Grammar
Subordinating conjunctions
1st Part
Coordinating conjunctions
2nd Part
Subordinating conjunctions
3rd Part
Correlative conjunctions
Grammar in use
- Topic : Subordinating conjunctions
- Skills : Grammar
Use
What is a subordinating conjunctions
A subordinating conjunction is a conjunction used to link a dependent clause to an independent clause. .
Subordinating conjunctions are words like because, if, although, since, until, and while.
An independent clause can stand on its own as a complete sentence.
Subordinating conjunctions permit to:
Show the type of relationship (time or place–based; conditional; or cause-and-effect)
between the information in a sentence’s subordinate clause and its main clause—the independent clause.
Link a dependent clause to an independent clause.
Signal that a subordinate clause is less important to a sentence than a main, or independent clause.
Example:
“Because I was running late for work”
This is a dependent clause because it cannot stand alone as a sentence and doesn’t express a complete idea.
It needs to be attached to an independent clause to complete the sentence, for example: “Because I was running late for work, I had to skip breakfast.”
| Role | Subordinating conjunctions |
|---|---|
| Any | when, before, after, once, until, whenever, since, while |
| Place | where, wherever |
| Cause and effect | because, since, as |
| Condition | if, unless, in case |
| Contrast | although, though, whereas |
Examples of subordinating conjunctions:
After I finish my work, I will go for a walk.
Although it was raining, they decided to go camping.
I couldn’t attend the party because I was feeling sick.
Please finish your homework before you go outside to play.
If it stops raining, we can go for a picnic.
I have been learning French since I was in high school.
You won’t be able to pass the test unless you study harder.
When the teacher arrived, the students were already seated in their desks.
I like to listen to music while I work out at the gym.
Language Tip about punctuating subordinating conjunctions
When a dependent clause begins a sentence, it should be followed by a comma.
For example: “Although it was raining, they decided to go camping.”
If the dependent clause comes after the independent clause, no comma is needed.
For example: “They decided to go camping although it was raining.”
If the dependent clause is in the middle of the sentence, it should be surrounded by commas.
For example: “I couldn’t attend the party, because I was feeling sick, and I had to stay home.”
If the dependent clause is short and the meaning is clear, no comma is needed.
For example: “I will help you if you need it.”
It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and there may be exceptions or variations in specific cases.
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