Intermediate English Grammar for ESL Learners - Robin Torres-Gouzerh 2016
Subordinating conjunctions
18 Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions connect dependent, or subordinate, clauses to independent clauses. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. A dependent clause requires an independent clause to be correct or even to make sense. Furthermore, a dependent clause always begins with a subordinate conjunction.
Following is a list of the most common subordinating conjunctions.
They will head home after they finish eating.
She enjoyed talking to him, because he was so smart.
Tom will not join the team unless he can be the captain.
Several subordinating conjunctions express time relationships: after, before, until, when, and while. These conjunctions indicate when the action of the dependent clause takes place in relation to the action of the independent clause.
He was a doctor before becoming a veterinarian.
Pedro waited in line while Vanessa looked for a place to sit.
The subordinating conjunction because introduces a clause that provides a reason for something. )t answers the question “why.”
She loves the Doors, because they sing catchy songs.
The subordinating conjunctions (ever) since and now that express one of two things: an explanation or a time relationship.
They cannot go to Mexico, since they do not have enough money.
We have been eager to watch the movie ever since we saw the preview.
Now that they have enough money, they are going to Mexico.
Although, even though, and though express exception or indicate that a condition exists despite some other condition.
She liked her old apartment, although it was small and smelly.
I was good at volleyball, even though I was short.
I hated his choice of music, though his voice was quite good.
When it follows a negative statement, the conjunction unless expresses requirements or conditions.
She can’t be part of the band unless she sings well.
The dependent if clause expresses a condition that must be met, and the independent clause describes what will happen when that condition is met.
He can be part of the band if he plays guitar or drums.
No punctuation is required before many subordinating conjunctions, especially those that express a time relationship, if the conjunction follows the independent clause.
Before he became a professional surfer, he was a skater. He was a skater before he became a professional surfer.
The relative pronouns who, whom, that, which, and whose can also function like subordinating conjunctions, because they introduce dependent clauses.
The conjunction than may be used as a subordinating conjunction, often introducing an elliptical clause, that is, a clause in which information that is understood is omitted.
You speak English far better than I [do].
I like apple pie better than [I like] chocolate cake.
Colloquially, it is quite common to use than as a preposition.
Cathy is more talented than him.
My brother plays the piano better than me.
To be more precise, the verb in the dependent clause may be included, which requires than to be treated as a conjunction.
Cathy is more talented than he is.
My brother plays the piano better than I do.
Exercise 18.8 Complete each sentence with the appropriate subordinating conjunction.
1. I really liked my old apartment, ... it was small and poorly lit.
2. You must buy a ticket ... you can walk into the theater and watch a movie.
3. She will have to wait ... the nurse calls her name to see the doctor.
4. He appreciates my mom’s cooking skills, ... she always makes good dishes.
5. They used to be friends ... they had an argument.
6. Let’s make a cake! You mix in the sugar ... I beat the eggs.
7. They cannot cross the river, ... they don’t have a boat.
8. He was a great musician, ... he was partly deaf.
9. The musician kept handing out his demo he ... finally got signed by a music label.
10. She must be rich, ... she wears a lot of expensive jewelry.
11. Everyone likes Sophia, ... she is generous and friendly.
12. My father never answers his phone ... I will try to call him.
13. Fortunately, the tennis tournament was over ... the cold weather began.
14. You may have that puppy you promise to take care of it.
15. Jason is older ... she is by two weeks.
16. I’ll finish cleaning the dishes ... the news is over.
17. My dad was supportive of my academic choices ... he had reservations.
18. The federal government will raise taxes ... budget cuts can save enough money.
Exercise 18.9 Combine each pair of sentences into one sentence using until.
Example He can’t use his computer. (e hasn’t bought a computer monitor yet.
He can’t use his computer until he buys a computer monitor.
1. They can’t leave. They have to feed the cats first.
2. Tell me the truth. I am not going to leave this room.
3. He can’t pay his parking ticket. He hasn’t received his paycheck.
4. Finally, Steve arrived. Before that, it had been a boring conversation.
5. When I go to bed at night, I like to read. After a while, I get sleepy.
Exercise 18.10 Combine each pair of sentences into one sentence using now that, eliminating explanatory phrases if they are not necessary.
Example We have to wear swimsuits. We had been shopping at the mall, but we’re at the beach now.
Now that we’re at the beach, we have to wear swimsuits.
1. Patrick used to share an apartment with a friend, but a couple of weeks ago he moved into a house. Now he can use his own furniture.
2. I’ve finally finished painting the kitchen. Now I can go running.
3. They have to wear warm clothes. It’s winter now.
4. He just celebrated his 21st birthday. Now he can legally drink.
5. Charles used to ride his bike to school, but last month he bought a Jeep. Now he can drive to school.
6. The civil war has ended. A new government is being formed.
7. It’s been a long, hard month, but the project is finally over. We can relax.
8. Do you want to go swimming? The water has gotten warmer.
9. My best friend got married this morning. He’s a married man now, so he has more responsibilities.
10. I can get a job as a translator. I know English now.