SUBORDINATING meaning and definition

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What Does Subordinating Mean? Unlocking the Power of Sentence Structure

In language, subordinating is a fundamental concept that governs how we construct sentences. It's essential to understand this concept to effectively communicate ideas and convey meaning. In this article, we'll delve into what subordinating means and explore its significance in sentence structure.

What is Subordinating?

Subordinating refers to the process of linking two clauses together using a subordinating conjunction. A subordinating conjunction is a word that introduces a dependent clause (also known as a subordinate clause) and connects it to an independent clause (also known as a main clause). The resulting sentence structure is called a complex sentence.

Independent Clauses

An independent clause, also known as a main clause, expresses a complete thought. It has a subject and a predicate, and can stand alone as a separate sentence. For example:

"I went to the store."
"She is studying for her exam."

Dependent Clauses

A dependent clause, on the other hand, is an incomplete thought that relies on an independent clause to complete its meaning. It also has a subject and predicate, but it cannot stand alone as a separate sentence. Dependent clauses typically begin with a subordinating conjunction.

"When I went to the store." (dependent clause)
"Because she is studying for her exam." (dependent clause)

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are words that introduce dependent clauses and connect them to independent clauses. Examples of common subordinating conjunctions include:

because
since
although
if
unless
until
while

How Subordinating Works

To create a complex sentence using subordinating, you combine an independent clause with a dependent clause linked by a subordinating conjunction. The resulting sentence structure looks like this:

Independent Clause + Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause

For example:

"I went to the store because I needed some milk." (complex sentence)
- Independent Clause: "I went to the store"
- Subordinating Conjunction: "because"
- Dependent Clause: "I needed some milk"

Why is Subordinating Important?

Mastering subordinating is crucial for effective communication in writing and speaking. By using dependent clauses, you can:

Add variety to your sentence structure
Express nuanced ideas and subtleties
Create complex relationships between ideas
Show causal connections or contrasts

In conclusion, subordinating is a powerful tool that enables us to build complex sentences by linking independent and dependent clauses. Understanding this concept helps you to craft clear, effective, and engaging writing and speaking.

Practice Your Subordinating Skills

Try creating your own complex sentences using subordinating conjunctions. Start with simple examples like:

"I will attend the concert if I can get tickets."
"She is a good student because she studies hard."

Challenge yourself to create more complex sentences by combining multiple dependent clauses or using different subordinating conjunctions.

Conclusion

Subordinating is an essential concept in language that enables us to express complex ideas and relationships. By mastering the use of subordinating conjunctions, you can elevate your writing and speaking skills, making them more engaging, effective, and memorable. So, go ahead and start practicing – your sentences will thank you!

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