What is Subordination in English?
Subordination is a grammatical term that refers to the relationship between two or more clauses in a sentence. In English, subordination is expressed through various conjunctions, such as "because," "although," "while," and "if." These conjunctions signal that one clause is dependent on the other, and that the dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Understanding subordination is essential for effective communication in English, as it allows speakers and writers to convey complex ideas and relationships between ideas.
The Types of Subordination in English
There are two main types of subordination in English: adverbial and adjectival. Adverbial subordination occurs when one clause modifies the verb in another clause, while adjectival subordination occurs when one clause modifies a noun or pronoun in another clause.
Adverbial Subordination
Adverbial subordination is expressed through subordinating conjunctions, such as "although," "because," "if," "since," "unless," "until," and "while." These conjunctions introduce dependent clauses that modify the verb in the independent clause. For example:
Although she was tired, she stayed up late to finish her homework.
I will go to the park if it stops raining.
Since I have to work tomorrow, I can't go to the party tonight.
Adjectival Subordination
Adjectival subordination is expressed through relative pronouns, such as "who," "whom," "whose," "that," and "which." These pronouns introduce dependent clauses that modify a noun or pronoun in the independent clause. For example:
The book that I read last night was really good.
The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
The car which I bought last year broke down on the highway.
The Importance of Subordination in English
Subordination is important in English because it allows speakers and writers to convey complex ideas and relationships between ideas. By using subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns, speakers and writers can create sentences that are more precise and nuanced, and that convey a greater amount of information. Additionally, subordination is essential for creating cohesive and coherent paragraphs and essays, as it allows writers to connect ideas and show how they are related to one another.
In conclusion, subordination is a fundamental aspect of English grammar that allows speakers and writers to convey complex ideas and relationships between ideas. By understanding the different types of subordination and how to use subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns, speakers and writers can create sentences that are more precise and nuanced, and that convey a greater amount of information. Additionally, subordination is essential for creating cohesive and coherent paragraphs and essays, and is therefore an essential skill for effective communication in English.