Subordinating conjunctions are crucial for connecting dependent clauses to independent clauses in English grammar. These conjunctions establish relationships like cause, time, condition, or contrast between the two parts of a sentence.
In this blog, we will explore subordinating conjunctions, their meaning, and usage, with examples to help you understand their role in sentence construction. Learning these conjunctions will enhance your English grammar skills, making your sentences more precise and meaningful. This understanding will aid you in learning English online, similar to a Spoken English Course.
इस blog में, हम subordinating conjunctions के बारे में जानेंगे, उनके अर्थ, use और examples को समझेंगे। यह ज्ञान आपके English grammar को और भी बेहतर बनाएगा।
What is a Subordinating Conjunction?
A subordinating conjunction is a word that introduces a dependent clause, making it subordinate to the main clause. This type of conjunction explains how, why, when, or under what condition the action in the main clause occurs. Examples include “although,” “because,” “if,” and “while.” For instance, “Although he was tired, he kept working”—”although” introduces the dependent clause “he was tired,” connecting it to the main clause.
Subordinating conjunction वह word होता है जो dependent clause को independent clause से जोड़ता है, जिससे दोनों clauses के बीच का संबंध स्पष्ट होता है। यह conjunctions कारण, समय, शर्त, या विरोधाभास दर्शाते हैं। जैसे, “Although he was tired, he kept working” में “although” dependent clause को मुख्य clause से जोड़ता है।
Definition of Subordinating Conjunction
A subordinating conjunction is defined as a word that connects a subordinate (dependent) clause to a main (independent) clause, indicating the relationship between them. It helps clarify the context of the main clause by introducing additional details about time, reason, or conditions.
For example, in “I’ll go if it doesn’t rain,” the word “if” introduces the condition under which the action will take place.
Subordinating conjunction को इस प्रकार परिभाषित किया जा सकता है कि यह एक ऐसा word है जो subordinate clause को मुख्य clause से जोड़ता है और उनके बीच का संबंध दर्शाता है। यह मुख्य clause को समय, कारण, या शर्त के संदर्भ में स्पष्ट करता है। उदाहरण के लिए, “I’ll go if it doesn’t rain” में “if” शर्त को दर्शाता है।
Tricky Subordinating Conjunction Examples
Though subordinating conjunctions help clarify sentence relationships, they can be tricky, especially when determining correct clause placement or punctuation. Here are examples of common mistakes with subordinating conjunctions:
Subordinating conjunctions में clause placement और punctuation में गलतियाँ आम हो सकती हैं। यहां कुछ common mistakes के examples दिए गए हैं:
Because
Incorrect: “He stayed home. Because it was raining.”
Correct: “He stayed home because it was raining.”
Hindi: “वह घर पर रहा क्योंकि बारिश हो रही थी।”
Note: Subordinating conjunctions कभी भी sentence को incomplete नहीं छोड़ते। उन्हें main clause से जोड़ना ज़रूरी है।
Although
Incorrect: “Although it was late. They continued the meeting.”
Correct: “Although it was late, they continued the meeting.”
Hindi: “हालांकि देर हो चुकी थी, फिर भी उन्होंने meeting जारी रखी।”
Note: Subordinating conjunctions के बाद comma का इस्तेमाल तभी करें जब dependent clause पहले आए।
If
Incorrect: “He will join the meeting if, he finishes his work early.”
Correct: “He will join the meeting if he finishes his work early.”
Hindi: “वह meeting में शामिल होगा यदि वह जल्दी काम पूरा कर ले।”
Note: Subordinating conjunction के बाद comma नहीं लगाना चाहिए जब clause एक ही sentence का हिस्सा हो।
Subordinating Conjunctions Sentences
Here are some common examples of subordinating conjunctions in sentences, with Hindi translations:
- English: “I will wait until you arrive.”
Hindi: “मैं तब तक इंतजार करूंगा जब तक तुम नहीं आ जाते।” - English: “She stayed home because she was sick.”
Hindi: “वह घर पर रही क्योंकि वह बीमार थी।” - English: “Although he was tired, he finished his work.”
Hindi: “हालांकि वह थका हुआ था, फिर भी उसने अपना काम पूरा किया।” - English: “We can go out if it stops raining.”
Hindi: “अगर बारिश रुक जाती है, तो हम बाहर जा सकते हैं।” - English: “Since he moved to the city, he has been very busy.”
Hindi: “जब से वह शहर आया है, तब से वह बहुत व्यस्त है।”
When Do We Use Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are used to link a dependent clause with an independent clause, forming a complex sentence. They indicate relationships such as cause, time, condition, or contrast between the two clauses. For example, in “She stayed home because it was raining” or “He left early although he was tired,” the words “because” and “although” show cause and contrast, respectively.
हम subordinating conjunctions का use dependent clause को independent clause से जोड़ने के लिए करते हैं, जिससे complex sentence बनता है। ये clauses के बीच कारण, समय, शर्त, या विरोधाभास जैसे संबंध दिखाते हैं। जैसे, “वह घर पर रही क्योंकि बारिश हो रही थी” या “वह जल्दी चला गया, हालांकि वह थका हुआ था,” में “क्योंकि” और “हालांकि” कारण और विरोधाभास को दर्शाते हैं।
Subordinating Conjunction Rules
1. Cause and Effect Relationships
Subordinating conjunctions such as “because” and “since” establish a cause-and-effect link between two clauses. The dependent clause explains the reason behind the action in the main clause.
Rule: The dependent clause can appear before or after the main clause, but no comma is used when it follows the main clause.
Example:
English:“I stayed home because it was raining.” (Main clause + Dependent clause)
“Because it was raining, I stayed home.” (Dependent clause + Comma + Main clause)
Hindi: “मैं घर पर रहा क्योंकि बारिश हो रही थी।” (Main clause + Dependent clause)
“क्योंकि बारिश हो रही थी, मैं घर पर रहा।” (Dependent clause + Comma + Main clause)
2. Time Relationships
Subordinating conjunctions like “when,” “while,” and “after” indicate the sequence of events. They clarify when the action in the main clause happens relative to the dependent clause.
Rule: When the dependent clause comes first, use a comma before the main clause. If it follows the main clause, no comma is needed.
Example:
English:“She called me after she arrived.”
“After she arrived, she called me.”
Hindi:“उसने मुझे Phone किया जब वह पहुँची।”
“जब वह पहुँची, उसने मुझे Phone किया।”
3. Condition-Based Sentences
Conjunctions like “if” and “unless” introduce conditions that determine whether the action in the main clause will occur.
Rule: The clause introduced by these conjunctions specifies the condition and typically comes without a comma unless placed at the beginning.
Example:
English:“If she studies hard, she will pass the exam.”
“We will pass the exam if she studies hard.”
Hindi:”अगर वह मेहनत से पढ़ेगी, तो वह Exam pass करेगी।”
“हम Exam pass करेंगे अगर वह मेहनत से पढ़ेगी।”
4. Showing Contrast
Subordinating conjunctions like “although” and “even though” express contrast, highlighting a difference between the two clauses.
Rule: A comma is used if the dependent clause comes first, but it’s omitted if the main clause is first.
Example:
English: “Although he was tired, he continued working.”
“He continued working although he was tired.”
Hindi: “हालाँकि वह थका हुआ था, फिर भी वह काम करता रहा।”
“वह काम करता रहा, हालाँकि वह थका हुआ था।”
5. Negative Sentences
Subordinating conjunctions such as “unless” or “until” can introduce negative conditions that restrict the main clause.
Rule: These conjunctions negate the condition, so the main action depends on the non-occurrence of the condition.
Example:
English: “I won’t leave unless you come with me.”
“He won’t sleep until the work is done.”
Hindi: “हालाँकि वह थका हुआ था, फिर भी उसने काम जारी रखा।”
“उसने काम जारी रखा हालाँकि वह थका हुआ था।”
6. Questions with Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions like “why” and “before” clarify reasons or conditions in questions.
Rule: The conjunction introduces a dependent clause, providing clarity to the question.
Example:
English: “Why did she leave before the meeting ended?”
“Did he leave because he was upset?”
Hindi: “मैं तब तक नहीं जाऊँगा जब तक तुम मेरे साथ नहीं चलोगे।”
“वह तब तक नहीं सोएगा जब तक काम पूरा नहीं हो जाता।”
Common Errors with Subordinating Conjunctions
Using subordinating conjunctions correctly is essential for maintaining clarity and coherence in sentences. Here are typical errors to avoid:
1. Incorrect Placement of the Dependent Clause
A common mistake is placing the dependent clause incorrectly, which can confuse the sentence structure.
Example:
Incorrect: “He will be late, because he missed the bus.”
Correction: “He will be late because he missed the bus.” (No comma before “because”)
Hindi:
गलत: “वह देर से आएगा, क्योंकि उसने बस मिस कर दी।”
सही: “वह देर से आएगा क्योंकि उसने बस मिस कर दी।”
2. Overusing Commas with Subordinating Conjunctions
Using commas incorrectly, especially after conjunctions like “although” or “since,” can disrupt sentence flow.
Example:
Incorrect: “Although, he was tired he kept working.”
Correction: “Although he was tired, he kept working.”
Hindi:
गलत: “हालांकि, वह थका हुआ था वह काम करता रहा।”
सही: “हालांकि वह थका हुआ था, वह काम करता रहा।”
3. Misplacing the Subordinating Conjunction
Subordinating conjunctions must directly connect the dependent and main clauses.
Example:
Incorrect: “She left early, because, she had an appointment.”
Correction: “She left early because she had an appointment.”
Hindi:
गलत: “वह जल्दी चली गई, क्योंकि, उसे अपॉइंटमेंट था।”
सही: “वह जल्दी चली गई क्योंकि उसे अपॉइंटमेंट था।”
4. Confusing Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions (e.g., “although”) should not be mixed up with coordinating conjunctions (e.g., “and”).
Example:
Incorrect: “He is tired and he kept working.”
Correction: “Although he is tired, he kept working.”
Hindi:
गलत: “वह थका हुआ है और फिर भी वह काम करता रहा।”
सही: “हालांकि वह थका हुआ है, वह काम करता रहा।”
5. Omitting the Dependent Clause
Sometimes, the dependent clause is omitted, making the sentence incomplete.
Example:
Incorrect: “Unless you study.” (Incomplete thought)
Correction: “You will fail unless you study.”
Hindi:
गलत: “जब तक तुम पढ़ाई नहीं करते।” (अधूरी बात)
सही: “तुम फेल हो जाओगे जब तक तुम पढ़ाई नहीं करते।”
Difference Between Subordinating Conjunctions and Coordinating Conjunctions
The main difference between subordinating conjunctions and coordinating conjunctions lies in how they connect clauses. Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, showing the relationship between them. Coordinating conjunctions, on the other hand, connect two independent clauses or words of equal importance.
Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, indicating time, reason, condition, contrast, etc. Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance.
Subordinating conjunctions और coordinating conjunctions के बीच मुख्य अंतर इस बात में है कि ये वाक्य के हिस्सों को कैसे जोड़ते हैं। Subordinating conjunctions एक dependent clause को independent clause से जोड़ते हैं, जो उनके बीच संबंध को दर्शाता है। दूसरी ओर, Coordinating conjunctions दो independent clauses या समान महत्व वाले शब्दों को जोड़ते हैं।
Subordinating conjunctions एक dependent clause को independent clause से जोड़ते हैं, जो समय, कारण, शर्त, विरोध आदि को दर्शाते हैं। Coordinating conjunctions समान महत्व वाले शब्दों, वाक्यांशों या independent
Comparison:
Subordinating Conjunction Example
Sentence: “I will go to the party if I finish my work.”
Hindi: “मैं Party में जाऊँगा अगर मैं अपना काम खत्म कर लूँ।”
- If is used to show the condition under which the action will happen
Coordinating Conjunction Example
Sentence: “I wanted to go to the party, but I was too tired.”
Hindi: “मैं Party में जाना चाहता था, लेकिन मैं बहुत थका हुआ था।”
- But joins two independent clauses showing contrast.
Subordinating Conjunction Example
Sentence: “She studied hard because she wanted to pass the exam.”
Hindi: “उसने कड़ी मेहनत की क्योंकि वह Exam pass करना चाहती थी।”
- Because indicates the reason for her studying hard.
Coordinating Conjunction Example
Sentence: “She studied hard and passed the exam.”
Hindi: “उसने कड़ी मेहनत की और Exam pass की।”
- And connects two actions of equal importance.
Subordinating Conjunction Example
Sentence: “He went to bed early although he wasn’t tired.”
Hindi: “वह जल्दी सोने गया हालाँकि वह थका हुआ नहीं था।”
- Although introduces a contrast between the two clauses.
Coordinating Conjunction Example
Sentence: “He went to bed early, so he woke up refreshed.”
Hindi: “वह जल्दी सोने गया, इसलिए वह ताजगी से उठा।”
- So connects cause and effect between two independent clauses.
Practice Questions Related to Subordinating Conjunctions
Fill in the blanks with the correct subordinating conjunction (choose the correct option in brackets):
- I will go for a walk __ it stops raining. (after/before)
- She couldn’t come to the party __ she was feeling unwell. (because/although)
- __ we reach the station, the train will have already left. (Before/Once)
- I will study for the exam __ I get home. (after/before)
- __ you finish your work, you can take a break. (When/Although)
- They decided to leave __ the weather was very cold. (because/although)
- __ he works hard, he will succeed in his career. (If/Although)
- You will fail __ you don’t follow the instructions. (unless/although)
- __ she was exhausted, she continued to work. (Although/If)
- I won’t go to the park __ it is too crowded. (if/unless)
- I stayed up late __ I had an important project to complete. (because/although)
- __ it’s raining, we can still go for a walk. (Although/If)
- He didn’t finish his meal __ he was very hungry. (because/although)
- __ you are busy, can you help me with this task? (Even though/If)
- The movie was interesting __ it was quite long. (although/if)
Answers:
- after
- because
- Once
- after
- When
- because
- If
- unless
- Although
- if
- because
- Although
- although
- Even though
- although
Common Questions About Subordinating Conjunctions
Q1: What is a subordinating conjunction?
Answer: A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, showing the relationship between them. It introduces a subordinate (dependent) clause that provides additional information to the main clause.
Examples of subordinating conjunctions include: because, although, if, when, while, after, before, unless, etc.
Q2: How do subordinating conjunctions function in a sentence?
Answer: Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, creating a relationship of time, cause, contrast, condition, or place. They help form complex sentences.
For example:
- Time: “I will call you after I finish my work.”
- Cause: “She smiled because she was happy.”
- Contrast: “He went to the party although he was tired.”
Q3: Can a subordinating conjunction come at the beginning of a sentence?
Answer: Yes, a subordinating conjunction can appear at the beginning of a sentence. When this happens, the dependent clause comes first, followed by the independent clause.
For example:
- If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the trip.
- Although she was late, she managed to catch the bus.
Q4: What is the role of a subordinating conjunction in a complex sentence?
Answer: In a complex sentence, a subordinating conjunction introduces the dependent clause and connects it to the independent clause. The dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and provides additional details.
For example:
- “I stayed home because it was raining.”
In this case, “because it was raining” is a dependent clause introduced by the subordinating conjunction “because.”
Q5: Can a subordinating conjunction be used in both positive and negative sentences?
Answer: Yes, subordinating conjunctions can be used in both positive and negative sentences.
For example:
- Positive: “I will go to the park if it’s not raining.”
- Negative: “He will not attend the meeting unless he gets an invitation.”
Conclusion
We hope this blog on Subordinating Conjunctions has given you a clear understanding of their role and importance in English. Subordinating conjunctions link dependent clauses to independent clauses, adding depth and context to your sentences. They help express relationships like time, cause, condition, and contrast, making your communication more precise and meaningful.Mastering subordinating conjunctions is a vital step in improving both written and spoken English. It enables you to create complex sentences and convey nuanced ideas effectively. For those aiming to become fluent speakers, joining a Spoken English Course can provide the structured learning and practice needed to refine your skills and boost confidence. Start enhancing your English proficiency today!
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