subordinate conjunction
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A subordinate conjunction is a type of conjunction that connects a dependent (subordinate) clause to an independent (main) clause. It introduces the dependent clause and shows the relationship between the two clauses, such as cause, time, condition, or contrast.
Usage
A subordinate conjunction is used at the beginning of a dependent clause to link it to the main idea of the sentence. The clause it introduces cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
Examples
- (The subordinate conjunction "when" introduces the dependent clause "when I arrive," showing a time relationship.)
- (The subordinate conjunction "because" introduces the dependent clause "because she was feeling ill," showing a cause-and-effect relationship.)
- (The subordinate conjunction "if" introduces the dependent clause "if it stops raining," showing a condition.)
Advanced Usage
- Elliptical Clauses: Sometimes, words in the dependent clause are omitted but understood. The subordinate conjunction still signals the relationship.
- While [he was] reading, he fell asleep. (The subordinate conjunction "while" introduces the reduced clause "while reading," showing a time relationship.)
- Multiple Functions: Some words can function as either a subordinate conjunction or a different part of speech (like a preposition or an adverb). Their role is determined by whether they introduce a clause with a subject and a verb.
- Conjunction: I haven't seen him since he left. ("Since" introduces the clause "he left.")
- Preposition: I haven't seen him since Tuesday. ("Since" is followed by a noun, not a full clause.)
Variants and Related Words
- Subordinating Conjunction: This is a more common and precise full term for "subordinate conjunction."
- Subordinator: A less formal synonym for subordinate conjunction.
- Dependent Clause: The clause introduced by a subordinate conjunction. Also called a subordinate clause.
Synonyms
- Subordinator
Related Phrases
- Common Subordinate Conjunctions: This is not a phrasal verb but a key list of words that perform this function. Common examples include: after, although, as, because, before, if, since, that, though, unless, until, when, where, whether, while.
Noun
- a conjunction (like `since' or `that' or `who') that introduces a dependent clause