Here's a breakdown:
1. What they do:
* Connect clauses: They link a dependent clause (which cannot stand alone as a sentence) to an independent clause (which can).
* Show relationship: They indicate how the dependent clause relates to the independent clause.
2. Examples:
Here's a table with examples of common subordinating conjunctions and the relationships they indicate:
| Subordinating Conjunction | Relationship | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Because, since, as | Cause | *Because it was raining, we stayed inside.* |
| Although, though, even though | Contrast | *Although it was cold, we went for a walk.* |
| If, unless, whether | Condition | *If you study hard, you will pass the test.* |
| When, while, before, after, until, since | Time | *When I got home, I ate dinner.* |
| Where, wherever | Place | *Where there's smoke, there's fire.* |
| So that, in order that | Purpose | *I bought a new coat so that I would be warm.* |
3. Sentence Structure:
* Dependent clause first: *Because I was tired, I went to bed early.*
* Independent clause first: *I went to bed early because I was tired.*
4. Key Points:
* Subordinating conjunctions are not interchangeable. Each one has a specific meaning and use.
* The dependent clause can come before or after the independent clause.
* The dependent clause is often set off with a comma if it comes before the independent clause.
By understanding how subordinating conjunctions work, you can create more complex and nuanced sentences, and express a wider range of relationships between ideas.