Grammar Notes on Subordinating Conjunctions, Parallel Structure, and Relative Pronouns
SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS
Subordinating conjunctions join dependent clauses to independent clauses.
Examples:
Although: Although it was raining, they decided to go for a walk in the park.
Because: She stayed at home because she wasn't feeling well.
Since: Since the weather was nice, they decided to have a picnic.
If: If you finish your homework, you can go out and play.
When: I will call you when I reach the airport.
While: She studied for her exams while listening to music.
Before: Before you go to bed, make sure to turn off the lights.
After: After the rain stopped, they went outside to play.
Unless: You won't pass the exam unless you study harder.
Though: Though he was tired, he continued working on his project.
PARALLEL STRUCTURE
Not Parallel: The dictionary can be used to find these: word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs.
Parallel: The dictionary can be used to find these: word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and irregular verbs.
RELATIVE PRONOUNS
Relative pronouns introduce relative clauses, which provide additional information about a noun in a sentence.
Common relative pronouns:
Who: Used for people.
- Example: The woman who is standing over there is my neighbor.
Whom: Used for people, often in a more formal context.
- Example: The teacher whom you met earlier is very knowledgeable.
Whose: Shows possession and is used for both people and things.
- Example: This is the student whose project impressed everyone.
Which: Used for things or animals.
- Example: The book which I borrowed from the library is fascinating.
That: Used for both people and things, often in restrictive clauses.
- Example: The car that I bought last week is already in the shop.
Where: Used to refer to a place (must modify nouns).
- Example: This is the town where I grew up.