More Linking Words

A subordinating conjunction, sometimes called a dependent word or subordinator, always introduces a dependent clause. This establishes the relationship between the dependent clause and the rest of the sentence.The sentence with a subordinating conjunction could be expressed in the following two ways:

1. Subordinate Conjunction + Dependent Clause + comma + Independent Clause

    After she had learned to drive, Alice felt happier.

2. Independent Clause + Subordinate Conjunction + Dependent Clause
    Alice felt happier after she had learned to drive.

Opposition Subordinating Conjunctions: Although, Despite, Even Though

Although (aunque ) is used before a subject + verb Although it rained a lot, we enjoyed our holiday I didn’t get the job although I had all the necessary qualifications

Despite (a pesar de ) is used before a noun or pronoun (this, that, what) Despite the rain, we enjoyed our holiday I didn’t get the job despite the fact (that) I had all the necessary qualifications

Even though( aunque ) is a stronger form of although It is also used before a subject + verb Even though I was really tired, I couldn’t sleep

Time Subordinating Conjunctions: For, During, While, Since

We use for  + a period of time to say how long something continues We are going on holiday for three weeks Maria watched television for four hours last night

We use during + noun to say when something happens I fell asleep during the film Titanic We met a lot of customers(X) during the conference

We use while + subject + verb to say when something happens I fell asleep while I was watching the football match We met a lot of customers while we were walking around the conference hall

Apart from using since (desde ) as a preposition, it can be used as a time conjunction  I’ve known him since I was at university You’re better since your operation

Cause and Effect Subordinating Conjunctions: Because, Because of, Due to

We use because before a subject + verb to explain the cause of something We were late because it rained I’m happy because I met you

Because of (por) or due to( a causa de ) also explain the cause of something and have the same meaning. They are both used before a noun or pronoun We were late due to the rain I’m happy because of you

Conditional Subordinating Conjunctions: Unless, Whether… Or, In Case, If

Unless(a no ser  que ) has a similar meaning to if not, in the sense of except if I’ll come tomorrow unless you phone (or I’ll come tomorrow if you don’t phone)

Whether… or (tanto si... como...) is used as a double conjunction, with a similar meaning to It doesn’t matter whether… or Whether we go by car or train, it’ll take at least(por lo menos) five hours The price for the room is the same, whether we leave on Tuesday or Wednesday

In British English, we use in case and if in different ways Let’s buy a bottle of wine in case Sharon comes. (In other words, we should buy some wine now because it is possible that Sharon will come later) Let’s buy a bottle of wine if Sharon comes (In other words, we won’t buy any now. If Sharon comes, we will buy some wine. If Sharon doesn’t come, we don’t buy any wine.)

Can You Pass The Conjunction Test ?

Choose the correct coordinating conjunction from the two options for the five sentences below.

1. She passed the exam, ________ she didn’t do any revision. (although, despite)
2. Charles went shopping, ________ Henry did the housework (during, while)
3. Anthony’s sister has been working in Dublin _______the last six years. (for, since)
4. They go to Spain ______ the nightlife. (because, because of)
5. He’ll go to work at the weekend ______ his boss phones him. (unless, in case)

Answers in the comments.