Frequently Asked Questions about Subordinators

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 146 views

Understanding Subordinators and Sentence Structure

What are Subordinators?

Subordinators are words that introduce a subordinate clause, which is a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. They help to connect the subordinate clause to the main clause, indicating the relationship between the two. Subordinators can be used to express a wide range of relationships, including time, cause, condition, and more.

Identifying Subordinators in the Given Sentence

Let's take a closer look at the given sentence: "The chemical which is addictive is not probably nicotine." To identify the subordinator, we need to find the word that introduces the subordinate clause.

The subordinate clause is "which is addictive."
The word that introduces this clause is "which."

The Subordinator "Which"

The word "which" is a subordinator that introduces a non-essential clause, also known as a relative clause. This clause provides additional information about the chemical, but it is not essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Rewriting the Sentence as a Negative Sentence

Now, let's rewrite the sentence as a negative sentence: "The chemical which is not addictive is probably nicotine."

Key Changes

The word "is addictive" has been changed to "is not addictive" to make the sentence negative.
The word "is not probably" has been changed to "is probably" to make the sentence negative.

Understanding the Relationship between the Main Clause and the Subordinate Clause

In the original sentence, the subordinate clause "which is addictive" provides additional information about the chemical. The main clause "is not probably nicotine" states that the chemical is not probably nicotine.

In the rewritten sentence, the subordinate clause "which is not addictive" provides additional information about the chemical. The main clause "is probably nicotine" states that the chemical is probably nicotine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the subordinator in the given sentence is "which." This word introduces a non-essential clause that provides additional information about the chemical. By rewriting the sentence as a negative sentence, we can see how the relationship between the main clause and the subordinate clause changes.

Common Subordinators

Here are some common subordinators in English:

Because
Since
After
Although
Though
Unless
Until
While
If
Whether
That
Which
Who
Whom

Using Subordinators Effectively

To use subordinators effectively, you need to understand the relationships they express and how they connect the main clause and the subordinate clause. Here are some tips:

Use subordinators to express relationships such as time, cause, condition, and more.
Use subordinators to introduce non-essential clauses that provide additional information.
Use subordinators to connect the main clause and the subordinate clause.
Use subordinators to create complex sentences that express nuanced relationships.

Examples of Subordinators in Use

Here are some examples of subordinators in use:

I went to the store because I needed milk. (The subordinator "because" expresses the reason for the action.)
I studied for the exam until I felt confident. (The subordinator "until" expresses the time relationship.)
I won't go to the party unless you come with me. (The subordinator "unless" expresses the condition.)
I'll meet you at the park while I'm on my way home. (The subordinator "while" expresses the time relationship.)

Conclusion

In conclusion, subordinators are an essential part of English grammar that help to express relationships between clauses. By understanding the relationships they express and how they connect the main clause and the subordinate clause, you can use subordinators effectively to create complex sentences that convey nuanced meanings.
Frequently Asked Questions about Subordinators

Q: What is the difference between a subordinator and a conjunction?

A: A subordinator is a word that introduces a subordinate clause, while a conjunction is a word that connects two clauses of equal importance. For example, "because" is a subordinator, while "and" is a conjunction.

Q: Can a subordinator be used as a conjunction?

A: Yes, some subordinators can be used as conjunctions in certain contexts. For example, "because" can be used as a conjunction in a sentence like "I went to the store and because I needed milk." However, in this case, "because" is still functioning as a subordinator, introducing a subordinate clause.

Q: How do I know when to use a subordinator and when to use a conjunction?

A: To determine whether to use a subordinator or a conjunction, ask yourself whether the clause you are introducing is essential to the meaning of the sentence or not. If it is essential, use a subordinator. If it is not essential, use a conjunction.

Q: Can a subordinator be used in a sentence without a main clause?

A: No, a subordinator cannot be used in a sentence without a main clause. A subordinator is used to introduce a subordinate clause, which must be connected to a main clause.

Q: What is the difference between a subordinator and a relative pronoun?

A: A subordinator is a word that introduces a subordinate clause, while a relative pronoun is a word that introduces a relative clause. For example, "which" is a subordinator, while "who" is a relative pronoun.

Q: Can a subordinator be used in a sentence with a relative clause?

A: Yes, a subordinator can be used in a sentence with a relative clause. For example, "The book, which is on the table, is mine." In this sentence, "which" is a subordinator introducing a subordinate clause, and "who" is a relative pronoun introducing a relative clause.

Q: How do I use subordinators to express time relationships?

A: To express time relationships using subordinators, use words like "after," "before," "since," "until," and "while." For example, "I'll meet you at the park after I finish work." In this sentence, "after" is a subordinator expressing a time relationship.

Q: How do I use subordinators to express cause and effect relationships?

A: To express cause and effect relationships using subordinators, use words like "because," "since," and "as." For example, "I'm tired because I didn't get enough sleep." In this sentence, "because" is a subordinator expressing a cause and effect relationship.

Q: Can subordinators be used in formal writing?

A: Yes, subordinators can be used in formal writing. In fact, subordinators are an essential part of formal writing, as they help to express complex relationships between clauses.

Q: Can subordinators be used in informal writing?

A: Yes, subordinators can be used in informal writing. However, in informal writing, it's often more common to use conjunctions instead of subordinators.

Conclusion

In conclusion, subordinators are an essential part of English grammar that help to express relationships between clauses. By understanding the different types of subordinators and how to use them effectively, you can improve your writing and communication skills.