180 English Grammar Demystifi ed
the relationship between the dependent and independent clauses. Common subordi-
nating conjunctions are:
after although as as if
because before how in that
in so far as if once since
so that than that though
until when whenever why
where whether while
For example:
When we have time, we read and enjoy fi ction.Which part of the sentence can stand on its own? The answer, of course, is the part
that follows the comma:
We read and enjoy fi ction.The fi rst part of the sentence is a fragment. When we have time leaves you with the
question, “Then what?”
The complex sentence gives you a powerful tool, that is, the ability to subordi-
nate a less important idea to the more important one, the dependent clause to the
independent clause. Another power it gives is variety in the length of your
sentences.
How can you subordinate one idea to another with the following sentences?
Tom works in Phoenix. Elliot still works in Los Angeles.Examples:
Dependent Clause Independent Clause↓ ↓(Although Tom works in Phoenix), (Elliot still works in Los Angeles).Elliot still works in Los Angeles although Tom works in Phoenix.NOTE: Notice that when the dependent clause follows the independent clause, no
comma is needed.