Subordination in Complex Sentences Briana Tiseo Dervens Celestin Selah Romero
What is Subordination? Subordination is the use of a subordinating conjunction- a conjunction that introduces a dependent clause, joining it to a main clause. Subordination ultimately makes the meaning of one clause dependent on another clause. Purpose: To tell us how ideas proposed in two clauses are related. Helps writers form long sentences that are logical and clear.
Relation to Complex Sentences A complex sentence is a sentence formed by an independent clause and a dependent clause that begins with subordinating conjunction. Subordination helps show the logical relationships in a lengthy sentence so that the main points remain clear to the reader. For example By using becuase you tell the reader that one thing causes another. By using when, you indicate that two things are related chronologically.
Noting the relationship between the dependent and independent clause When a nimble Burman tripped me up on the football field and the referee (another Burman) looked the other way, the crowd yelled with hideous laughter. -George Orwell In this example, the subordinate clause is used to establish the chronology of the events that lead to the main action of the sentence. Video
Subordinating Conjunctions can be Classified by the Relationships they Indicate (Subordinating Conjunctions Highlighted) Contrast or Concession: although, even though, though, while, whereas Although the book was not entirely free of the stereotypes of contemporary british colonial writing, it was in some ways remarkably advanced for its time. --- Chinua Achebe Cause and Effect or reason: because, since, so that Because neither island was well suited to agriculture, the company in 1733 purchased St. Croix --- a larger, flatter, and more fertile island, 40 miles south --- from France. --- National Park Service, Christiansted: Official Map and Guide Condition: if, once, unless I can think of no one objection that could possibly be raised by this proposal unless it should be urged that the number of people will be thereby much lessened in the kingdom. ---Jonathan Swift Time: when, whenever, after, before, as, once, since, while I had committed myself to doing it (killing the elephant) when I sent for the rifle. ---George Orwell
Punctuation Correct punctuation when using subordination tends to make longer sentences more clear, so the rule to remember is *use a comma to set off a subordinate clause that opens a sentence.* (for example) Although the book was not entirely free of the stereotypes of contempo colonial writing, it was in some ways remarkably advanced for its time. - Chinua Achebe In this example the opening clause is set off with a comma.
Rhetorical and Stylistic Strategy The most common strategy to use subordination is to blend or combine short sentences into more graceful longer sentences. (for example) It was still August. The air already had the smell of October, football season, piles of yellow-red leaves, everything crisp and clean. Though it was still August, the air already had the smell of October, football season, piles of yellow-red leaves, everything crisp and clean. - Tim O Brien The conjugation though shows a contrast between the summer months and the smell of the air.
Practice Questions We looked on top of the refrigerator, where Jenny would often hide a bag of cookies. Subordinate Conjunction: where Jenny would often hide a bag of cookies. A mouse ate the cheese while our lazy cat slept. Subordinate Conjunction: while our lazy cat slept. When the doorbell rang, Nicky slammed shut her textbook and sprinted to pay for her pizza. Subordinate Conjunction: When the doorbell rang Ronnie begins to sneeze violently whenever he opens the door to greet a fresh spring day. Subordinate Conjunction: whenever he opens the door to greet a fresh spring day. Because she was so busy, she skipped lunch. Subordinate Conjunction: Because she was so busy
Practice Questions (cont.) The rest of the family was relieved, once Andrew smashed the spider. Subordinate Conjunction: once Andrew smashed the spider. Even though the broccoli was covered in cheddar cheese, Emily refused to eat it. Subordinate Conjunction: Even though the broccoli was covered in cheddar cheese Christine will have to suffer Mr. Smith s wrath tomorrow, unless she finishes her homework. Subordinate Conjunction: unless she finishes her homework While Bailey slept on the sofa in front of the television, Samson, the family dog, gnawed on the leg of the coffee table. Subordinate Conjunction: While Bailey slept on the sofa in front of the television Even though she studied until 2 am, she did not receive an A. Subordinate Conjunction: Even though she studied until 2 am