English Language Arts
Grade 10
15 min
Identify subordinating conjunctions
Identify subordinating conjunctions
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define a subordinating conjunction and explain its role in creating complex sentences.
Differentiate between independent and dependent clauses within a sentence.
Accurately identify the subordinating conjunction in sentences drawn from literary and academic texts.
Categorize subordinating conjunctions based on the logical relationship they establish (e.g., time, cause, condition, contrast).
Correctly apply comma rules for sentences beginning with a dependent clause.
Analyze how the choice of a subordinating conjunction impacts the nuance and meaning of a sentence.
Ever notice how a single word like 'if' or 'because' can completely change the power dynamic in a sentence? 🤔 That tiny word holds the key to complex thought and argument....
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Independent ClauseA group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.Okonkwo ruled his household with a heavy hand.
Dependent (or Subordinate) ClauseA group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be attached to an independent clause....because he feared failure.
Subordinating ConjunctionA word or phrase that joins a dependent clause to an independent clause. It signals the relationship between the two clauses and makes one clause dependent on the other.although, because, since, while, if, unless, after
Complex SentenceA sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, linked by a...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Introductory Clause Comma Rule
Dependent Clause + Comma + Independent Clause
When a complex sentence begins with a dependent clause (introduced by a subordinating conjunction), a comma must be placed after the dependent clause to separate it from the main independent clause.
The Concluding Clause No-Comma Rule
Independent Clause + No Comma + Dependent Clause
When a complex sentence ends with the dependent clause, no comma is needed to separate it from the independent clause. The subordinating conjunction itself provides a sufficient link.
The Function Test
A subordinating conjunction makes a clause unable to stand on its own.
To test if a word is a subordinating conjunction, see if it introduces a clause that feels incomplete by itself. The clause it introduces a...
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Challenging
From the options below, select the most precisely constructed and correctly punctuated complex sentence.
A.An author uses foreshadowing so that the reader is given clues about future events.
B.When an author uses foreshadowing; the reader is given clues about future events.
C.An author uses foreshadowing, because the reader needs clues about future events.
D.Unless an author uses foreshadowing the reader might not understand the ending.
Challenging
Read the passage: 'The empire expanded, absorbing new cultures. While this growth brought wealth, it also sowed conflict. The senate grew corrupt because power was concentrated. The republic was doomed unless a strong leader could unite the factions.' Which subordinating conjunction introduces the clause that presents the most critical condition for the republic's survival?
A.While
B.because
C.unless
D.that
Challenging
In the sentence, 'Before the committee could vote, the researcher presented new data, which all happened right before the final deadline,' how can we distinguish the subordinating conjunction 'before' from the preposition 'before'?
A.The first 'before' is a conjunction because it is at the beginning of the sentence; the second is a preposition because it is at the end.
B.The first 'before' is a conjunction because it introduces a clause with a subject and verb ('the committee could vote'); the second is a preposition because it is followed by a noun phrase ('the final deadline').
C.Both instances of 'before' are subordinating conjunctions because they relate to time.
D.Both instances of 'before' are prepositions because they introduce phrases that modify the main verb.
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