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Subordinating Conjunctions – Quiz 1
Subordinating Conjunctions Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of subordinating conjunctions, particularly in constructing complex sentences and identifying conditional relationships. It covers skills such as recognizing independent and dependent clauses, using subordinating conjunctions to indicate conditions or sequence, and testing proper use of conjunctions like "while" for parallel actions.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
A famous artist used a pencil ..... their writings will be preserved. Fill in the blank.
A) So.
B) After.
C) Cookies.
D) So that.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subordinating conjunction "so that" is used to introduce a result clause, indicating the purpose or intention behind an action. In this sentence, "so that" correctly connects the main clause "A famous artist used a pencil" with the intended result "their writings will be preserved," showing the purpose of using the pencil.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
So - Incorrect; does not indicate purpose or intention.
Option B:
After - Incorrect; indicates sequence, not purpose.
Option C:
Cookies - Incorrect; irrelevant to the sentence structure.
Option D:
So that - Correct; introduces a result clause indicating intention or purpose.
2.
A dependent clause begins with a
A) Adjective.
B) Coordinating conjuncstion.
C) Subordinating conjunction.
D) Simple sentence.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A dependent clause begins with a subordinating conjunction because it introduces information that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and relies on an independent clause to provide context and meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Adjectives describe nouns or pronouns, not introduce clauses.
Option B:
Coordinating conjunctions connect equal parts of a sentence, not introduce dependent clauses.
Option C:
Subordinating conjunctions like "although," "because," and "if" introduce dependent clauses.
Option D:
Simple sentences are complete thoughts on their own, lacking the dependency required for a clause to begin with them.
3.
Although there are many languages around the world, Chines is the first, Spanish is second and English is third. Find the Subordinating Conjunction.
A) Although.
B) Around.
C) Many.
D) Find.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subordinating conjunction in the given sentence is "Although." This word introduces a dependent clause that provides contrast to the main clause, indicating that despite certain conditions (many languages around the world), a particular fact holds true (Chinese is first).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Although" functions as a subordinating conjunction by introducing a dependent clause.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Around" is an adverb and does not introduce a dependent clause.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Many" is an adjective and does not function as a conjunction in this sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Find" is a verb and does not serve as a subordinating conjunction here.
4.
..... he worked hard all year long, he wasn't able to buy his father an expensive gift.
A) Because.
B) Since.
C) Although.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Although is used to show contrast between two clauses, indicating that the second clause may be unexpected given the first. In this sentence, "he worked hard all year long" and "he wasn't able to buy his father an expensive gift" are contrasting ideas.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Because introduces a reason or cause, which does not fit the context of contrast.
Option B:
Since is similar to because and also indicates a reason, not a contrast.
Option C:
Although correctly shows the unexpected contrast between working hard and not being able to buy an expensive gift.
Option D:
None of above is incorrect as option C fits the context well.
5.
Which group of words is the independent clause?
A) I shook my head.
B) Before the cat woke up.
C) When it was springtime.
D) Because I was happy.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The independent clause is a complete sentence that can stand alone and expresses a complete thought. Option A, "I shook my head," is an independent clause because it contains a subject ("I") and a predicate verb phrase ("shook my head"), expressing a complete idea.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Subject + Predicate Verb Phrase - Complete sentence expressing a thought.
Option B:
Subordinating Conjunction + Noun Phrase - Introduces a dependent clause, not an independent clause.
Option C:
Preposition + Noun Phrase - Introduces a dependent clause, not an independent clause.
Option D:
Subordinating Conjunction + Adjective Phrase - Introduces a dependent clause, not an independent clause.
6.
As she looked out the window, a bird swooped down from the tree.The subordinate conjunction in this sentence is:
A) As.
B) From.
C) Out.
D) Down.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subordinate conjunction in the sentence "As she looked out the window, a bird swooped down from the tree" is
as
. This word introduces the dependent clause "she looked out the window," which provides additional information to the main clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "As" functions as a subordinating conjunction, linking the two clauses.
Option B:
Incorrect. "From" is a preposition and not a conjunction in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Out" is part of an adverb phrase and does not function as a conjunction here.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Down" is part of the verb phrase and does not act as a conjunction in this sentence.
7.
I couldn't go ..... it was raining.
A) If.
B) Because.
C) When.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I couldn't go ... it was raining" requires a subordinating conjunction to connect the two clauses properly. The correct answer is
B) Because.
This conjunction introduces a reason for why the action in the first clause could not occur.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"If" is used to introduce conditional clauses, which does not fit here as there's no condition being expressed.
Option B:
"Because" correctly connects the two clauses by indicating a reason for the action in the first clause.
Option C:
"When" is used to indicate time, which doesn't fit as there's no temporal relationship being expressed.
Option D:
"None of above" is incorrect since "Because" fits perfectly.
8.
Which conjunction BEST completes the sentence? Think to yourself, does this sound like the BEST word to make the sentence complete? The class read Night of the Twisters ..... finishing the book called Shiloh.
A) Unless.
B) Still.
C) Until.
D) After.
E) While.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The conjunction "After" is the best choice to complete the sentence because it indicates that one action (finishing Night of the Twisters) happened after another action (reading Shiloh). This shows a sequence where reading Night of the Twisters concluded with finishing Shiloh.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Unless" introduces a condition, which doesn't fit the context of completing an action.
Option B:
"Still" means continuing or remaining in the same state, which is not applicable here.
Option C:
"Until" suggests a duration up to a point, but the sentence implies completion rather than continuation.
Option D:
"After" correctly indicates that one event follows another in sequence.
Option E:
"While" means during or at the same time as, which does not fit the sequential nature of the actions described.
9.
What's the subordinating conjunction:After I did my homework, I went to my friend's house to play.
A) Went.
B) After.
C) Did.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subordinating conjunction in the sentence "After I did my homework, I went to my friend's house to play" is
after
. A subordinating conjunction connects a dependent clause (in this case, "After I did my homework") to an independent clause ("I went to my friend's house to play"). The word "after" introduces the time when the action of doing homework took place.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Went is a verb and does not function as a subordinating conjunction.
Option B:
Correct. After functions to connect clauses, indicating sequence or time.
Option C:
Did is part of the main clause and is not used to introduce a dependent clause.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect since option B is correct.
10.
What are subordinating conjuntions used for?
A) Connects a dependent and independent clauses.
B) A recipe to make apple pie.
C) A system to help write an essay.
D) A word meant to confuse you.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Subordinating conjunctions are used to connect a dependent clause (also known as a subordinate clause) with an independent clause, creating complex sentences that provide more information and detail than simple sentences.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Subordinating conjunctions link dependent clauses to independent clauses, enhancing sentence structure and meaning.
Option B:
Incorrect. Subordinating conjunctions are not recipes for cooking apple pie.
Option C:
Incorrect. While subordinating conjunctions can be useful in writing essays, they do not form a system by themselves.
Option D:
Incorrect. Subordinating conjunctions serve a specific grammatical purpose and are not meant to confuse.
11.
Which subordinating conjunction best completes the sentence? ..... he read the instructions, Mr. Williams began his work
A) If.
B) After.
C) And.
D) So.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subordinating conjunction "After" is the best choice to complete the sentence because it correctly indicates a sequence of events where Mr. Williams began his work following the completion of reading the instructions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"If" introduces a conditional clause, which does not fit the context of a completed action followed by another action.
Option B:
"After" correctly shows that Mr. Williams began his work following the reading of instructions, indicating a sequence of events.
Option C:
"And" is used to connect two independent clauses and does not indicate a sequence or timing relationship between actions.
Option D:
"So" introduces a result clause, which implies that the reading of instructions led to his work beginning but does not specify when he started working after reading them.
12.
The presidential candidates spoke about many topics.They debated about several issues.
A) The presidential candidates spoke about many topics, and they debated about several issues.
B) The presidential candidates spoke about many topics until they debated about several issues.
C) .Although the presidential candidates spoke about many issues, they debated about several issues.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A correctly uses a coordinating conjunction "and" to connect two independent clauses, presenting the candidates' speaking and debating as parallel actions without implying a sequence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses "and" to link two independent clauses.
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses "until," which implies a sequence that is not present in the original statement.
Option C:
Incorrect. Uses "Although," suggesting a contrast, but there's no indication of contradiction between speaking and debating.
Option D:
Incorrect. None of the options are correct based on analysis.
13.
I will study at the library until it closes.
A) Until.
B) I.
C) At.
D) Will.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Until" is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a dependent clause, indicating the time up to which an action will continue. In the sentence "I will study at the library until it closes," "until" correctly connects the main clause with the dependent clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Until" is a subordinating conjunction that sets up the condition for when the studying will cease.
Option B:
Incorrect. "I" is the subject of the sentence and does not introduce a dependent clause.
Option C:
Incorrect. "At" is a preposition, not a subordinating conjunction.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Will" is an auxiliary verb used for future tense formation, not a subordinating conjunction.
14.
Which word in this sentence is a subordinating conjunction? Although he didn't make it, Joey helped us clean the mess.
A) Make.
B) Although.
C) Us.
D) Clean.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "Although" in the sentence is a subordinating conjunction. It introduces a dependent clause ("he didn't make it") that provides additional information but cannot stand alone as a complete thought.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Make - This is a verb and does not function as a subordinating conjunction.
Option B:
Although - Correct. It introduces the dependent clause "he didn't make it."
Option C:
Us - This is a pronoun used as an object, not a subordinating conjunction.
Option D:
Clean - This is a verb and does not function as a subordinating conjunction.
15.
You can't open the document ..... you download the app
A) After that.
B) Unless.
C) After.
D) As soon as.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Unless" is used to introduce a condition that negates the possibility of an action, making it essential for the main clause to be true. In this sentence, "you can't open the document" (main clause) requires the condition "you download the app" (subordinate clause introduced by "unless") to be met.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
After that - Implies a sequence of events but does not negate or conditionally state anything.
Option B:
Unless - Correct, introduces a necessary condition for opening the document.
Option C:
After - Indicates a sequence but does not create a conditional relationship.
Option D:
As soon as - Implies immediacy without creating a conditional statement.
16.
True or False:An independent clause is .....
A) A complete sentence.
B) A complex sentence.
C) A compound sentence.
D) A sentence fragment.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An independent clause is a complete sentence that can stand alone and express a complete thought. It contains both a subject and a predicate.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. An independent clause is indeed a complete sentence.
Option B:
Incorrect. A complex sentence includes at least one dependent clause in addition to an independent clause.
Option C:
Incorrect. A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by conjunctions, but it does not define a single independent clause.
Option D:
Incorrect. A sentence fragment is incomplete and cannot stand alone as a complete thought.
17.
The children cannot eat dessert unless they finish their dinner.
A) Their.
B) Children.
C) Unless.
D) Dessert.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subordinating conjunction "unless" introduces a condition that modifies the main clause, indicating that dessert can only be eaten if the children finish their dinner first.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Their - This is a possessive pronoun and does not relate to the conditional relationship in the sentence.
Option B:
Children - This noun phrase refers to the subject of the main clause but does not indicate any condition or conjunction.
Option C:
Unless - Correct. It is a subordinating conjunction that sets up the conditional relationship in the sentence.
Option D:
Dessert - This noun phrase refers to the object of the main clause but does not indicate any condition or conjunction.
18.
..... our team wins this game, we will go to the championships.
A) If.
B) Before.
C) While.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "If our team wins this game, we will go to the championships." uses a subordinating conjunction correctly. The word "if" introduces a conditional clause that is essential for forming a complex sentence expressing a condition and its result.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses 'if' as a subordinating conjunction to introduce the conditional clause.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Before" is a subordinating conjunction but does not fit grammatically in this sentence structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. "While" is used for simultaneous actions and does not fit here.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
19.
Which word in this sentence is a subordinating conjunction? Because he knew where to go, Johnny ran ahead!
A) He.
B) Johnny.
C) Where.
D) Because.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "Because" in the sentence is a subordinating conjunction. It introduces a dependent clause ("he knew where to go") that provides a reason for the action in the main clause ("Johnny ran ahead").
Option Analysis:
Option A:
He - This is a pronoun, not a conjunction.
Option B:
Johnny - This is a noun, not a conjunction.
Option C:
Where - This is a question word, not a conjunction.
Option D:
Because - Correct. It introduces the dependent clause and shows cause for the action.
20.
..... he bought an expensive gift for his father, he felt tremendous joy.
A) Till.
B) Unless.
C) When.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "When he bought an expensive gift for his father, he felt tremendous joy." uses the subordinating conjunction "when" to introduce a time clause that modifies and provides context for the main clause. This correctly indicates the timing of the event leading to the feeling of joy.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Till is used to indicate continuation until something happens, not suitable here.
Option B:
Unless means 'if not' and introduces a conditional clause, not appropriate for this context.
Option C:
When is correctly used to introduce the time clause in this sentence, making it the right choice.
Option D:
None of above is incorrect since option C is correct.
21.
The tiger limped as it crept through the jungle.
A) Crept.
B) Through.
C) As.
D) It.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subordinating conjunction "as" is used to indicate a simultaneous action or condition in the sentence. It connects two clauses, showing that one event happened while another was occurring. In this case, "as" links "the tiger limped" and "it crept through the jungle," indicating these actions were happening at the same time.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Crept - This is a verb and does not function as a subordinating conjunction.
Option B:
Through - This preposition indicates direction or means, not a subordinating conjunction.
Option C:
As - Correct. It functions as a subordinating conjunction to show simultaneous actions.
Option D:
It - This is a pronoun and does not function as a subordinating conjunction.
22.
Which subordinate conjunction fits best to combine the two sentences:They get back early. They can come with us.
A) Although.
B) If.
C) Before.
D) While.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) If.
The conjunction "if" introduces a condition that connects the two independent clauses, suggesting that coming with you depends on them getting back early. This creates a conditional relationship between the two actions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Although - Introduces contrast, not condition.
Option B:
If - Correct; introduces a condition for coming with you.
Option C:
Before - Indicates sequence of events, not conditional relationship.
Option D:
While - Shows simultaneous actions, not conditions or dependencies.
23.
Which group of words is an independent clause?
A) I shook my head.
B) When it was springtime.
C) Because I was happy.
D) Before the cat woke up.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An independent clause contains a subject and a predicate, expressing a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence. Option A "I shook my head" is an independent clause because it has both a subject ("I") and a predicate ("shook my head"), conveying a complete idea.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Subject: I, Predicate: shook my head - Complete thought.
Option B:
Subordinating conjunction: When - Introduces a dependent clause.
Option C:
Subordinating conjunction: Because - Introduces a dependent clause.
Option D:
Subordinating conjunction: Before - Introduces a dependent clause.
24.
We cannot drive ..... we are eighteen years old.
A) Until.
B) When.
C) Yet.
D) After.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Until" is the correct answer because it indicates a condition that must be met before an action can occur. In this sentence, "we cannot drive" implies a restriction until a certain age is reached (eighteen years old).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Until" shows a time constraint for the ability to drive.
Option B:
"When" suggests an action happening at a specific point in time, not a condition.
Option C:
"Yet" implies something has not happened up to now, which does not fit the context of age restriction.
Option D:
"After" indicates following an event or action, but it doesn't establish the necessary condition for driving.
25.
I went outside when I was ready
A) Went.
B) Outside.
C) When.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subordinating conjunction "when" in the sentence "I went outside when I was ready" introduces a dependent clause that modifies and provides additional information about the timing of the action "went outside." This usage is correct, making option C) When the right answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Went" is part of the main verb phrase but not a subordinating conjunction.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Outside" is an adverb modifying the verb and not a subordinating conjunction.
Option C:
Correct. "When" introduces a dependent clause that provides timing information, which is its function as a subordinating conjunction.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
26.
Choose the most suitable subordinating conjunction to complete the complex sentence ..... he was taught by this unique teacher, Diogo Elegant Revira was not interested in English.
A) For.
B) Since.
C) Before.
D) After.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Before he was taught by this unique teacher, Diogo Elegant Revira was not interested in English" correctly uses the subordinating conjunction "before." This indicates that an event (Diogo's lack of interest) occurred prior to another event (his being taught by his teacher).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
For - Incorrect. "For" is used to indicate purpose or reason, not sequence of events.
Option B:
Since - Incorrect. "Since" indicates a starting point in time and does not fit the sequence of events described.
Option C:
Before - Correct. This conjunction properly shows that Diogo's lack of interest happened before he was taught by his teacher.
Option D:
After - Incorrect. "After" would imply that Diogo became interested in English after being taught, which contradicts the given information.
27.
I helped Mom clean up the kitchen ..... heading out for a movie.
A) Unless.
B) Before.
C) Because.
D) Since.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I helped Mom clean up the kitchen ... heading out for a movie" uses a subordinating conjunction to connect two related clauses. The correct answer is
B) Before.
This conjunction indicates that the action of cleaning the kitchen happened before going out for a movie.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Unless - Introduces a condition, not a sequence of events.
Option B:
Before - Correctly shows the sequence of actions.
Option C:
Because - Indicates a reason or cause, not a time sequence.
Option D:
Since - Introduces a starting point of an action, not a sequence before another event.
28.
What's the subordinating conjunction:I need to go to the vet before we go to Petsmart.
A) The.
B) Before.
C) Go.
D) Need.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subordinating conjunction in the sentence "I need to go to the vet before we go to Petsmart" is
before
. A subordinating conjunction connects a dependent clause (in this case, "before we go to Petsmart") to an independent clause ("I need to go to the vet"). The word "before" serves this function.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
The. This is not a subordinating conjunction.
Option B:
Before. Correct, as it connects the dependent clause to the independent clause.
Option C:
Go. This verb does not function as a subordinating conjunction in this sentence.
Option D:
Need. While "need" is part of an infinitive phrase, it does not act as a subordinating conjunction here.
29.
Before we go to school, we should go to Starbucks.
A) We go.
B) Go to.
C) Before.
D) We should.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subordinating conjunction "Before" correctly connects the two clauses in the sentence, indicating a sequence of events. It shows that going to Starbucks happens before going to school.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
We go. - This is an incomplete clause and does not serve as a subordinating conjunction.
Option B:
Go to. - This phrase lacks the necessary word to function as a subordinating conjunction.
Option C:
Before. - Correct, it introduces a dependent clause showing sequence of events.
Option D:
We should. - This is an adverbial phrase expressing obligation and does not connect clauses like "Before" does.
30.
I cleaned the kitchen. Felicia cleaned the bathroom. Link the two sentences correctly to form a complex sentence with the subordinating conjunction while .
A) While I cleaned the kitchen, Fiona cleaned the bathroom.
B) While, I cleaned the kitchen Fiona cleaned the bathroom.
C) While I cleaned, the kitchen, Fiona cleaned, the bathroom.
D) While I cleaned the kitchen Fiona cleaned the bathroom.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is Option A: "While I cleaned the kitchen, Fiona cleaned the bathroom." This sentence uses the subordinating conjunction "while" to connect two actions happening at different locations but around the same time. The structure of this option correctly places commas before and after the conjunction.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly uses "While" as a subordinating conjunction, properly placing it in the sentence to show that two actions were happening simultaneously.
Option B:
Incorrect placement of commas and conjunction, making the sentence structure awkward and unclear.
Option C:
Poorly structured with unnecessary commas, leading to a confusing sentence.
Option D:
Missing necessary commas around "While," resulting in an incorrect grammatical construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are subordinating conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, indicating the relationship between them. Examples include "although," "because," and "if."
How do subordinating conjunctions differ from coordinating conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions join dependent clauses to independent ones, while coordinating conjunctions connect two equal parts of a sentence. Examples of coordinating conjunctions include "and," "but," and "or."
Can you give an example of a subordinating conjunction used in a conditional clause?
Certainly! The subordinating conjunction "if" is commonly used to form conditional clauses, such as "If it rains, I will stay inside."
What role do subordinating conjunctions play in complex sentences?
Subordinating conjunctions help to create complex sentences by linking clauses, providing a clear relationship between the ideas expressed. This enhances sentence structure and meaning.
Are there different types of subordinating conjunctions?
Yes, subordinating conjunctions can be categorized into various types, such as those indicating conditions ("if," "unless"), sequence ("after," "before"), and contrast ("although," "though").