Subordinating Conjunctions in APA Format: Examples for ESL Researchers

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🔗 Definition: Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent (subordinate) clause to an independent clause.
• ✍️ Purpose: They establish the relationship between the two clauses, indicating time, cause, condition, contrast, etc.
• ⏰ Common Examples: *after, although, as, because, before, if, since, so that, than, though, unless, until, when, where, while*.
• 🖋️ APA Style Note: Ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. Proper use enhances the flow and readability of your research paper.
• 📌 Clause Order: When the subordinate clause comes first, use a comma. When the independent clause comes first, a comma is usually not needed.

🧪 Practice Quiz

1. Question 1: Which of the following sentences correctly uses a subordinating conjunction in APA style?
   1. A. Because, the study was well-designed, the results are reliable.
   2. B. The results are reliable because the study was well-designed.
   3. C. The results are reliable, because the study was well-designed.
   4. D. The study was well-designed, because the results are reliable.
2. Question 2: Choose the sentence that uses a subordinating conjunction to indicate a condition.
   1. A. The experiment failed, so we adjusted the parameters.
   2. B. If the hypothesis is correct, the results will be significant.
   3. C. The data was analyzed after the experiment concluded.
   4. D. Although the sample size was small, the results were promising.
3. Question 3: Which sentence uses a subordinating conjunction to show contrast?
   1. A. Because the weather was bad, the outdoor study was canceled.
   2. B. While some participants found the task easy, others struggled.
   3. C. The participants were compensated since they volunteered their time.
   4. D. If the equipment malfunctions, we will use a backup system.
4. Question 4: Identify the sentence that correctly places a comma when the subordinate clause comes first.
   1. A. After the data was collected the analysis began.
   2. B. The analysis began after the data was collected.
   3. C. After the data was collected, the analysis began.
   4. D. The analysis, began after the data was collected.
5. Question 5: Which of these sentences uses 'unless' correctly?
   1. A. Unless, the participants arrive on time, the study will start late.
   2. B. The study will start late unless the participants arrive on time.
   3. C. The study will start late, unless the participants arrive on time.
   4. D. Unless the participants, arrive on time the study will start late.
6. Question 6: Select the sentence where 'so that' indicates purpose.
   1. A. The researchers adjusted the settings, so that the data would be more accurate.
   2. B. The researchers adjusted the settings so that, the data would be more accurate.
   3. C. The researchers adjusted the settings so that the data, would be more accurate.
   4. D. So that the researchers adjusted the settings, the data would be more accurate.
7. Question 7: Which of the following sentences correctly uses 'though' as a subordinating conjunction?
   1. A. Though, the sample size was small, the results were significant.
   2. B. The results were significant, though the sample size was small.
   3. C. Though the sample size was small the results were significant.
   4. D. Though the sample size was small, the results were significant.