View source for What are "subordinating conjunctions"?

'''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").

'''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

[[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 ==

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:
<ol>
  <li>If the subordinating conjunction appears at the beginning of the sentence, use a comma to separate the clauses.</li>
  <li>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]].</li>
</ol>

 

== Usage ==

Subordinating conjunctions can be used to join two related ideas into a single sentence (Simmons 2013). <br/>
'''Example''': <br/>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Alex is hungry. He did not have time to eat breakfast." <br/>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;becomes <br/>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Alex is hungry ''because'' he did not have time to eat breakfast."<br/><br/>
They can also be used to correct [[What is a “run-on” sentence?|run-on sentences]].<br/>
'''Example''': <br/>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Bonnie finished with school, she went to the park."<br/>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;becomes<br/>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"''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 ==
<ol>
  <li>"Conjunctions." Conjunctions. Capital Community College Foundation, n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2013. <http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/conjunctions.htm>.</li>
  <li>Simmons, Robin L. "The Subordinate Clause." The Subordinate Clause. N.p., 2013. Web. 06 Nov. 2013. <http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/subordinateclause.htm>.</li>
  <li>"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>.</li>
</ol>

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[[Composition FAQ]]
[[Category:Composition]]