Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating Conjunctions

In order to understand subordinating clauses, we must first understand two things:

• independent clauses

• dependent clauses

Independent Clauses

An independent clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Conjunctions can often connect independent clauses.

Example: Will he travel by plane, or will he take the train?

Example: The play had begun, so everyone hurried.

Dependent Clauses

A dependent clause is a group of related words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete idea.

Example: The girls played soccer until it got dark.

Example: When the van stopped working, we took it to a mechanic.

Subordinating Conjunctions

A conjunction such as because, although, when, since, or until is called a subordinating conjunction. This type of conjunction connects a dependent clause with an independent clause.

Example: The girls played soccer until it got dark.

Example: When the van stopped working, we took it to a mechanic.

Subordinating Conjunctions

• after, although, as, as if, as though

• because, before

• even though

• if

• since, so that

• unless, until

• when, whenever, where, wherever, while

When you use a subordinating conjunction, make sure that you have an independent clause in the sentence. If there is only a dependent clause, you have written a sentence fragment.

Let's review fragments and sentences!

Multiple Choice

Although Ahmed likes to win at chess.

• fragment

• sentence

Multiple Choice

Since it was late.

• fragment

• sentence

Multiple Choice

Because the sun was shining brightly.

• fragment

• sentence

Multiple Choice

When Eliza sings, everyone listens.

• fragment

• sentence

Multiple Choice

Until the movie ended.

• fragment

• sentence

Find the dependent clause. Reminder, a dependent clause cannot stand alone.

Multiple Choice

After the movie, we were very tired.

• After the movie

• we were very tired.

Multiple Choice

Because everyone disagreed, we voted again.

• Because everyone disagreed

• we voted again.

Multiple Choice

The students had to study before taking the test.

• The students had to study

• before taking the test.

Multiple Choice

I couldn't get the job unless I filled out the application.

• I couldn't get the job

• unless I filled out the application.

Multiple Choice

Although he likes tennis, he chose to join the soccer team.

• Although he likes tennis

• he chose to join the soccer team.

Rule #1

If the sentence begins with a dependent clause, put a comma after the clause.

Example: When we arrived, the play had already begun.

Rule #2

Do not use a comma if the dependent clause comes after the independent clause.

Example: The play had already begun when we arrived.

Is a comma needed in the following sentences?

Multiple Choice

Because she trained hard Sarah won the race.

• Comma is needed

• Comma is not needed

Multiple Choice

Sarah will keep training until the next track meet.

• Comma is needed

• Comma is not needed

Multiple Choice

While the other runners life weights Sarah runs sprints.

• Comma is needed

• Comma is not needed

Multiple Choice

Although she feels ready Sarah will not stop training.

• Comma is needed

• Comma is not needed

Multiple Choice

I will win the race if I can.

• Comma is needed

• Comma is not needed

Sentence or Fragment?

Multiple Choice

Until I get your permission, I will not go.

• Sentence

• Fragment

Multiple Choice

We have not seen Jay since the last meeting.

• Sentence

• Fragment

Multiple Choice

Because Josh was once a member.

• Sentence

• Fragment

Multiple Choice

Although Harold is strong.

• Sentence

• Fragment

Multiple Choice

Because she is so loyal, my dog never leaves my side.

• Sentence

• Fragment

Combine sentences by using the conjunctions when, because, although, until, if.

I lost my first tennis match. I was not playing well. I expected to improve. I needed to practice every day. My friend Derek practiced with me. He gave me good pointers. The first defeat had been disappointing. I entered another tournament. I played my best. I won the first match! I continued to play well. I lost in the second round. I definitely had improved. The scores were only 6-2 and 6-4. I plan to keep trying.