Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating Conjunctions
Conjunctions
Definition:
• Connecting word or phrase that introduces a dependent clause,
joining it to a main clause.
• Go with dependent clauses that are used to redefine or modify the
main point of the sentence.
• Can come first in a sentence, but they're still subordinate because
without the main point they can't exist.
Three Main Types of Subordinating Conjunctions
1. Simple subordinators
• consist of one word.
• Most of the time, single words are placed at the beginning of the
dependent clause.
• Examples: although, if, since, that, unless, until, whereas, while, etc.
2. Complex subordinators
• consist of more than one word.
• Like single subordinators, complex subordinators are typically at the
beginning of the dependent clauses.
• Examples: in order that, such that, granted that, assuming that, so
that, as long as, insofar as, in case, etc.
3. Correlative subordinators
• consist of pairs of words that relate two parts of the
sentence.
• connect two dependent clauses into one independent
sentences.
• Examples: as … so, scarcely … when, if … then.
There are five main classes of
conjunctions:
1. Time-related conjunctions
2. Concession and comparison conjunctions
3. Cause conjunctions
4. Condition conjunctions
5. Place conjunctions
1. Time-related conjunctions
• establish a period when the main clause will be performed.
• These include after, as soon as, as long as, before, once, still, until,
when, whenever, and while.
• Examples:
-The train had left before we reached the station.
-Wait here till I come back.
-We left for our homes after the program had
ended.
2. Concession and comparison
conjunctions
• redefine the main clause in the context of the process being delivered.
• Concession conjunctions include although, as though, and even though.
• Comparison conjunctions include just as, though, whereas, in contrast to, than,
as and while.
• Examples:
-Even though he is ill he is always cheerful.
-Although he works hard he doesn’t earn much.
-He is taller than me.
3. Cause conjunctions
• illuminate the reason that the main clause activities were performed
and are commonly engineered by using as, because, in order that,
since, and so that.
• Examples:
-Since he was not there I left a message with his mother.
-He was promoted because he was efficient.
-As he was not ready we left without him.
4. Condition conjunctions
• set the rules under which the main clause will be performed and are
indicated by even if, if, in case, provided that, and unless.
• Examples:
-He won’t help you unless you ask him.
-It looks as if it might rain.
-I will go abroad if I get a good job.
5. Place conjunctions
• determine where activities might occur and are primarily where,
wherever, and whereas.
• Examples:
-I shall go wherever I want to.
-I will place my conjunction in the sentence wherever I please.
-He has hidden the treasure where no one will find it.