Subordination

The English language is a complex system of rules and structures that dictate how we communicate with one another. One of the most important aspects of constructing a grammatically correct sentence is understanding the role of subordination.

Subordination is the act of making one element of a sentence less important than another. This is done by connecting two or more clauses using subordinating conjunctions such as “because,” “if,” and “although.” The subordinate clause is the least important part of the sentence and relies on the main clause to make sense.

Subordination is an essential tool for writers and speakers who want to convey complex ideas and relationships between different elements of a sentence. By using subordination, it is possible to create compound and complex sentences that provide additional information and context.

One common use of subordination is to connect two ideas that are related, but one is more important than the other. For example, consider the following sentence:

“Although I am not a morning person, I always wake up early for work.”

In this sentence, the subordinate clause “although I am not a morning person” provides context for the main clause “I always wake up early for work.” By using subordination, the writer is able to convey a more nuanced message about their behavior and personality.

Another common use of subordination is to establish cause and effect relationships between different elements of a sentence. For example, consider the following sentence:

“Because it was raining, I stayed home all day.”

In this sentence, the subordinate clause “because it was raining” establishes a causal relationship between the main clause “I stayed home all day.” The writer is able to convey the reason why they did not leave their house.

Subordination is also used to express contrasting ideas. For example, consider the following sentence:

“Although he was tired, he continued to work on his project.”

In this sentence, the subordinate clause “although he was tired” conveys a contrasting idea to the main clause “he continued to work on his project.” By using subordination, the writer is able to emphasize the effort and dedication of the subject.

It is important to note that subordination can also be overused, leading to long and confusing sentences that may obscure the intended meaning. To avoid this, it is recommended to vary the length and complexity of sentences and to use subordination sparingly.

In conclusion, subordination is a crucial aspect of sentence construction in the English language. By using subordinating conjunctions and connecting clauses, writers and speakers can convey complex relationships between different elements of a sentence. Subordination is essential for conveying nuanced meaning and establishing cause and effect relationships, but it should be used sparingly to avoid confusion and complexity. With a solid understanding of subordination, writers and speakers can effectively communicate their thoughts and ideas in a clear and concise manner.