Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, indicating a relationship such as cause, time, condition, contrast, or purpose. They help create complex sentences by showing how the dependent clause relates to the main clause. Common subordinating conjunctions include “because,” “although,” “since,” “if,” “while,” and “after.” These conjunctions are essential for adding depth and detail to writing, enhancing clarity and meaning.

When trying to explain the cause-and-effect relationship between two phenomena, we use words like because, due to, and since. These words are examples or samples of subordinating conjunctions.

What Is a Subordinating Conjunction?

A subordinating conjunction connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, showing a relationship such as cause, time, condition, contrast, or purpose. Examples include “because,” “although,” “since,” “if,” “while,” and “after.” These conjunctions are essential for creating complex sentences and adding depth to writing.

Types of Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, showing a relationship between the two. Here are the types of subordinating conjunctions categorized by the relationship they express, along with examples:

1. Cause and Effect

These conjunctions show that one event is the result of another.

• Examples: because, since, as, so that
• Example Sentences:
  • “She stayed home because she was feeling ill.”
  • “Since it was raining, we canceled the picnic.”
  • “He works hard so that he can afford a nice vacation.”

2. Time

These conjunctions indicate when something happens.

• Examples: when, while, as soon as, before, after, until, since
• Example Sentences:
  • “She called me when she arrived.”
  • “While I was cooking, the phone rang.”
  • “I will wait until you finish.”

3. Contrast

These conjunctions show a contrast or exception.

• Examples: although, though, even though, whereas, while
• Example Sentences:
  • “Although it was late, he continued working.”
  • “She loves him even though he is often late.”
  • “Whereas she is very organized, her brother is quite messy.”

4. Condition

These conjunctions set up a condition for something to happen.

• Examples: if, unless, provided that, as long as
• Example Sentences:
  • “If you study hard, you will pass the exam.”
  • “We will go for a walk unless it rains.”
  • “You can borrow my car as long as you drive carefully.”

5. Place

These conjunctions indicate where something happens.

• Examples: where, wherever
• Example Sentences:
  • “She likes to sit where the sun is brightest.”
  • “Wherever you go, I will follow.”

6. Purpose

These conjunctions show the purpose of an action.

• Examples: so that, in order that
• Example Sentences:
  • “He saved money so that he could buy a house.”
  • “She studied hard in order that she could get a scholarship.”

7. Manner

These conjunctions show the manner in which something is done.

• Examples: as, as if, as though
• Example Sentences:
  • “She acted as if she knew everything.”
  • “He talks as though he is an expert.”

8. Comparison

These conjunctions compare one thing to another.

• Examples: than, as…as
• Example Sentences:
  • “She is taller than her brother.”
  • “He is as intelligent as his sister.”

9. Reason

These conjunctions provide a reason for something.

• Examples: because, since, as
• Example Sentences:
  • “He didn’t go to the party because he was tired.”
  • “As it was getting late, we decided to leave.”

10. Concession

These conjunctions introduce a contrasting idea that still doesn’t negate the main clause.

• Examples: although, though, even though
• Example Sentences:
  • “Even though it was raining, they went for a hike.”
  • “Though he tried hard, he couldn’t solve the problem.”

Subordinating Conjunctions List

Here is a comprehensive list of common subordinating conjunctions, categorized by the type of relationship they indicate:

1. Cause and Effect:

• because
• since
• as
• so that
• in order that
• as long as

2. Time:

• when
• while
• after
• before
• until
• as soon as
• once
• whenever

3. Condition:

• if
• unless
• provided that
• as long as
• even if
• in case
• assuming that

4. Contrast:

• although
• though
• even though
• whereas
• while

5. Purpose:

• so that
• in order that
• that

6. Place:

• where
• wherever

7. Manner:

• as
• as if
• as though
• how

Subordinating Conjunctions Examples Sentences

1. Cause and Effect:

• “She stayed home because she was sick.”
• “I’ll call you since I arrive.”
• “He left early as he had an appointment.”
• “She practiced daily so that she could improve her skills.”
• “We whispered in order that we wouldn’t disturb anyone.”

2. Time:

• “Call me when you arrive.”
• “She read a book while waiting for the bus.”
• “We will start the meeting after everyone arrives.”
• “Finish your homework before you go out.”
• “We will wait here until the rain stops.”
• “I’ll call you as soon as I get home.”
• “They left once the show ended.”
• “You can come over whenever you want.”

3. Condition:

• “I’ll go if you come with me.”
• “You won’t pass the test unless you study.”
• “You can borrow my car provided that you fill up the tank.”
• “I’ll help you as long as you ask nicely.”
• “I’ll join you even if it rains.”
• “Take an umbrella in case it rains.”
• “We will go to the park assuming that the weather is nice.”

4. Contrast:

• “He went out although it was raining.”
• “She kept working though she was tired.”
• “They had fun even though it was a serious event.”
• “He prefers coffee, whereas she likes tea.”
• “She likes to read, while he prefers to watch TV.”

5. Purpose:

• “She studied hard so that she could pass the exam.”
• “He works extra hours in order that he can save more money.”
• “They left early that they might avoid traffic.”

6. Place:

• “You can sit where you like.”
• “She goes wherever her job takes her.”

7. Manner:

• “He did it as she had instructed.”
• “She behaves as if she owns the place.”
• “He talks as though he knows everything.”
• “Do it how you were taught.”

More Subordinating Conjunctions Templates & Examples:

1. Subordinating Conjunctions and Subordinate Clauses

2. List of Subordinating Conjunctions

3. Subordinating Conjunctions Template

4. Subordinate Conjunction Example

5. Student Subordinate Conjunction

6. Subordinating Conjunctions Worksheet

7. Subordinating Conjunctions Independent and Dependent Clauses

8. Example Subordinating Conjunctions

9. Sample Subordinating Conjunctions

Functions of Subordinating Conjunction

Subordinating conjunctions play a crucial role in sentence structure by linking dependent clauses to independent clauses. Here’s a breakdown of their functions:

1. Connecting Clauses:

Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, creating a complex sentence.

• Example: “She stayed home because she was sick.”

2. Indicating Relationships:

They indicate various relationships between the clauses, such as cause and effect, time, condition, contrast, purpose, place, and manner.

• Example: “I’ll go if you come with me.” (condition)

3. Adding Depth and Detail:

They add depth and detail to sentences by providing additional information about the main clause.

• Example: “He went out although it was raining.” (contrast)

4. Showing Cause and Effect:

They explain the reason or cause for something happening in the main clause.

• Example: “She studied hard so that she could pass the exam.”

5. Specifying Time:

They establish a timeline or sequence of events.

• Example: “Call me when you arrive.”

6. Setting Conditions:

They set conditions under which the action in the main clause occurs.

• Example: “You won’t pass the test unless you study.”

7. Contrasting Ideas:

They contrast one idea with another.

• Example: “He prefers coffee, whereas she likes tea.”

8. Expressing Purpose:

They express the purpose of the action in the main clause.

• Example: “She practices daily in order that she can improve.”

9. Indicating Place:

They indicate the place where the action of the main clause occurs.

• Example: “You can sit where you like.”

10. Describing Manner:

They describe the manner in which the action of the main clause is performed.

• Example: “He did it as she had instructed.”

Purpose of a Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are essential components of complex sentences, serving several critical functions in English grammar. They help connect dependent clauses to independent clauses, creating a relationship between the two parts of the sentence. Here are the primary purposes of subordinating conjunctions:

1. Establishing Relationships

Subordinating conjunctions show the relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause. These relationships can include cause and effect, time, condition, contrast, and purpose.

Examples:

• Cause and Effect: “Because it was raining, we canceled the picnic.”
• Time: “When she arrived, the meeting had already started.”
• Condition: “If it snows, we will stay home.”
• Contrast: “Although he was tired, he finished his homework.”
• Purpose: “So that we can finish early, we will start the project today.”

2. Adding Complexity and Detail

By using subordinating conjunctions, writers can add complexity and detail to their sentences. This allows for more nuanced and specific information to be conveyed.

Example:

• “Even though the weather was bad, the team decided to play, which showed their dedication.”

3. Emphasizing Important Information

Subordinating conjunctions can help emphasize a particular part of a sentence. The independent clause often contains the main idea, while the dependent clause provides additional context.

Example:

• “She didn’t attend the party because she was ill.”

4. Indicating Time and Sequence

Subordinating conjunctions such as “after,” “before,” “when,” “until,” and “while” help indicate the timing and sequence of events.

Examples:

• “After we finish dinner, we will watch a movie.”
• “Before you leave, please check the weather.”

Subordinating Conjunctions Rules

Subordinating conjunctions are vital for connecting dependent clauses to independent clauses, creating complex sentences. Here are the essential rules for using subordinating conjunctions:

1. Placement of Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. When placed at the beginning, the dependent clause precedes the independent clause.

Examples:

• Beginning: “Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.”
• Middle: “We stayed indoors because it was raining.”

2. Punctuation Rules

• Dependent Clause First: When the dependent clause comes first, use a comma to separate it from the independent clause.
  • Example: “Although it was late, he continued working.”
• Independent Clause First: When the independent clause comes first, do not use a comma.
  • Example: “He continued working although it was late.”

3. Creating Complex Sentences

Subordinating conjunctions are used to create complex sentences, which include an independent clause and a dependent clause. The dependent clause cannot stand alone and needs the independent clause to form a complete thought.

Example:

• “When she called, he answered immediately.”

4. Expressing Different Relationships

Use subordinating conjunctions to express various relationships between clauses, such as time, cause and effect, contrast, condition, and purpose.

• Time: after, before, when, while, as soon as
  • Example: “After she finished her homework, she watched TV.”
• Cause and Effect: because, since, as
  • Example: “She stayed home because she was sick.”
• Contrast: although, though, even though, whereas
  • Example: “Although it was raining, they went hiking.”
• Condition: if, unless, provided that
  • Example: “If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.”
• Purpose: so that, in order that
  • Example: “He studied hard so that he could pass the exam.”

5. Avoiding Sentence Fragments

Ensure that the dependent clause is always connected to an independent clause to avoid sentence fragments. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Incorrect: “Because she was tired.” Correct: “She went to bed early because she was tired.”

6. Consistent Tense Usage

Maintain consistent tense usage between the dependent and independent clauses to ensure clarity and coherence.

Example:

• “When he arrived, she was cooking dinner.”

7. Avoiding Redundancy

Avoid using subordinating conjunctions unnecessarily or redundantly within the same sentence.

Incorrect: “Although he was tired, but he finished the work.” Correct: “Although he was tired, he finished the work.”

Subordinating Conjunctions vs. Coordinating Conjunctions

Feature	Subordinating Conjunctions	Coordinating Conjunctions
Function	Connects a dependent clause to an independent clause	Connects words, phrases, or independent clauses
Examples	because, although, if, when, since, after, while	for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
Clause Dependency	Creates a dependent clause	Connects independent clauses or equal elements
Punctuation Rules	Comma used if dependent clause comes first	Comma before the conjunction in a compound sentence
Sentence Example (Dependent Clause First)	“Because it was raining, we stayed inside.”	N/A (No dependent clause)
Sentence Example (Independent Clause First)	“We stayed inside because it was raining.”	“She wanted to go, but she was too tired.”
Position in Sentence	Can appear at the beginning or in the middle	Typically appears in the middle
Types of Relationships	Time, cause/effect, condition, contrast, purpose	Addition, contrast, choice, result, reason
Common Conjunctions	when, because, if, although, since, after, while	for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so