identify subordinating conjuctions

1. What are Subordinating Conjunctions?

  • Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect an independent clause (a complete thought) with a dependent clause (an incomplete thought).
  • They help to show the relationship between the two clauses, often indicating time, reason, condition, contrast, or purpose.

2. Common Subordinating Conjunctions

Here are some common subordinating conjunctions:

  • Time: after, before, when, while, as soon as
  • Reason: because, since, as
  • Condition: if, unless, provided that
  • Contrast: although, though, whereas, even though
  • Purpose: so that, in order that

3. How to Use Subordinating Conjunctions

  • Subordinating conjunctions are used to create complex sentences by combining an independent clause with a dependent clause.

Example:

  • Independent Clause: “I will go to the park.”
  • Dependent Clause: “if it stops raining.”
  • Combined Sentence: “I will go to the park if it stops raining.”

4. Identifying Subordinating Conjunctions

To identify subordinating conjunctions in a sentence:

  1. Look for the conjunction: Check if the sentence contains any of the common subordinating conjunctions.
  2. Check for Clauses: Identify the independent and dependent clauses. The subordinating conjunction will usually begin the dependent clause.

Practice Example:

  • Sentence: “Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.”
  • Subordinating Conjunction: Although

5. Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions in Sentences

  • “She studied hard because she wanted to pass the test.”
  • “We will play outside unless it gets too cold.”
  • Although he was tired, he finished his homework.”

let’s practice!