Detailed Usage of Subordinate Conjunctions- Complex sentences

Subordinate conjunctions are words or phrases that connect a dependent clause (subordinate
clause) to an independent clause. They establish relationships of time, cause, condition, contrast,
and more. These conjunctions make sentences more complex and nuanced by showing how ideas
are related. Below is a detailed explanation of the most commonly used subordinate
conjunctions, categorized by their function, with examples for each.

1. Time

These conjunctions indicate when something happens relative to another action or event.

• Common Conjunctions:
o After, before, since, while, as, when, until, as soon as
• Usage and Examples:
o After: Indicates something happening later than another action.
▪ Example: She went home after she finished her work.
o Before: Shows that one action occurs earlier than another.
▪ Example: We should leave before the rain starts.
o While: Suggests two actions happening simultaneously.
▪ Example: He listened to music while he studied.
o Until: Marks the endpoint of an action or condition.
▪ Example: Wait here until I return.

2. Cause and Effect

These conjunctions explain why something happens or its result.

• Common Conjunctions:
o Because, since, as, so that, in order that
• Usage and Examples:
o Because: States the reason for an action.
▪ Example: She stayed home because she was feeling sick.
o Since: Indicates a reason, often interchangeable with "because."
▪ Example: Since you are here, let’s start the meeting.
o As: Similar to "because," but slightly more formal.
▪ Example: As it was raining, we canceled the picnic.
o So that: Explains purpose or intention.
▪ Example: He spoke loudly so that everyone could hear him.
3. Condition

These conjunctions set conditions for something to happen.

• Common Conjunctions:
o If, unless, provided that, as long as, in case
• Usage and Examples:
o If: Introduces a condition that must be met.
▪ Example: If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
o Unless: Specifies an exception to a condition.
▪ Example: You won’t succeed unless you try.
o Provided that: Sets a specific condition that must be fulfilled.
▪ Example: You can go out provided that you finish your homework.
o As long as: Emphasizes a duration or condition.
▪ Example: You can stay here as long as you are quiet.
o In case: Indicates a precaution.
▪ Example: Take an umbrella in case it rains.

4. Contrast/Concession

These conjunctions highlight a contrast or exception between two ideas.

• Common Conjunctions:
o Although, though, even though, whereas, while
• Usage and Examples:
o Although/Though: Shows a contradiction or unexpected result.
▪ Example: Although it was cold, we went for a walk.
o Even though: A stronger version of "although."
▪ Example: Even though she was tired, she continued working.
o Whereas: Indicates contrast between two clauses.
▪ Example: He prefers coffee, whereas I prefer tea.
o While: Similar to "whereas," but less formal.
▪ Example: While some people like spicy food, others dislike it.

5. Comparison

These conjunctions show similarity or difference between ideas.

• Common Conjunctions:
o As, than, as though, as if
• Usage and Examples:
o As: Indicates similarity or equality.
 ▪ Example: She sings as beautifully as a professional singer.
o Than: Used for comparisons.
▪ Example: He runs faster than I do.
o As though/As if: Describes an imagined or hypothetical situation.
▪ Example: He acted as though he didn’t hear me.

6. Purpose

These conjunctions indicate the reason or aim of an action.

• Common Conjunctions:
o So that, in order that, for the purpose of
• Usage and Examples:
o So that: Explains the goal of an action.
▪ Example: She left early so that she could catch the train.
o In order that: Similar to "so that," but more formal.
▪ Example: He slowed down in order that the children could cross the road
safely.

7. Place

These conjunctions refer to the location of an action.

• Common Conjunctions:
o Where, wherever
• Usage and Examples:
o Where: Indicates a specific place.
▪ Example: She sat where she could see the view.
o Wherever: Suggests any place or all possible places.
▪ Example: Wherever you go, I will follow.

8. Manner

These conjunctions explain the way something happens.

• Common Conjunctions:
o As, as if, as though
• Usage and Examples:
o As: Describes how something is done.
▪ Example: Do it as I showed you.
 o As if/As though: Suggests a hypothetical manner.
▪ Example: He looks as if he has seen a ghost.

Compound Sentences: Detailed Usage with Examples

A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating

conjunction, a semicolon, or a transitional phrase. Unlike complex sentences, which include a
dependent clause, compound sentences link independent clauses of equal importance. This
structure helps create balance and clarity while combining related ideas.

Key Components of a Compound Sentence

1. Independent Clauses: These are complete thoughts that can stand alone as sentences.
o Example: I love reading.
o Example: I enjoy writing.
2. Coordinating Conjunctions: These are words that connect the clauses. The most
common ones can be remembered with the acronym FANBOYS:
o For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
3. Punctuation:
o A comma is placed before the coordinating conjunction.
o A semicolon can replace the conjunction when the ideas are closely related.

Usage of Coordinating Conjunctions in Compound Sentences

1. For (Reason or Explanation)

• Function: Indicates a reason for the preceding clause.

• Example:
o She stayed home, for she was feeling unwell.
o We decided to cancel the trip, for the weather was terrible.

2. And (Addition)

• Function: Combines two related ideas.

• Example:
o He enjoys painting, and he loves sculpting.
o The children played in the park, and their parents watched from a bench.
3. Nor (Negative Addition)

• Function: Adds another negative idea.

• Example:
o He didn’t call, nor did he send a message.
o She doesn’t like coffee, nor does she enjoy tea.

4. But (Contrast)

• Function: Shows a contrast or contradiction between ideas.

• Example:
o I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining.
o She worked hard, but she didn’t get the promotion.

5. Or (Choice)

• Function: Presents alternatives or choices.

• Example:
o We can go to the movies, or we can stay home and watch a film.
o Would you like tea, or would you prefer coffee?

6. Yet (Unexpected Contrast)

• Function: Similar to "but," it shows an unexpected outcome.

• Example:
o She was tired, yet she continued working late into the night.
o He is strict, yet his students admire him.

7. So (Result)

• Function: Indicates the result or consequence of an action.

• Example:
o The weather was beautiful, so we decided to go for a hike.
o He missed the bus, so he had to walk to work.

Using Semicolons in Compound Sentences

When the independent clauses are closely related, a semicolon can replace the conjunction.

• Example:
 o She loves to read; her favorite author is Jane Austen.
o I forgot my umbrella; fortunately, it didn’t rain.

Using Transitional Phrases in Compound Sentences

Transitional phrases (e.g., however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless) can link independent
clauses. They require a semicolon before the transition and a comma after it.

• Examples:
o He wanted to join the team; however, he missed the tryouts.
o The project was due today; therefore, we worked all night to complete it.

Compound Sentences with Parallel Structures

To enhance clarity and rhythm, compound sentences often use parallel structures, where the
clauses follow the same grammatical pattern.

• Example:
o She likes hiking, and he enjoys cycling.
o You can choose to stay home, or you can join us for the trip.

Combining Compound and Complex Sentences

Sometimes, compound sentences include one or more dependent clauses, creating a compound-
complex sentence.

• Example:
o I stayed home because it was raining, and I read a book.
o She didn’t call, nor did she text, although she promised she would.