Joining words: because, when, if, although
You learn to find the conjunction that starts an extra clause: because, when, if, although.
How to do the test
- Find the part that cannot stand on its own.
- The word that starts it is the conjunction.
- It joins the extra clause to the main clause.
Tap the conjunction. We stayed indoors because it rained.
- A subordinating conjunction starts a clause that needs a main clause.
- Because joins the extra clause to the main clause.
- It shows a reason.
- Because is the conjunction.
More examples
Tap the conjunction. Although it was cold, we swam.
- A subordinating conjunction starts a clause that needs a main clause.
- Although joins the extra clause to the main clause.
- It shows a contrast.
- Although is the conjunction.
Tap the conjunction. We waited until the bell rang.
- A subordinating conjunction starts a clause that needs a main clause.
- Until joins the extra clause to the main clause.
- It shows a time.
- Until is the conjunction.