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.
A worked example
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.
Watch out
You tap the first word of the main clause instead of the conjunction.
Find the part that cannot stand alone. The word at its start is the conjunction.
Tips
- The extra clause can come first or last: Because it rained, we stayed in. We stayed in because it rained.
Why it works
A subordinating conjunction joins an extra clause to a main clause. The extra clause cannot stand alone, and the conjunction is the word that starts it.