their hike.
Subordinating conjunctions are crucial for creating complex sentences by adding depth and detail to the relationships between different parts of a sentence. They allow writers to express a wide range of ideas and convey more nuanced meanings in their writing.
after
The subordinating conjunction “after” is used to indicate when something happens in relation to another action. It introduces a subordinate clause that provides additional information about the timing of an event. Here are some examples:
1. She went to bed after she finished her homework.
(Indicates that going to bed occurred subsequent to finishing homework.)
2. They had lunch after they arrived at the restaurant.
(Specifies that having lunch took place following their arrival at the restaurant.)
3. After the movie ended, they went for a walk.
(Shows that going for a walk happened once the movie had concluded.)
4. After she graduates, she plans to travel around the world.
(Implies that traveling will occur subsequent to her graduation.)
5. He always feels hungry after he exercises.
(Indicates that feeling hungry typically occurs after exercising.)
In each of these examples, “after” introduces a subordinate clause that provides information about the timing or sequence of events in relation to the main clause.
though
The subordinating conjunction “though” is used to introduce a contrast or concession between two clauses. It implies that despite the information presented in the main clause, the subordinate clause provides additional information that may contradict or qualify it. Here are some examples:
1. She decided to go for a walk, though it was raining heavily.
– This sentence indicates that despite the heavy rain, she still chose to go for a walk.
2. He didn’t win the race, though he trained hard.
– Despite putting in effort and training hard, he did not emerge victorious in the race.
3. Though she was tired, she stayed up to finish her work.
– This sentence suggests that despite feeling tired, she remained awake to complete her tasks.
4. The movie was enjoyable, though it received mixed reviews.
– Despite the mixed reviews, the movie was still found to be enjoyable.
5. Though he had little experience, he was offered the job.
– Despite having limited experience, he was still offered the job opportunity.
In each of these examples, “though” introduces a subordinate clause that presents contrasting or unexpected information in relation to the main clause.
although
The subordinating conjunction “although” is used to introduce a contrast or concession between two clauses. Similar to “though,” it indicates that despite the information presented in the main clause, the subordinate clause provides additional information that may contradict or qualify it. Here are some examples:
1. She decided to go for a walk, although it was raining heavily.
– This sentence indicates that despite the heavy rain, she still chose to go for a walk.
2. He didn’t win the race, although he trained hard.
– Despite putting in effort and training hard, he did not emerge victorious in the race.
3. Although she was tired, she stayed up to finish her work.
– This sentence suggests that despite feeling tired, she remained awake to complete her tasks.
4. The movie was enjoyable, although it received mixed reviews.
– Despite the mixed reviews, the movie was still found to be enjoyable.
5. Although he had little experience, he was offered the job.
– Despite having limited experience, he was still offered the job opportunity.
In each of these examples, “although” introduces a subordinate clause that presents contrasting or unexpected information in relation to the main clause.
even though
The subordinating conjunction “even though” is used to introduce a stronger contrast or concession between two clauses compared to “although” or “though.” It emphasizes the surprising or unexpected nature of the information presented in the subordinate clause in relation to the main clause. Here are some examples:
1. She decided to go for a walk, even though it was pouring rain outside.
– This sentence emphasizes the determination or defiance of going for a walk despite the heavy rain.
2. He didn’t win the competition, even though he was the top performer.
– Despite being the top performer, he still did not win the competition, highlighting the unexpected outcome.
3. Even though she was exhausted, she managed to finish the marathon.
– This sentence emphasizes the achievement of finishing the marathon despite feeling exhausted.
4. The project was successful, even though it faced numerous challenges along the way.
– Despite encountering numerous challenges, the project still achieved success, highlighting resilience or perseverance.
5. Even though they were warned about the dangers, they decided to explore the abandoned building.
– Despite being aware of the risks, they still chose to explore the abandoned building, suggesting recklessness or determination.
In each of these examples, “even though” introduces a subordinate clause that presents a stronger contrast or concession compared to “although” or “though,” emphasizing the surprising or unexpected nature of the information in relation to the main clause.
because
The subordinating conjunction “because” is used to introduce a reason or cause for something stated in the main clause. It connects an independent clause (the main clause) with a dependent clause (the subordinate clause) that provides the reason for the action or situation described in the main clause. Here are some examples:
1. She stayed indoors because it was raining heavily.
– This sentence explains that the reason for her staying indoors is the heavy rain.
2. He couldn’t attend the meeting because he was feeling unwell.
– The reason for his absence from the meeting is his illness.
3. They canceled the picnic because the weather forecast predicted thunderstorms.
– This sentence provides the reason for canceling the picnic: the forecast of thunderstorms.
4. He didn’t go to the party because he had to work late.
– The reason for his absence from the party is his late work schedule.
5. She didn’t pass the exam because she didn’t study enough.
– This sentence explains that the reason for her failure to pass the exam is her lack of studying.
In each of these examples, “because” introduces a dependent clause that provides the reason or cause for the action or situation described in the main clause.
if
The subordinating conjunction “if” is used to introduce a conditional clause, indicating that something will happen only under certain conditions. It connects an independent clause (the main clause) with a dependent clause (the conditional clause) that expresses a condition or hypothesis. Here are some examples:
1. If it rains, we will stay indoors.
– This sentence indicates that staying indoors is conditional upon the occurrence of rain.
2. She will pass the test if she studies hard.
– Passing the test is contingent upon her studying hard.
3. If he arrives on time, we can start the meeting.
– Starting the meeting depends on his timely arrival.
4. She will buy the car if she can afford it.
– The decision to buy the car is based on her ability to afford it.
5. If you need help, just ask.
– Offering help is contingent upon the person’s need for it.
In each of these examples, “if” introduces a dependent clause expressing a condition or hypothesis, upon which the action or situation described in the main clause depends.
since
The subordinating conjunction “since” is used to introduce a subordinate clause that indicates a cause, reason, or time frame for something mentioned in the main clause. It often establishes a causal relationship or provides background information. Here are some examples:
1. Since it’s getting late, we should leave soon.
– This sentence suggests that leaving soon is advisable because it’s getting late.
2. Since she started exercising regularly, she has lost weight.
– This sentence indicates that her weight loss occurred after she began exercising regularly.
3. Since he missed the train, he arrived late to the meeting.
– This sentence explains that his lateness to the meeting was because he missed the train.
4. Since you mentioned it, I’ll look into the matter.
– This sentence implies that the speaker will investigate the matter because it was mentioned.
5. Since they opened the new store, business has been booming.
– This sentence indicates that the increase in business occurred after the new store opened.
In each of these examples, “since” introduces a dependent clause providing a reason, cause, or time frame for the action or situation described in the main clause.
while
The subordinating conjunction “while” is used to indicate a contrast, simultaneous action, or background context between two clauses. It can introduce a subordinate clause that occurs at the same time as the main clause or provides additional information about an ongoing action. Here are some examples:
1. She sang while she cooked dinner.
– This sentence suggests that singing and cooking dinner happened simultaneously.
2. He read a book while he waited for the bus.
– Reading a book occurred during the time he was waiting for the bus.
3. While she enjoys hiking, her sister prefers swimming.
– This sentence contrasts the preferences of two individuals.
4. He checked his email while he drank his morning coffee.
– Checking email and drinking coffee happened at the same time.
5. While the children played outside, the adults prepared dinner indoors.
– This sentence describes two simultaneous actions: playing outside and preparing dinner indoors.
In each of these examples, “while” introduces a dependent clause that provides additional information about the main clause, either contrasting it, describing simultaneous actions, or providing background context.
until
The subordinating conjunction “until” is used to introduce a dependent clause that indicates the time when an action will cease or the condition necessary for an action to start. It often implies a temporal endpoint or limitation. Here are some examples:
1. She will wait until you arrive.
– This sentence suggests that the waiting will continue up to the point of your arrival.
2. He worked diligently until he completed the project.
– Working diligently ceased upon the completion of the project.
3. They will stay at the hotel until their new house is ready.
– Staying at the hotel will continue until the new house is ready for them to move in.
4. She won’t leave until you apologize.
– The action of leaving is contingent upon receiving an apology.
5. They played outside until it started to rain.
– Playing outside continued until the rain began.
In each of these examples, “until” introduces a dependent clause indicating the endpoint or condition for the action described in the main clause.
unless
The subordinating conjunction “unless” is used to introduce a condition that must be met for something to happen. It expresses a negative condition, suggesting that the action in the main clause will occur only if the condition in the subordinate clause is not fulfilled. Here are some examples:
1. She won’t go to the party unless she finishes her work.
– The condition for attending the party is finishing her work; if she doesn’t finish her work, she won’t go.
2. We won’t have dessert unless we finish our dinner.
– The condition for having dessert is finishing dinner; if dinner isn’t finished, there will be no dessert.
3. He won’t buy the car unless the price is reasonable.
– The condition for buying the car is the price being reasonable; if the price isn’t reasonable, he won’t buy it.
4. They won’t leave for the trip unless the weather improves.
– The condition for leaving for the trip is the weather improving; if the weather doesn’t improve, they won’t leave.
5. He won’t take the job unless they offer him a higher salary.
– The condition for taking the job is a higher salary offer; if a higher salary isn’t offered, he won’t take the job.
In each of these examples, “unless” introduces a dependent clause expressing a condition that must be met for the action in the main clause to occur.
whereas
The subordinating conjunction “whereas” is used to introduce a contrast between two clauses or ideas. It is often used to highlight differences or distinctions between them. Here are some examples:
1. She enjoys reading, whereas her brother prefers outdoor activities.
– This sentence contrasts the preference for reading with the preference for outdoor activities.
2. The company’s profits increased this year, whereas last year they experienced a decline.
– This sentence contrasts the increase in profits this year with the decline in profits last year.
3. She prefers to work independently, whereas her colleague prefers teamwork.
– This sentence contrasts the preference for independent work with the preference for teamwork.
4. The climate in the north is cold and snowy, whereas in the south it is warm and sunny.
– This sentence contrasts the cold and snowy climate in the north with the warm and sunny climate in the south.
5. He is outgoing and sociable, whereas his sister is reserved and introverted.
– This sentence contrasts the outgoing and sociable nature of one person with the reserved and introverted nature of another.
In each of these examples, “whereas” introduces a dependent clause that contrasts with the main clause, highlighting differences or distinctions between them.
Exercise
Here’s a worksheet with 20 sentences where students need to identify the subordinating conjunction used in each sentence:
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**Subordinating Conjunctions Worksheet**
Instructions: Identify the subordinating conjunction used in each sentence.
1. She went to bed early because she had an early morning meeting.
2. He won’t attend the party unless his friends are there.
3. The dog barks loudly whenever the doorbell rings.
4. She will buy the dress if it goes on sale.
5. He will go for a walk after he finishes his homework.
6. They can’t go to the beach since it’s raining.
7. We’ll have a picnic unless it rains.
8. She didn’t eat dinner until she finished her work.
9. He will visit his grandparents while he is on vacation.
10. She couldn’t sleep because she drank too much coffee.
11. They decided to cancel the trip although the weather was perfect.
12. She will only go to the concert if her favorite band is playing.
13. He couldn’t find his keys since he left them in the car.
14. They will have to postpone the event unless they find a venue.
15. She enjoys playing the piano while her brother prefers the guitar.
16. He’ll help you if you ask nicely.
17. The children can play outside as long as it’s not raining.
18. She decided to visit her parents even though she was busy.
19. They will go hiking unless it’s too hot outside.
20. He won’t be able to attend the meeting because he has a doctor’s appointment.
Answers
Here are the answers for the subordinating conjunctions worksheet:
1. because
2. unless
3. whenever
4. if
5. after
6. since
7. unless
8. until
9. while
10. because
11. although
12. if
13. since
14. unless
15. while
16. if
17. as long as
18. even though
19. unless
20. because
Worksheet
Here are the sentences with blanks for students to fill in with the correct subordinating conjunction:
1. She went to bed early ____ she had an early morning meeting.
2. He won’t attend the party ____ his friends are there.
3. The dog barks loudly ____ the doorbell rings.
4. She will buy the dress ____ it goes on sale.
5. He will go for a walk ____ he finishes his homework.
6. They can’t go to the beach ____ it’s raining.
7. We’ll have a picnic ____ it rains.
8. She didn’t eat dinner ____ she finished her work.
9. He will visit his grandparents ____ he is on vacation.
10. She couldn’t sleep ____ she drank too much coffee.
11. They decided to cancel the trip ____ the weather was perfect.
12. She will only go to the concert ____ her favorite band is playing.
13. He couldn’t find his keys ____ he left them in the car.
14. They will have to postpone the event ____ they find a venue.
15. She enjoys playing the piano ____ her brother prefers the guitar.
16. He’ll help you ____ you ask nicely.
17. The children can play outside ____ it’s not raining.
18. She decided to visit her parents ____ she was busy.
19. They will go hiking ____ it’s too hot outside.
20. He won’t be able to attend the meeting ____ he has a doctor’s appointment.
Here are the sentences with the correct subordinating conjunctions filled in:
1. She went to bed early **because** she had an early morning meeting.
2. He won’t attend the party **unless** his friends are there.
3. The dog barks loudly **whenever** the doorbell rings.
4. She will buy the dress **if** it goes on sale.
5. He will go for a walk **after** he finishes his homework.
6. They can’t go to the beach **since** it’s raining.
7. We’ll have a picnic **if** it rains.
8. She didn’t eat dinner **until** she finished her work.
9. He will visit his grandparents **while** he is on vacation.
10. She couldn’t sleep **because** she drank too much coffee.
11. They decided to cancel the trip **although** the weather was perfect.
12. She will only go to the concert **if** her favorite band is playing.
13. He couldn’t find his keys **since** he left them in the car.
14. They will have to postpone the event **unless** they find a venue.
15. She enjoys playing the piano **while** her brother prefers the guitar.
16. He’ll help you **if** you ask nicely.
17. The children can play outside **as long as** it’s not raining.
18. She decided to visit her parents **even though** she was busy.
19. They will go hiking **unless** it’s too hot outside.
20. He won’t be able to attend the meeting **because** he has a doctor’s appointment.
These answers provide the correct subordinating conjunctions for each sentence.
In conclusion, understanding and correctly using subordinating conjunctions is crucial for constructing clear and coherent sentences in English. Subordinating conjunctions help to establish relationships between clauses, indicating time, cause and effect, conditionality, contrast, and more. Through this worksheet, students have practiced identifying and applying various subordinating conjunctions in context, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively in writing. Continued practice and reinforcement of subordinating conjunction usage will further strengthen their language skills and improve their overall proficiency in English grammar.
