The definition of subordinator
Subordinator is a kind of connector that join a dependent clause to an independent clause. Examples of subordinators are before, when, if, because and although . They are used before the dependent clause. They can be used in two positions:
1) The subordinator and dependent clause can come before the independent clause with a comma.
When the bell rang, the students ran to the sky-train station .
2) The subordinator and dependent clause can come after the independent clause with no comma.
The students ran to the sky-train station when the bell rang.
So, we have these rules:
- [ Subordinator ] + Subject + Verb , Subject + Verb. (comma)
- Subject + Verb [ Subordinator ] + Subject Verb. (no comma)
You can delete some subordinators and still have a complex sentence such as :
The man (whom) you saw robbed a bank. The comma (that) I added was not necessary.
The reasons why we use subordinator are :
• Use subordinators to make papers less wordy . Don't use two sentences when one will do!
Example:
This is a good novel. The reason why I say it is a good novel is because it is funny and well-written.
Revision : This is a good novel because it is funny and well-written.
• Use subordinator to clarify ideas . Joining words can create subtle differences of meaning. This is especially important with subordination.
Examples:
In a world where everyone carried a handgun, homicides would probably increase. It is true that unarmed people are at the mercy of criminals. But we all want a lower crime rate.
REVISION: Although it is true that unarmed people are at the mercy of criminals, in a world where everyone carried a handgun, homicides would probably increase. We all want a lower crime rate.
Unarmed people are at the mercy of criminals. It is true that in a world where everyone carried a handgun, homicides would probably increase. But people need to defend themselves.
REVISION: Although homicides would probably increase in a world where everyone carried a handgun, unarmed people are at the mercy of criminals. People need to defend themselves.
Kind of subordinators
Time: when, while, since, before, after, until, once.
Place: where, wherever.
Cause: because, since, as, now that, inasmuch as.
Condition: if, unless, on condition that.
Contrast/Concession: although, even though, despite, in spite of.
Adversative: while, where, whereas
Other: that, which, who, whoever, whom, what, why, how....
The Usage of Subordinators
- To Show a Difference
The subordinators are: while, whereas, and though.
Example:
While most students hate lab assignments, Anita enjoys them.
- To Show the Opposite of What You Might Expect
The subordinators are: although, even though, though.
Example:
Even though Clara Nett works hard, she still isn't getting good grades
- To Show a Similarity
The subordinators are: just as, as.
Example:
Peter loves political science just as Rhonda loves English Literature.
- To Show a Cause or Reason
The subordinators are: because, since, as long as
Example:
She decided to take Psychology because she was curious about human behaviour.
- To Show a Result or Effect
The subordinators are: so + adjective + that , so + adjective + that.
Examples:
She was so tired that she went to bed at 8 o'clock.
He was such a good instructor that she told all her friends about him.
- To Show a Time Relationship
The subordinators are: before, after, when, whenever, while, as soon as, until, the moment that, and since.
Examples:
She was listening to the test instructions when her cell phone rang.
She has studied the piano since she was a child.
- To Show a Condition
The subordinators are: if, even if, unless, when, whenever.
Examples:
We'll have our final class party at Queen's Park unless it rains.
If it rains, we'll meet at my place, which is close to the college.
