Common Conjunction Errors: Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses, which cannot stand alone as complete sentences. Here are some common mistakes:

Using the Wrong Subordinating Conjunction

• Incorrect: Because I was hungry, I ate a sandwich.
• Correct: Because I was hungry, I ate a sandwich. (Using “because” to indicate a cause and effect relationship)

Placing the Subordinating Clause in the Wrong Position

• Incorrect: When I went to the store, I bought milk.
• Correct: When I went to the store, I bought milk. (Placing the adverbial clause at the beginning of the sentence for emphasis)

Using Run-on Sentences

• Incorrect: I went to the store, I bought milk.
• Correct: I went to the store because I needed milk. (Using a coordinating conjunction to connect the two independent clauses)

Practice Exercises:

1. (Because/When) I was hungry, I ate a sandwich.
2. (While/After) I was watching TV, the phone rang.
3. (If/Unless) you study hard, you won’t pass the exam.
4. (Although/Because) it was raining, we went for a walk.
5. (As soon as/While) I finished my homework, I watched TV.

Answers:

1. Because
2. While
3. If
4. Although
5. As soon as

Subordinating Conjunction Practice

Identify the correct subordinating conjunction in each sentence.

1. (Because/When) I was hungry, I ate a sandwich.
2. (While/After) I was watching TV, the phone rang.
3. (If/Unless) you study hard, you won’t pass the exam.
4. (Although/Because) it was raining, we went for a walk.
5. (As soon as/While) I finished my homework, I watched TV.
6. (Before/After) I went to bed, I brushed my teeth.
7. (If/Unless) you have a ticket, you can’t enter the concert.
8. (Although/Because) it was cold, I didn’t wear a coat.
9. (While/As soon as) I was walking, I saw a dog.
10. (If/Unless) you study hard, you won’t pass the exam.

Answers:

1. Because
2. While
3. If
4. Although
5. As soon as
6. Before
7. Unless
8. Although
9. While
10. Unless