English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Use subordinating conjunctions
Use subordinating conjunctions
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify subordinating conjunctions in complex sentences.
Explain the function of common subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, although, while, if).
Combine two simple sentences into a complex sentence using an appropriate subordinating conjunction.
Correctly punctuate complex sentences that begin with a subordinating conjunction.
Use subordinating conjunctions to show relationships like cause/effect, time, and condition in their writing.
Revise sentences to improve clarity and flow by incorporating subordinating conjunctions.
Ever wonder how writers make their sentences sound so smooth and connect ideas perfectly? 🤔 It's like building a bridge between two thoughts!
In this lesson, you'll learn about subordinating conjunctions, special wo...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Subordinating ConjunctionA word that connects a dependent (subordinate) clause to an independent clause, showing a relationship between the two ideas.We stayed inside *because* it was raining.
Independent ClauseA group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.We stayed inside.
Dependent (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 usually begins with a subordinating conjunction.Because it was raining.
Complex SentenceA sentence made up of an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses, joined by a subordinating conjunction.*Although* it was cold, we still went for a walk.
Cause and E...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Connecting Clauses
A subordinating conjunction always introduces a dependent clause and connects it to an independent clause.
Use a subordinating conjunction to show how one idea depends on or relates to another. The conjunction tells you the type of relationship (e.g., cause, time, condition).
Comma Rule for Starting Sentences
When a dependent clause (starting with a subordinating conjunction) comes *before* the independent clause, you need a comma after the dependent clause.
This comma helps readers pause and understand where the introductory idea ends and the main idea begins. Think: Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause, + Independent Clause.
No Comma Rule for Middle Conjunctions
When the independent clause comes *before* the dependent clause, you usually do...
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Challenging
An author writes: 'While some argue that video games are a waste of time, extensive research shows they can improve problem-solving skills.' How does the author's use of 'While' support their argument?
A.It acknowledges an opposing viewpoint before presenting evidence to counter it.
B.It suggests that both arguments are happening at the same time.
C.It proves that the opposing argument is completely wrong.
D.It establishes a condition that must be met for skills to improve.
Challenging
Consider these two ideas: 1. The city council voted to build a new park. 2. Many citizens had protested the plan. Which sentence combines these ideas to most accurately reflect the complex situation?
A.The city council voted to build a new park because many citizens had protested the plan.
B.Unless many citizens had protested the plan, the city council voted to build a new park.
C.The city council voted to build a new park although many citizens had protested the plan.
D.After many citizens had protested the plan, the city council voted to build a new park.
Challenging
Combine these three ideas into the most effective complex sentence: 1. The experiment was a success. 2. The scientist followed the instructions carefully. 3. She had to try three times.
A.The experiment was a success, and the scientist followed instructions, but she tried three times.
B.Although she had to try three times, the experiment was a success because the scientist followed the instructions carefully.
C.Because she had to try three times, the experiment was a success, and the scientist followed the instructions carefully.
D.The scientist followed the instructions carefully, so the experiment was a success, unless she had to try three times.
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