Troublesome or Confusing Subordinators by Solomon Osuokam Ogbeh

Subordinators, also known as subordinating conjunctions, are words or phrases that link a dependent (subordinate) clause to an independent clause. They are crucial in creating complex sentences, adding depth and detail to writing. However, some subordinators can be confusing and troublesome for students, particularly those in Grades 10-12. This chapter aims to clarify the usage of these subordinators with detailed explanations and examples.

Understanding Subordinators

Subordinators serve to show the relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause. They can indicate time, cause, condition, contrast, and more. The most common troublesome subordinators include: although, even though, because, since, as, while, when, whenever, if, and unless.

Detailed Analysis of Troublesome Subordinators

1. Although / Even Though
• Function: These subordinators are used to introduce a contrast or a concession.
• Example: Although Chinedu studied hard, he did not pass the exam.
• Explanation: The clause "Although Chinedu studied hard" introduces a contrasting idea to the main clause "he did not pass the exam." Despite the effort put into studying, the result was not as expected.
2. Because / Since / As
• Function: These subordinators are used to introduce a reason or cause.
• Example: Because Amina was late, she missed the bus.
• Explanation: The clause "Because Amina was late" provides the reason for the main clause "she missed the bus." "Since" and "as" can often be used interchangeably with "because," though "since" and "as" can sometimes imply a more general cause or a reason known to both the speaker and listener.
3. While / Whereas
• Function: These subordinators are used to show contrast or comparison.
• Example: While Tunde enjoys football, his brother prefers basketball.
• Explanation: The clause "While Tunde enjoys football" contrasts with "his brother prefers basketball." "Whereas" can be used similarly but often suggests a more direct comparison.
4. When / Whenever
• Function: These subordinators are used to indicate time.
• Example: When Ngozi arrives, we will start the meeting.
• Explanation: The clause "When Ngozi arrives" specifies the time for the action in the main clause "we will start the meeting." "Whenever" implies any time something happens, adding a sense of frequency or regularity.
5. If / Unless
• Function: These subordinators are used to introduce conditions.
• Example: If Emeka finishes his homework, he can go out to play.
• Explanation: The clause "If Emeka finishes his homework" sets a condition for the main clause "he can go out to play." "Unless" introduces a negative condition.
• Example: Unless Bisi improves her grades, she will not pass the year.
• Explanation: The clause "Unless Bisi improves her grades" sets a negative condition for the main clause "she will not pass the year."

Common Mistakes and Confusions

1. Using "Although" and "Because" Incorrectly
• Incorrect: Although it was raining, because we went out.
• Correct: Although it was raining, we went out.
2. Interchanging "Since" and "As" with "Because" Incorrectly
• Incorrect: As it is raining, bring an umbrella. (Ambiguous, as "as" can also mean "while")
• Correct: Because it is raining, bring an umbrella.
3. Confusion Between "While" and "Whereas"
• Incorrect: While Tunde is tall, whereas his brother is short.
• Correct: Whereas Tunde is tall, his brother is short.
4. Misplacing "When" and "Whenever"
• Incorrect: When you call, I will be there. (Ambiguous, as it can mean a single instance)
• Correct: Whenever you call, I will be there.
5. Using "If" and "Unless" Improperly
• Incorrect: Unless you study, if you will fail.
• Correct: Unless you study, you will fail.

Exercises

1. Complete the sentences with the correct subordinator:
• ________ it was cold, Musa decided to wear a jacket.
• Adanna will succeed ________ she works hard.
2. Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences:
• Since it was late, while we decided to go home.
• If you don't hurry, because you will miss the bus.
3. Write sentences using the following subordinators: although, since, while, if, unless.

By understanding and practising these subordinators, students can enhance their writing and communication skills, creating more coherent and sophisticated sentences.