1. Creating Complex Sentences:
* Adding Variety: Subordinating conjunctions allow you to create complex sentences that are more sophisticated and interesting than simple sentences. They add nuance and depth to your writing.
* Showing Relationships: They clarify the relationship between two clauses, indicating how one idea depends on or modifies the other. For example, "because" shows cause and effect, while "although" shows contrast.
2. Expressing Different Relationships:
* Time: "When," "before," "after," "since," "until," "while"
* Cause and Effect: "Because," "since," "as," "so that"
* Contrast: "Although," "though," "even though," "while," "whereas"
* Condition: "If," "unless," "whether"
* Purpose: "So that," "in order that"
* Comparison: "As," "than"
3. Creating Different Sentence Structures:
* Adverbial Clauses: Subordinating conjunctions introduce clauses that modify the main clause, acting like adverbs. They tell us when, where, why, how, or under what conditions something happens.
* Noun Clauses: Some subordinating conjunctions (like "that," "whether," "if") can introduce noun clauses that act as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence.
Example:
* Simple Sentence: The dog barked.
* Complex Sentence: The dog barked because it was scared. (The clause "because it was scared" modifies the main clause "The dog barked," telling us why.)
In Summary:
Subordinating conjunctions are essential for creating complex and nuanced sentences, showing clear relationships between ideas, and adding variety to your writing. They are like glue that holds clauses together, making your writing more engaging and effective.