When to Use Subordination: Creating Complex and Nuanced Sentences

📚 What is Subordination?

Subordination is a grammatical process that combines two related clauses into one sentence, making one clause dependent on the other. The dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a sentence. It relies on the main clause (or independent clause) to give it complete meaning. Using subordination effectively adds complexity and nuance to your writing.

📜 A Brief History

The concept of subordination has been present since the development of complex sentence structures in early languages. Classical rhetoricians like Aristotle and Cicero recognized the power of combining clauses to create more sophisticated arguments. Over time, grammarians have refined the rules and understanding of how to use subordination to improve clarity and impact.

🔑 Key Principles of Subordination

• 🔍 Identifying Dependent and Independent Clauses: Understand the difference between clauses that can stand alone (independent) and those that cannot (dependent).
• 🔗 Using Subordinating Conjunctions: Subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, although, if, since, while) connect dependent clauses to independent clauses.
• 📍 Placement of Clauses: Dependent clauses can come before or after the independent clause. When a dependent clause comes first, use a comma.
• ⚖️ Choosing the Right Conjunction: Select the conjunction that accurately reflects the relationship between the two clauses (e.g., cause and effect, contrast, condition).
• ✍️ Avoiding Misplaced Modifiers: Ensure the dependent clause clearly modifies the intended element of the independent clause.

💡 When to Use Subordination

• 🌟 To Show Cause and Effect: Use subordination to clearly link a cause and its effect. Example: Because it was raining, I took my umbrella.
• 🔄 To Indicate Contrast: Subordination can highlight differences or contradictions between ideas. Example: Although he was tired, he continued to work.
• ⏳ To Express Time Relationships: Show the sequence or duration of events using subordinating conjunctions. Example: After I finished my homework, I watched a movie.
• ✅ To State Conditions: Use subordination to express conditions or hypothetical situations. Example: If it snows tomorrow, school will be canceled.
• ➕ To Add Detail and Nuance: Subordination allows you to add extra information and details without creating choppy sentences. Example: The cat slept soundly, since it was a warm afternoon.

✍️ Real-World Examples

Let's look at some examples to illustrate the power of subordination:

🧪 Practice Quiz

Combine the following sentences using subordination:

1. She missed the bus. She was late for school.
2. The dog barked loudly. The mail carrier approached the house.
3. He wanted to go to the party. He had too much work to do.
4. I finished reading the book. I returned it to the library.
5. The cake looked delicious. I didn't eat it.
6. It started to rain. We went inside.
7. She practiced the piano every day. She became a skilled musician.

Possible Answers:

1. Because she missed the bus, she was late for school.
2. The dog barked loudly as the mail carrier approached the house.
3. Although he wanted to go to the party, he had too much work to do.
4. After I finished reading the book, I returned it to the library.
5. Although the cake looked delicious, I didn't eat it.
6. When it started to rain, we went inside.
7. Because she practiced the piano every day, she became a skilled musician.

🔑 Conclusion

Mastering subordination is a powerful way to improve your writing. By understanding when and how to use dependent clauses, you can create more complex, nuanced, and engaging sentences. Keep practicing, and you'll see a significant improvement in the clarity and sophistication of your writing!