English Language Arts
Grade 5
15 min
Identify subordinating conjunctions
Identify subordinating conjunctions
What you'll learn
- Identify at least 8 out of 10 adjectives in sentences and correctly classify them as describing 'what kind' or 'how many'.
- Explain, using at least two examples, the difference between an adjective that describes 'what kind' and one that describes 'how many'.
- Apply their understanding of adjectives by writing 5 original sentences, using at least one adjective describing 'what kind' and one describing 'how many' in each sentence.
- Solve 4 out of 5 multiple-choice questions correctly relating to the function of adjectives (describing 'what kind' or 'how many')
Tutorial Preview
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define a subordinating conjunction and its purpose.
Identify the subordinating conjunction in a complex sentence.
Distinguish between an independent clause and a dependent clause.
Explain how a subordinating conjunction makes a clause dependent.
By the end of of this lesson, students will be able to recognize common subordinating conjunctions using memory aids like 'AAAWWUBBIS'.
Apply comma rules correctly when a sentence begins with a subordinating conjunction.
Have you ever wanted to connect two ideas, where one idea is the 'boss' and the other is the 'helper'? 🤔 Let's find the special words that make this happen!
In this tutorial, we will learn about special connecting words called subordinating conjunctions. Knowin...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
ClauseA group of words that has both a subject (who or what the sentence is about) and a verb (the action).the dog barked
Independent ClauseA clause that is a complete thought and can stand alone as its own sentence. It's the 'boss' clause.We played outside.
Dependent ClauseA clause that is an incomplete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence. It needs an independent clause to make sense. It's the 'helper' clause.because the sun was shining
Subordinating ConjunctionA word that starts a dependent clause and connects it to an independent clause. It shows the relationship between the two clauses (like time, cause, or condition).The word 'because' in the sentence: We played outside because the sun was shining.
Complex Sentenc...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Connection Rule
Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause + Independent Clause OR Independent Clause + Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause
A subordinating conjunction is always the first word of a dependent clause. It's the glue that attaches the dependent (helper) clause to the independent (boss) clause.
The Front Comma Rule
When a dependent clause comes BEFORE the independent clause, you must use a comma to separate them.
Think of it as a pause. If the 'helper' idea comes first, you need a comma before the 'boss' idea starts. Example: 'Since you finished your chores, you can play video games.'
The Middle No-Comma Rule
When a dependent clause comes AFTER the independent clause, you do not use a comma.
The subordinat...
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Challenging
Analyze these sentences: 1. 'I will see you after the game ends.' 2. 'I will see you after the game.' Why is 'after' a subordinating conjunction ONLY in sentence 1?
A.Because in sentence 1, 'after' is followed by a clause with a subject and verb.
B.Because sentence 1 is longer than sentence 2.
C.Because 'after' is at the end of sentence 2.
D.Because sentence 1 uses the 'Middle No-Comma Rule' correctly.
Challenging
Which subordinating conjunction best completes the sentence to show a contrast? '______ he is very talented, he doesn't practice enough.'
A.Because
B.If
C.Although
D.Whenever
Challenging
A student wrote: 'I wanted a cookie, but I couldn't have one until my mom said yes.' What is the subordinating conjunction in this sentence, and why is 'but' NOT one?
A.'But' is the subordinating conjunction because it connects two ideas.
B.'Said' is the subordinating conjunction because it's an action.
C.'Until' is the subordinating conjunction, and 'but' is also a subordinating conjunction.
D.'Until' is the subordinating conjunction; 'but' is a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS).
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What grade level is "Identify subordinating conjunctions"?
Identify subordinating conjunctions is a Grade 5 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Identify subordinating conjunctions?
You'll be able to: Identify at least 8 out of 10 adjectives in sentences and correctly classify them as describing 'what kind' or 'how many'; Explain, using at least two examples, the difference between an adjective that describes 'what kind' and….
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How many practice questions are included with Identify subordinating conjunctions?
This lesson includes 27 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.