Subordinating Conjunctions: The Glue That Binds Clauses
Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent clause (a clause that can't stand alone) to an independent clause (a clause that can stand alone). They show the relationship between the two clauses, adding more context and meaning to the sentence.
Here's a breakdown:
What they do:
* Introduce dependent clauses: They signal that the following clause is dependent and needs the independent clause for complete meaning.
* Show the relationship between clauses: They specify the connection between the clauses, indicating things like time, cause, contrast, or condition.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions & their functions:
* Time:
* After, before, since, when, whenever, while, until, as soon as, once
* *Example:* "After the rain stopped, the sun came out."
* Cause and Effect:
* Because, since, as, so that
* *Example:* "The child cried because he was hungry."
* Contrast:
* Although, though, even though, while, whereas
* *Example:* "Although I was tired, I went to the party."
* Condition:
* If, unless, whether, in case, provided that
* *Example:* "If you study hard, you will succeed."
* Comparison:
* As, than
* *Example:* "He is taller than his brother."
* Purpose:
* So that, in order that
* *Example:* "I woke up early so that I could get to work on time."
Here's a way to remember them:
Think of "WOW, BUT, BECAUSE". This acronym can help you remember a large chunk of common subordinating conjunctions:
* When, While, Whereas, Whether, While
* Once, Or
* Whenever, While
* Because, Before
* Unless
* Though, Till
* After, Although
* Since, So that
Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions in Use:
* "Although he was tired, he stayed up late to finish his project."
* "I'll come to the party if I can get off work early."
* "We decided to go home because it was getting late."
Understanding and using subordinating conjunctions correctly will help you write clear, complex sentences that convey your ideas with precision and nuance.