Here's the breakdown:
* Dependent Clauses: These are clauses that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. They rely on an independent clause to make sense.
* Independent Clauses: These are clauses that can stand alone as a complete sentence.
* Subordinating Conjunctions: These words connect dependent clauses to independent clauses.
Examples:
* Because I was tired, I went to bed early. ("Because I was tired" is the dependent clause, "I went to bed early" is the independent clause.)
* Although she was nervous, she gave a great presentation. ("Although she was nervous" is the dependent clause, "she gave a great presentation" is the independent clause.)
* Since it was raining, we decided to stay inside. ("Since it was raining" is the dependent clause, "we decided to stay inside" is the independent clause.)
Common Subordinating Conjunctions:
* Time: after, before, since, when, while
* Cause and Effect: because, since, as
* Contrast: although, though, even though
* Condition: if, unless
* Purpose: so that, in order that
By understanding the role of subordinating conjunctions, you can better understand how sentences are structured and how clauses are combined to create meaning.