Subordinating Conjunctions Quiz

Which of the following is a subordinating conjunction?

• And

• But

• Although

• Or

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Although' because it is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a dependent clause, while 'And', 'But', and 'Or' are coordinating conjunctions that connect equal parts of a sentence.

What is the purpose of a subordinating conjunction?

• To join two independent clauses

• To introduce a dependent clause

• To connect words in a list

• To show contrast between ideas

Answer explanation

A subordinating conjunction is used to introduce a dependent clause, which cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. This distinguishes it from coordinating conjunctions, which join independent clauses.

In the sentence "We went to the park because it was sunny," which word is the subordinating conjunction?

• We

• Went

• Park

• Because

Answer explanation

In the sentence, 'because' is the subordinating conjunction that introduces the dependent clause 'because it was sunny,' linking it to the main clause 'We went to the park.'

Which sentence contains a subordinating conjunction?

• I like pizza and pasta.

• She runs fast but gets tired quickly.

• They studied hard, so they passed the test.

• He stayed home since he was feeling sick.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence is 'He stayed home since he was feeling sick.' because 'since' is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a dependent clause, indicating the reason for staying home.

What type of clause does a subordinating conjunction introduce?

• Independent clause

• Dependent clause

• Main clause

• Coordinate clause

Answer explanation

A subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause, which cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. This distinguishes it from independent clauses, which can stand alone, and other types of clauses.

Which of these is NOT a subordinating conjunction?

• While

• Unless

• However

• After

Answer explanation

"However" is not a subordinating conjunction; it is a conjunctive adverb. In contrast, "while," "unless," and "after" are all subordinating conjunctions that introduce dependent clauses.

Which sentence uses the subordinating conjunction correctly?

• We went to the beach, and it was sunny.

• Although it was raining, we still had fun.

• They studied hard but passed the test.

• He likes coffee or tea.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence is 'Although it was raining, we still had fun.' because it uses the subordinating conjunction 'although' to connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, indicating contrast.

What punctuation is needed when a dependent clause comes before the independent clause?

• Period

• Comma

• Semicolon

• No punctuation is needed

Answer explanation

When a dependent clause precedes an independent clause, a comma is required to separate them. This helps clarify the sentence structure and improves readability.

Which word can function as both a subordinating conjunction and a preposition?

• Because

• Although

• Before

• Unless

Answer explanation

The word 'Before' can function as both a subordinating conjunction (e.g., 'Before you go') and a preposition (e.g., 'Before the meeting'). The other options do not serve both functions.

What is the subordinating conjunction in this sentence: "Whenever it rains, I feel sleepy."

• Whenever

• It

• Rains

• Feel

Answer explanation

The subordinating conjunction in the sentence "Whenever it rains, I feel sleepy" is "Whenever". It introduces the dependent clause "Whenever it rains" and shows the relationship between the two clauses.