Subordinating Conjunctions | Basic Grammar for IELTS PDF Download

Subordinating Conjunction – Meaning, Definition, Types and Examples

It is a crucial concept for connecting sentences in English, particularly significant for students preparing for competitive exams. This topic is a common feature in various competitive examinations.

Table of Content

What is a Subordinating Conjunction?

• A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects an independent clause with a dependent clause, showing the relationship between them.

Definition of Subordinating Conjunction

• The definition of a subordinating conjunction involves its role in joining dependent and independent clauses, shaping complex sentences.

Subordinating Conjunctions Examples

• Examples of subordinating conjunctions include 'because', 'although', 'if', 'while', 'when', and 'since'.

Ways to Use Subordinating Conjunctions

• Subordinating conjunctions are utilized to establish relationships of time, cause and effect, contrast, and condition within sentences.

Types of Subordinating Conjunctions

• Different types of subordinating conjunctions include time, cause, condition, and place conjunctions.

Subordinating Conjunctions vs Relative Pronouns

• While subordinating conjunctions connect clauses, relative pronouns introduce relative clauses, specifying or providing more information about a noun.

Subordinating Conjunction Exercise

• Practicing exercises on subordinating conjunctions helps in mastering their usage and understanding their role in sentence construction.

What is a Subordinating Conjunction?

Subordinating Conjunction is a type of conjunction used to connect a subordinate clause (or dependent clause) to a main clause (or independent clause). These conjunctions provide clarity about aspects such as time, conditions, or causes within a sentence. They are always positioned before the dependent clause. Subordinating Conjunctions can vary in length, ranging from single words to multiple-word phrases.

• Function of Subordinating Conjunctions: Subordinating Conjunctions serve the purpose of linking dependent and independent clauses in a sentence. For instance, in the sentence "I will go to the park if it stops raining," the word "if" is a subordinating conjunction indicating a condition.
• Placement in a Sentence: Subordinating Conjunctions typically come at the beginning of a dependent clause, setting the context for the information presented. For example, in the sentence "She will sing when she feels happy," the word "when" introduces the time frame for the action.
• Types of Subordinating Conjunctions: Examples of subordinating conjunctions include "although," "because," "if," "when," "while," and "since." Each type conveys a specific relationship between clauses in a sentence.

Examples:

Common Subordinating Conjunctions:

• Although
• Because
• Since
• While

Definition of Subordinating Conjunction

A subordinating conjunction is a word or phrase that connects a dependent clause to a main clause, often referred to as transition words.

Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions

• After
• Before
• If
• As
• In order to
• Unless
• Until
• Where
• When
• Then
• That
• Once
• Since
• Even though
• Although
• Because
• Why
• While
• Even if
• So that
• Whenever
• Whether
• Assuming that
• In case
• Provided that
• Whereas
• Everywhere

Ways to Use Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating Conjunctions are utilized in various ways:

• Comma is not necessary when the Subordinating Conjunction follows the main clause. If the Subordinating Conjunction is placed in the middle of a sentence following a main clause, a comma is not required.

Example: You can succeed in any situation if you make the right decision.

• Use a comma when a subordinate clause initiates a sentence. Following the subordinate clause at the beginning of a sentence, a comma is employed before the main clause.

Example: If you make the right decision, you can conquer any situation.

• Types of Subordinating Conjunctions

  • Time
    • Subordinating Conjunctions of time establish the time relation in a sentence and are placed at the beginning of the subordinate clause. They are also known as adverb clauses of time.
    • Examples: After, before, until, till, by the time, while, as soon as, when, whenever, etc.
  • Place
    • Subordinating Conjunctions of place help connect the independent clause to the subordinate clause and establish a place relation. They are known as adverb clauses of place.
    • Examples: Where, whereas, everywhere.

Reason (Cause and Effect)

• Reason (Cause and Effect) indicates an action or the consequence of an action occurring within a sentence.
• It is illustrated by words such as "Because," "in order that," "so that," "as," "so," and "since."

Condition

• Condition provides the notion of a circumstance transpiring in the main clause.
• Examples of Condition include "if," "only if," "unless," "provided that," and "assuming that."

Concession

• Concession, through subordinating conjunctions, conveys the idea that something occurs despite something else in the main clause.
• Common examples of Concession are "Though," "although," and "even though."

Manner

• Manner identifies the style or way in which the main verb of the main clause is carried out.
• Examples of Manner include "as if," "like," "as," and "as though."

Comparison

• Comparison is used to contrast or liken two or more entities.
• Common comparison terms are "than" and "whereas."

Relative Pronouns and Subordinating Conjunctions

• Relative Pronouns (such as "that," "who," and "which") and Subordinating Conjunctions serve to link two clauses together.
• While both types of connectors have similarities, they differ in their functions. Relative pronouns can act as subjects in dependent clauses, unlike subordinating conjunctions.
• Subordinating conjunctions, on the other hand, solely serve as connectors and are followed by the subject of the clause.

To assess your understanding of Subordinating Conjunctions, attempt the practice questions below. Fill in the blanks with appropriate Subordinating Conjunctions: [after, because, in order that, of, wherever, though, unless, even though, like, than]

Conjunctions and Their Usage

• 1. Whenever an action needs to be performed after another action's completion, we use the conjunction 'after'.
• 2. In situations where someone desires to go wherever they please, the word 'wherever' is utilized.
• 3. The term 'Because' is employed to explain the reason behind an action or event.
• 4. When expressing the purpose of an action, 'in order that' is used as a correlative conjunction.
• 5. The conjunction 'if' is used to denote a condition that must be met for a promise to be fulfilled.
• 6. 'Unless' is used to signify that a particular action will only occur if a condition is not met.
• 7. 'Though' is utilized to present a contrasting idea or situation.
• 8. 'Even though' is a conjunction that introduces a statement that contradicts the previous context.
• 9. 'As if' is used to describe a situation where someone is acting in a manner that suggests they have experienced something unexpected.
• 10. When someone is behaving as if they are unaware of a fact, the conjunction 'like' comes into play.
• 11. The comparative conjunction 'than' is employed to show a comparison between two entities.

Additional Information

• Correlative Conjunctions - Meaning, Example, and Practice Exercise
• What is a Conjunction - Meaning, Definition, Types & Exercises

Subordinating Conjunction- FAQs

What is a Subordinating Conjunction?

• Subordinating Conjunction is utilized to connect a subordinate clause (or dependent clause) to a main clause (or independent clause). It provides clarity regarding aspects like time, conditions, or causes. Typically, it precedes the dependent clause. Subordinating Conjunctions can vary in length, spanning from one to multiple words.

What are the types of Subordinating Conjunctions?

• We encounter several types of Subordinating Conjunctions in the English language. These variations are outlined below:
• Time: Subordinating Conjunctions of time establish temporal relationships within a sentence. Positioned at the onset of the subordinate clause, these conjunctions are also recognized as adverb clauses of time.
  • Examples: After, before, Until, till, by the time, while, as soon as, when, whenever, etc.
• Place: Subordinating Conjunctions of place facilitate the connection between the independent and subordinate clauses, establishing spatial relationships. These are categorized as adverb clauses of place.
  • Examples: Where, whereas, everywhere.
• Reason (cause and effect): This category illustrates actions or their consequences within a sentence.
  • Examples: Because, in order that, so that, as, so, since.

Subordinating Conjunctions

Because, in order that, so that, as, so, since.

• Condition:It indicates a condition in the main clause.Examples: if, only if, unless, provided that, assuming that.
• Concession:Subordinating Conjunctions of concession show something happening despite something else in the main clause.Examples: Though, although, even though.
• Manner:It specifies the manner of the main verb in the main clause.Examples: as if, like, as, as though.
• Comparison:Used to compare two or more things.Examples: than, whereas.

Write some examples of Subordinating Conjunctions

Ans: There are numerous subordinating conjunctions in English like before, after, since, till, until, in order that, provided that, assuming that, if, as, because, when, where, whereas, etc.

Can Subordinating Conjunctions start a sentence?

Ans: Yes, subordinating conjunctions can indeed start a sentence.

Example: Even though he studied very well, he failed in the examination.

A

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• Parts of Speech English SSC/Banking
• Parts of Speech
• English
• SSC/Banking

Paraphrased Information

• Parts of Speech: In the English language, parts of speech categorize words based on their function and usage in a sentence. Understanding parts of speech is crucial for constructing sentences correctly.
• English: English is a widely spoken language known for its global importance in communication, business, and academia. Proficiency in English is often a valuable skill in various fields.
• SSC/Banking: SSC (Staff Selection Commission) and banking exams often include sections testing candidates' English language skills. These exams assess grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension abilities.