What are "subordinating conjunctions"?: Difference between revisions
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'''Subordinating conjunctions''', also known as '''subordinators''' or '''dependent words''', are a subset of conjunctions used specifically to join a [[subordinate clause]] to an [[independent clause]]. The subordinating conjunction appears at the beginning or middle of a sentence and denotes which clause depends on the main idea for context ("Conjunctions"). <br/> | '''Subordinating conjunctions''', also known as '''subordinators''' or '''dependent words''', are a subset of conjunctions used specifically to join a [[subordinate clause]] to an [[What is an independent clause?| independent clause]]. The subordinating conjunction appears at the beginning or middle of a sentence and denotes which clause depends on the main idea for context ("Conjunctions"). <br/> | ||
The following groupings list examples for each type of subordinator ("Subordinators"). | The following groupings list examples for each type of subordinator ("Subordinators"). | ||
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'''Place and Manner''': wherever, where, how | '''Place and Manner''': wherever, where, how | ||
[[File:SubordinatingConjunctions.jpg.jpg|thumb|right|alt=A subordinating conjunction comes between an independent clause and a dependent clause.|A cartoon representation of a subordinating conjunction in action.]] | |||
== The Rules == | == The Rules == | ||
Subordinate clauses must be paired with an independent clause. Otherwise, they will be [[sentence fragments]] (Simmons 2013).<br/> | Subordinate clauses must be paired with an independent clause. Otherwise, they will be [[What is a “sentence fragment”?| sentence fragments]] (Simmons 2013).<br/> | ||
When attaching subordinate and independent clauses, consider these practices: | When attaching subordinate and independent clauses, consider these practices: | ||
<ol> | <ol> | ||
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becomes <br/> | becomes <br/> | ||
"Alex is hungry ''because'' he did not have time to eat breakfast."<br/><br/> | "Alex is hungry ''because'' he did not have time to eat breakfast."<br/><br/> | ||
They can also be used to correct [[run-on sentences]].<br/> | They can also be used to correct [[What is a “run-on” sentence?|run-on sentences]].<br/> | ||
'''Example''': <br/> | '''Example''': <br/> | ||
"Bonnie finished with school, she went to the park."<br/> | "Bonnie finished with school, she went to the park."<br/> | ||
becomes<br/> | becomes<br/> | ||
"''After'' Bonnie finished with school, she went to the park." | "''After'' Bonnie finished with school, she went to the park." | ||
== Links == | |||
[https://owl.english.purdue.edu/engagement/index.php?category_id=2&sub_category_id=1&article_id=37| Coordination and Subordination] | |||
[https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/05/| Commas with Nonessential Elements] | |||
== References == | == References == | ||
<ol> | <ol> | ||
Latest revision as of 21:59, 6 November 2013
Subordinating conjunctions, also known as subordinators or dependent words, are a subset of conjunctions used specifically to join a subordinate clause to an independent clause. The subordinating conjunction appears at the beginning or middle of a sentence and denotes which clause depends on the main idea for context ("Conjunctions").
The following groupings list examples for each type of subordinator ("Subordinators").
Comparison and Contrast: although, though, even though, while, whereas
Cause and Effect: since, so that, because
Time: after, when, until, whenever, before
Possibility: if, as if, whether, unless
Place and Manner: wherever, where, how
The Rules
Subordinate clauses must be paired with an independent clause. Otherwise, they will be sentence fragments (Simmons 2013).
When attaching subordinate and independent clauses, consider these practices:
- If the subordinating conjunction appears at the beginning of the sentence, use a comma to separate the clauses.
- If the subordinating conjunction appears in the middle of the sentence, do not use a comma to separate the clauses unless the subordinate clause is nonessential.
Usage
Subordinating conjunctions can be used to join two related ideas into a single sentence (Simmons 2013).
Example:
"Alex is hungry. He did not have time to eat breakfast."
becomes
"Alex is hungry because he did not have time to eat breakfast."
They can also be used to correct run-on sentences.
Example:
"Bonnie finished with school, she went to the park."
becomes
"After Bonnie finished with school, she went to the park."
Links
Coordination and Subordination Commas with Nonessential Elements
References
- "Conjunctions." Conjunctions. Capital Community College Foundation, n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2013. <http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/conjunctions.htm>.
- Simmons, Robin L. "The Subordinate Clause." The Subordinate Clause. N.p., 2013. Web. 06 Nov. 2013. <http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/subordinateclause.htm>.
- "Subordinators." Linking Words. Study and Learning Centre, RMIT, 2005. Web. 06 Nov. 2013. <https://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu../content/4_WritingSkills/writing_tuts/linking_LL/subordinators.html>.