8.3: Subordinators
- Page ID
- 375723
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Dependent clause + independent clause
We can create a complex sentence using a dependent clause followed by an independent clause.
Some dependent clauses indicate time and usually start with words like when, as soon as, once, before, after, while, and as.
Some dependent clauses indicate a condition and usually start with words like if and in case.
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| as soon as I see her | dependent clause of time |
| I will tell her the news. | independent clause or simple sentence |
| As soon as I see her, I will tell her the news. | complex sentence |
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| if I go to bed early | dependent clause of condition |
| I can easily get up early. | independent clause or simple sentence |
| If I go to bed early, I can easily get up early. | complex sentence |
More example sentences:
While we were eating dinner, someone rang the doorbell.
When a dependent clause comes first in a complex sentence, we use a comma.
Independent clause + dependent clause
We can create a complex sentence using an independent clause followed by a dependent clause.
Some dependent clauses indicate a reason or cause and usually start with words like because and since.
Some dependent clauses indicate a direct contrast or unexpected result and usually start with words like although, even though, and whereas.
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I went to bed early. | independent clause or simple sentence |
| because I was tired | dependent adverb clause of reason |
| I went to bed early because I was tired. | complex sentence |
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I went to bed early. | independent clause or simple sentence |
| even though I wasn't tired | dependent adverb clause of contrast |
| I went to bed early even though I wasn't tired. | complex sentence |
More example sentences:
Someone rang the doorbell while we were eating dinner.
I can easily get up early if I also go to bed early.
We don’t use a comma when a dependent clause comes last in a complex sentence.
Understanding the meaning of subordinating conjunctions in complex sentences
| Logical meaning/relationship | Subordinating conjunction | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| time |
when as soon as once before after while as |
Henry wants to study nursing when he finishes the basics. I will text you as soon as I arrive. Once Olga turns in her paper, she will head to the library. Camelia goes to school after she makes her lunch. While we were eating, we were texting our friends. As Fatima sat down, the movie started. |
| condition |
if in case |
If Vita gets paid today, she might go shopping tomorrow. Phuong will bring an umbrella in case it rains. |
| reason/cause |
because since |
Tom needs to get a job because he wants a new car. Since Will works nights, he sleeps during the day. |
| direct contract/unexpected result |
although even though whereas (direct contrast only) |
Although Svitlana had a cold, she had to go to work. Steve came to class even though he wasn't feeling well. Whereas Sith takes classes at the Oregon City Campus, Meervat takes classes at the Harmony campus. |
Underline the dependent clauses in the example sentences above. When you are finished, discuss your answers with a partner.
Punctuation rules
When the sentence begins with a dependent clause, put a comma before the independent clause. (DC, IC.) Don’t add a comma between the clauses if the independent clause comes first. (IC DC.)
Here are complex sentences created by starting with an independent (main) clause and adding a dependent (subordinate) clause. Notice the punctuation.
The children were playing outside while their parents were visiting inside.
Brian bought a new car even though his old car was in good condition.
Tim and Marcy went to the doctor because Marcy felt sick.
The order of the clauses may be reversed. Notice how the punctuation changes.
While their parents were visiting inside, the children were playing outside.
Even though Brian's old car was in good condition, he bought a new car.
Because Marcy felt sick, she and Tim went to the doctor.
Combine each pair of simple sentences into one complex sentence. Use the subordinator indicated. Make sure you follow the punctuation rules for dependent and independent clauses. When you finish, discuss your sentences with a partner.
Example:
- Edith will go see a movie in the theater. The weather is rainy this weekend. (if)
Correct:
- Edith will go see a movie in the theater if the weather is rainy this weekend.
- If the weather is rainy this weekend, Edith will go see a movie in the theater.
- Butter adds empty calories to a baked potato. Nisley avoids it. (because)
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- Mila has a cold. She stays home and rests. (when)
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- The instructor greets the students. They come into the classroom. (as)
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- Lorena decided to go to school. Her parents wanted her to get a job. (even though)
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- Mariya addressed the letter. She sent it. (before)
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- Fabian is reading. He is listening to soft music. (while)
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Combine each pair of simple sentences into one complex sentence. Use the subordinator indicated. Make sure you follow the punctuation rules for dependent and independent clauses. When you finish, discuss your sentences with a partner.
- Angela likes rap music. Osman likes hip hop. (whereas)
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- Maribel thinks more clearly. She gets a good night’s sleep. (once)
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- I stayed up late last night. I feel very tired today. (since)
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- Sobheya’s phone started ringing. Everyone was taking the quiz. (while)
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- Loud noises distract Malalai. She likes working alone. (because)
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- Your final exam is scored. Your instructor will post final grades in MyClackamas. (as soon as)
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- Elizabeth arrives early for class. She has questions for her instructors. (in case)
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- Gizela was nervous about the test. She had made a study guide. (even though)
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- Alina turned in her final exam. She reviewed her answers. (before)
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As you read the following paragraph, identify the main idea, the supporting sentences, and the concluding sentence. Underline the complex sentences. Discuss your choices with a partner.
My Future Career
Over the years, I have worked in several different kinds of jobs, and now I would like to become a businesswoman in the U.S. After I moved here, I decided to study English at Clackamas Community College. Once I am able to take college-level courses, I can complete a certificate or degree program and start a new career. In the past, my parents and I had started some businesses. For example, we used to provide a crane for hire, and we also had an online restaurant. Unfortunately, our businesses never succeeded because we didn’t know how to manage things. Now I have a new opportunity to study and plan for my future. If I achieve my goal of being a successful businesswoman, I will be the first person in my family to do so.
As you read the following paragraph, identify the main idea, the supporting sentences, and the concluding sentence. Underline the complex sentences. Discuss your choices with a partner.
Learning English
Moving to a new country is a challenge if you don’t speak the language. Seven years ago, I moved to the United States of America. After my kids became teenagers, I decided to learn English. I applied to Clackamas Community College. The main reason was to improve my English and feel more confident when I have to reach out to my kids’ teachers, coaches, or their friends’ parents. Another reason was to communicate with people around me, like my neighbors and friends. We need to communicate at the supermarket or the library and in hospitals or restaurants. Additionally, I want to be a good example for my kids. When my children see me going to college and learning, this motivates them to achieve their dreams. Finally, the most important reason for me was to have a career and support my kids in a better way. Sometimes life puts you in a difficult situation to learn new things and make changes. Maybe it’s time to make these changes and start this new journey.
Content in Chapter 8.3: Subordinators is adapted from Introduction to Academic Writing for ESOL by Tim Krause which is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA