E6 - Subordinating Conjunctions

E6 - Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating Conjunctions

• used to to connect words, phrases, and clauses of unequal importance

• used to say why, where, or when something happens

• independent clause - expresses the main idea

• dependent clause - expresses the subordinate idea

There were flash floods because the water in the dam overflowed.

independent clause - There were flash floods

dependent clause - because the water in the dam overflowed

SO THAT / IN ORDER TO

• SO THAT can be used to talk about the purpose of an action

• It is often followed by modal verbs such as "can," "could," and "would."

• Example: He complained so that he'd get a refund.

• IN ORDER TO has a similar meaning to "so that," but it's followed by a verb in its base form.

• Example: He called the company in order to complain.

More examples:

1. She reported the problem so that it could be fixed.

2. She went back to the store in order to show them the receipt.

BECAUSE

• “BECAUSE” is used to talk about why something happens or the reasons behind a decision.

• Example: He got a refund because he complained.

More examples:

1. The village is quiet because there are only a few families here.

2. I decided to move to the country because it's beautiful.

ALTHOUGH / EVEN THOUGH

• “ALTHOUGH” is used to talk about something that is unexpectedly true.

• Example: Although I got up early, I was late to class.

• “EVEN THOUGH” means the same thing as

  “although,” and it’s more common in speech.

• Example: Even though I got up early, I was late to class.

More examples:

1. Although I have done it before, I found the marathon run very difficult.

2. I am going to the beach this weekend, even though I can't swim.

WHEN

• It used to talk about events or actions in the future that must happen before another event or action can take place

• These phrases are called subordinate time clauses and are usually used with the present simple

• Example: When it gets dark, he will light the fire.

More examples:

1. When I finish my project, I will call you.

2. When it stops raining, I will go out.

AS SOON AS

• “AS SOON AS” has a similar meaning to “when,” but it implies that the second event will take place immediately once the first event is complete.

• Example: I will call you as soon as I leave work.

More examples:

1. The dogs ran off as soon as we appeared.

2. We will be back as soon as we are done.

WHILE

• “WHILE” is used to connect two clauses that are happening at the same time.

• Example: I watered the plants while my husband cut the grass.

More examples:

1. I chopped the onions while my sister washed the tomatoes.

2. She waited while he poured a cup of coffee.

IF / UNLESS

• “IF” and "UNLESS" are used to express condition.

• Example 1: You will get high grades if you study hard.

• Example 2: I will not go to the party unless she invites me.

More examples:

1. We'll cancel tomorrow's tennis match if it rains.

2. We'll cancel tomorrow's tennis match unless the weather improves.