All things considered, Subordinate Conjunctions link two unequal but grammatically correct elements. This happens when a main (Independent Clause) is combined with a subordinate (Dependent Clause). This combination creates a complex sentence.
For example, Henry Olusegun Adeola Samuel, the singer of the band Seal, wrote:
“We’re never going to survive unless we get a little crazy”
In the lyrics, he uses the conjunction “unless” to link the main clause “we’re never gonna survive” with “we get a little crazy.” There are numerous words that can be used as Subordinate Conjunctions, for instance, “while, ” meaning at the same time, is often used to link unrelated ideas. George Harrison, the guitarist of the Beatles, wrote:
“I look at the world, and I notice it’s turning while my guitar gently weeps”
Effectively using the conjunction “while” and the imagery of a weeping guitar.
A bit of Grammar
A Subordinate Clause does not complete thought on its own. And so, it can’t act as a sentence by itself. For example, you would never hear a native English speaker saying “while my guitar gently weeps.” There must be the main clause. While using Subordinate Conjunctions, it’s essential to ask yourself, is there a main clause?
Examples of Subordinate Conjunctions
- He was late after the train had a malfunction.
- Since Tommy broke one of the vials, he is not allowed inside the laboratory.
- I was awake until two in the morning to finish my project.
Let’s practice
Q1: Try making your own sentence.
Q2: What is your favorite past-time after having a long week or day?
Q3: Which activities do you like before going to bed?
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