There are a lot of grammar terms that have the word conjunction in it! It can be a challenge to remember what the different types are and when you use them. Subordinating conjunctions are most commonly mixed up with coordinating conjunctions, which you can learn more about in our post on coordinating conjunctions. Let’s review and practice the rules for using subordinating conjunctions, and you’ll have them mastered in no time!
In this post we’ll review what subordinating conjunctions are, the functions of subordinating conjunctions, and how to use them effectively in a sentence.
Once you’re feeling confident, test yourself with a post-assessment quiz and practice with our high quality, standards-aligned questions here.
The Basics of Coordinating Conjunctions
What is a Subordinating Conjunction?
Subordinating Conjunctions are words or word phrases that connect an independent clause to a dependent clause, creating a complex sentence.
Dependent clauses add details to the independent clause and emphasize the idea in the independent clause. They also cannot stand alone, because they don’t convey a complete thought – they depend on the independent clause.
Subordinating conjunction can indicate cause/effect, concession/contrasting, and conditional relationships as well as transitions in time or place.
Sentences can be arranged with either the independent clause or the dependent clause coming first, and comma usage is determined by this order. If the dependent clause appears at the start of the sentence, it will need to be followed by a comma.
Subordinating conjunctions may be referred to as subordinators, independent clauses may be referred to as main clauses, and dependent clauses may be referred to as subordinate clauses.
Cause/Effect Relationships
Common Cause/Effect Subordinating Conjunctions: Because, Since, As, Due to, As if. The underlined portion of the sentence shows the dependent clause, starting with the subordinating conjunction:
- He could not go to the party because his homework was not finished.
- Due to his fear of sharks, the boy refused to swim in the ocean.
Concession/Contrasting Relationships
Common Concession/Contrasting Subordinating Conjunctions: Although, Though, Whether, While, Even though. The underlined portion of the sentence shows the dependent clause, starting with the subordinating conjunction:
- That man is one of the greediest people though he is far wealthier than others.
- While they are highly intelligent, those children have little common sense.
Conditional Relationships
Common Conditional Subordinating Conjunctions: If, Unless, Assuming that. The underlined portion of the sentence shows the dependent clause, starting with the subordinating conjunction:
- We can go to the park if you clean your room.
- Assuming that everyone is free this weekend, we can get together for dinner.
Transitions in Time
Common Time Subordinating Conjunctions: After, Until, As soon as, Before. The underlined portion of the sentence shows the dependent clause, starting with the subordinating conjunction:
- The dog needs to go out as soon as you get home.
- Before you leave, I need you to take this survey of your experience.
Transitions in Place
Common Place Subordinating Conjunctions: Where, Wherever, Everywhere, Anywhere. Note, the conjunctions wherever, everywhere, and anywhere have similar meaning and are often interchangeable.
Like most subordinating conjunctions, these words can be placed at the beginning of a sentence. The conjunction ‘where’ usually cannot be moved to the beginning of the sentence.
The underlined portion of the sentence shows the dependent clause, starting with the subordinating conjunction:
- This is the house where I grew up.
- Everywhere I go, you always seem to be nearby.
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Tips for Recognizing and Using Subordinating Conjunctions
Tip #1: Vary your placement of subordinating conjunctions
Using subordinating conjunctions to write complex sentences is a GREAT way to elevate your writing to the next level!
Take advantage of the flexibility of dependent clauses by rearranging your sentences so you have some sentences starting with the independent clause and some sentences starting with the dependent clause.
Tip #2: Subordinating Conjunctions vs Conjunctive Adverbs
Subordinating conjunctions can often be confused with conjunctive adverbs. Both are used to connect clauses, but conjunctive adverbs connect two independent clauses, while subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause.
When checking the connected clauses, look for complete thoughts. Since a dependent clause cannot stand alone, the linking word will be a subordinating conjunction.
- I had a lot of homework today because I wasn’t paying attention in class.
In this sentence, “because I wasn’t paying attention in class” is a dependent clause using the subordinating conjunction “because” to add additional details to the independent clause “I had a lot of homework today”.
- I wasn’t paying attention in class; consequently, I had a lot of homework today.
While conveying the same overall idea, this example uses the conjunctive adverb “consequently” to link the independent clause “I wasn’t paying attention in class” to the other independent clause “I had a lot of homework today.” Both clauses are given equal value in the sentence.
Read our post on conjunctive adverbs to learn more about them.
Tip #3: When looking for subordinating conjunctions, make sure there is a dependent clause
Some words used as subordinating conjunctions can also be used for other parts of speech. A good way of checking for dependent clauses is to find the subject and verb in the part of the sentence you are linking to the independent clause. Dependent clauses sound like something is missing, because they depend on an independent clause to complete the idea.
- I finally could take a break after I ran errands all day.
In this sentence, “after” is a subordinating conjunction. We can see that “after I ran errands all day” is a clause, because it has a subject and a verb, but it’s not a complete thought. It sounds like we need more information.
- I finally could take a break after a long day.
In this sentence, “after” is a preposition. Since there is not a subject or verb in “after a long day”, we know it is not a clause, but rather a prepositional phrase. Read our post on prepositional phrases to learn more about them!
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Applying the Basics: Subordinating Conjunctions Review & Practice
Now that you understand what subordinating conjunctions are, and how to use them properly in a sentence, let’s practice identifying them and checking for proper usage. Remember, subordinating conjunctions are words used to connect a dependent clause to an independent clause.
Subordinating Conjunctions Exercises & Review
Complete the quick exercise below to assess your mastery of coordinating conjunctions.
Choose the subordinating conjunction that makes the most sense for each sentence.
1. He didn’t have lunch today (even though/because) he was nervous for the audition.
- because
2. (Since/Although) I got a bonus, we can go on vacation over break.
- Since
3. Reading is my favorite subject (though/because) I’m really good at math.
- though
4. (As soon as/Before) you play those video games, you need to clean your room.
- Before
5. We’ll need to pick up some tools (unless/since) you already have them.
- unless
For additional practice, check out the Subordinating Conjunctions content on Albert.
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Try for Yourself: Subordinating Conjunctions Quiz
Feeling confident in your understanding of coordinating conjunctions?
Take this short quiz to see what you’ve learned:
1. Do subordinating conjunctions require a comma when following an independent clause?
- Answer: No
- Correct Explanation: That’s right! Subordinating conjunctions do not require a comma when following an independent clause. Commas are required when placing the dependent clause before the independent clause.
- Incorrect Explanation: Sorry, that’s not right. Remember, subordinating conjunctions only require a comma when placing the dependent clause before the independent clause. Subordinating conjunctions do not require a comma when following an independent clause.
2. Are subordinating conjunctions interchangeable with conjunctive adverbs?
- Answer: No
- Correct Explanation: That’s right! Subordinating conjunctions combine a dependent clause to an independent clause, adding details to the independent clause. Conjunctive adverbs are used when combining two independent clauses to show a transition or progression between ideas.
- Incorrect Explanation: Sorry, that’s not right. Remember, conjunctive adverbs are only used when combining independent clauses to show a transition or progression between ideas. Both clauses have equal value in the sentence. Subordinating conjunctions combine a dependent clause to an independent clause, adding details to the independent clause.
3. Can subordinating conjunctions be used with prepositional phrases?
- Answer: No
- Correct Explanation: That’s right! A subordinating conjunction must connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. Prepositional phrases are not clauses, as they do not contain a subject or a verb.
- Incorrect Explanation: Sorry, that’s not right. Remember, prepositional phrases are not clauses, as they do not contain a subject or a verb. Subordinating conjunction must connect a dependent clause to an independent clause.
4. Which of the following sentences uses a subordinating conjunction?
A. After chasing the dog down the street, I could barely catch my breath.
B. After I chased the dog down the street, I could barely catch my breath.
- Answer: B
- Correct Explanation: That’s right! Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. A dependent clause must have a subject and a verb.
- Incorrect Explanation: Sorry, that’s not right. Remember, subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. A dependent clause must have a subject and a verb.
5. Which of the following sentences accurately uses a subordinating conjunction?
A. I went for a run even though I was tired.
B. I went for a run, even though I was tired
- Answer: A
- Correct Explanation: That’s right! A comma does not precede a subordinating conjunction. Commas are only used at the end of the dependent clause when the subordinating conjunction and the dependent clause are moved to the beginning of the sentence.
- Incorrect Explanation: Sorry, that’s not right. Remember, commas are only used at the end of the dependent clause when the subordinating conjunction and the dependent clause are moved to the beginning of the sentence. Commas do not precede a subordinating conjunction.
6. Which of the following sentences accurately uses a subordinating conjunction?
A. I love putting puzzles together; similarly, I enjoy logic based puzzles like kakuro.
B. I love putting puzzles together because I enjoy logic based activities.
- Answer: B
- Correct Explanation: That’s right! Subordinating conjunctions connect dependent clauses to independent clauses. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence. When two independent clauses are connected, a semicolon separates the clauses, and a conjunctive adverb is used, with a comma following the conjunctive adverb.
- Incorrect Explanation: Sorry, that’s not right. Remember, a dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence. When two independent clauses are connected, a semicolon separates the clauses, and a conjunctive adverb is used, with a comma following the conjunctive adverb. Subordinating conjunctions connect dependent clauses to independent clauses. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence.
For additional practice with comparative and superlative adjectives, check out our practice on Albert.io: Subordinating Conjunctions.
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Teacher’s Corner for Subordinating Conjunctions
While it’s true that coordinating conjunctions are a foundational grammar skill, the Common Core English Language Progressive Skills Chart shows that even elementary-level skills “require continued attention in higher grades as they are applied to increasingly sophisticated writing and speaking.”
For specific standards addressing coordinating conjunctions, check out the Common Core State Standards site!
Albert’s Subordinating Conjunctions practice can be used for much more than homework!
Our assessments can be used as pre-and post-tests to measure student progress. Our pre-made quizzes can be used as bell-ringers, exit tickets, and more!
In addition to our pre-made assessments, you can also use our assignments feature to create your own quizzes and assessments.
Summary on Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating Conjunctions are words used to connect dependent clauses to independent clauses.Dependent clauses are not complete thoughts – they depend on independent clauses.
Subordinating Conjunctions can indicate cause/effect, concession/contrasting, and conditional relationships as well as transitions in time or place.
Using subordinating conjunctions is a great way to improve our writing because it allows for more complex sentences.
Practice makes perfect! Use our Subordinating Conjunctions practice on Albert’s grammar course!
Need help preparing for your Grammar exam?
Albert has hundreds of grammar practice questions with detailed explanations to help you master concepts.
What is a Subordinating Conjunction?
Subordinating conjunctions are parts of speech that join dependent clauses to independent clauses. Sometimes referred to as subordinators or subordinate conjunctions, these important words and phrases may also introduce adverb clauses.
Subordinating conjunctions are essential parts of complex sentences with include at least two clauses, with one of the clauses being main (independent) and the other being subordinate (dependent).
There is only one rule to remember about using subordinate conjunctions:
A subordinate conjunction performs two functions within a sentence. First, it illustrates the importance of the independent clause. Second, it provides a transition between two ideas in the same sentence. The transition always indicates a place, time, or cause and effect relationship. For example: We looked in the metal canister, where Ginger often hides her candy.
Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions
In the following examples, the subordinating conjunctions are in bold for easy identification:
- As Sherri blew out the candles atop her birthday cake, she caught her hair on fire.
- Sara begins to sneeze whenever she opens the window to get a breath of fresh air.
- When the doorbell rang, my dog Skeeter barked loudly.
Subordinating Conjunction Exercises
The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how subordinating conjunctions work. Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.
-
_________ the basement flooded, we spent all day cleaning up.
- After
- Although
- Before
- Even if
Answer: 1. After the basement flooded, we spent all day cleaning up.
-
I don’t want to go to the movies _____________ I hate the smell of popcorn.
- Although
- Because
- Whenever
- So that
Answer: 2. I don’t want to go to the movies because I hate the smell of popcorn.
-
I paid Larry, ___________ garden design work is top-notch.
- Whenever
- Whose
- After
- If
-
___________ spring arrives, we have to be prepared for more snow.
- Because
- Until
- Although
- Now that
Answer: 2. Until spring arrives, we have to be prepared for more snow.
-
_____________ the alarm goes off, I hit the snooze button.
- As soon as
- Because
- Before
- Now that
Answer: As soon as the alarm goes off, I hit the snooze button.
Answer: 2. I paid Larry, whose garden design work is top-notch.
Subordinating Conjunctions List
There are many subordinating conjunctions. This list contains 25 of those most commonly used.
After
Although
As
As soon as
Because
Before
By the time
Even if
Even though
Every time
If
In case
Now that
Once
Since
So that
Than
The first time
Unless
Until
When
Whenever
Whether or not
While
Why
Most of us are familiar with conjunctions. These are words like and, but, and so that join other words, phrases, and clauses together. Simple, right?
Subordinating conjunctions play a similar role, just with more specific grammar rules that define when and how you can use them.
Today, we’re going to review subordinating conjunctions, with examples, explanations, and opportunities to test your newfound knowledge.
What Is a Subordinating Conjunction?
A subordinating conjunction is a word whose function is to join an independent clause with a subordinate clause.
A quick reminder:
- An independent clause can stand on its own as a complete sentence.
- A subordinate clause (aka a dependent clause) cannot stand on its own, and requires an independent clause to make a complete sentence).
Subordinating conjunctions do a few things:
-
Show the type of relationship (e.g. 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 to create a complex sentence.
-
Signal the dependent clause’s subordinate status, i.e. that a subordinate clause is less important to a sentence than a main, or independent, clause.
What’s the Difference Between Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions?
Coordinating conjunctions join phrases or clauses that are equal to each other, i.e. two independent clauses.
A subordinating conjunction joins unequal clauses, i.e. an independent and a dependent clause.
When you’re working out whether to use a coordinating or subordinating conjunction, split your sentence up into it’s main clauses. Here’s an example:
- I was a bit of a wild child [CONJUNCTION] I was younger.
«I was a bit of a wild child» can stand on its own as a sentence, while «I was younger» cannot. The two clauses are unequal, so this sentence needs a subordinating conjunction.
- I was a bit of a wild child when I was younger.
Here’s another:
- It was raining [CONJUNCTION] I didn’t have an umbrella.
In this example, both clauses can stand on their own. You need a coordinating conjunction.
- It was raining but I didn’t have an umbrella.
Examples of coordinating conjunctions are:
- and
- but
- or
- nor
- for
Let’s look at one more coordinating conjunction in a sentence:
- She wasn’t my friend, but I loaned her the money.
Notice how the phrases either side of «but» each contain complete thoughts—they are independent clauses.
The subordinate clause is the sidekick or assistant of the sentence. It adds valuable information to the independent clause it is connected to, but the independent clause doesn’t officially need the subordinate to survive as a sentence.
Before we go any further, it might be a good idea to review what independent and dependent clauses are in a little more detail.
What Are Independent and Dependent Clauses?
A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb.
An independent clause also contains a complete thought, which means it has all the ingredients of a complete, simple sentence: subject, verb, and complete thought.
An independent clause is a sentence all on its own. The reader doesn’t need any other information to understand what is happening in the sentence.
Here are some examples of independent clauses. The subjects are bold and verbs are underlined just for some added grammar review if you need it.
-
Shawshank Redemption is a great movie.
-
My son’s kitten loves to play.
-
The players ran up the field.
-
That sauce smells wonderful!
A dependent clause is also called a subordinate clause. It includes a subject and a verb, but it does not express a complete thought on its own.
It depends on its connection to an independent clause for that thought to be completed.
A dependent clause cannot stand on its own as a complete sentence.
Why Can’t You Use a Dependent Clause on Its Own?
A dependent clause is a sentence fragment—not a complete sentence. Fragments are confusing to readers because they don’t provide complete information.
For example, this sentence includes an independent and dependent clause. The dependent clause starts with subordinating conjunction after.
- After he swallowed the poison, the main character died.
Now, look what happens if I try to pass that subordinate clause off as a sentence on its own:
- After he swallowed the poison.
What happened? Did the poor guy survive? We don’t know!
Even if we still include the next piece of information as a new sentence, that still won’t make the fragment grammatically correct:
- After he swallowed the poison. The main character died.
You might say, “We just need to read the next part and the mystery is solved.”
True. But periods are full stops. When we read, we stop at periods—not forever—but they do indicate the end of the thought. Even when we keep going and read “The main character died” as the next sentence, the ideas don’t flow. They are not unified, and they need to be for that first clause to make sense.
Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions
Now that you know what a subordinate clause is, let’s return to the concept of subordinating conjunctions.
There are many conjunctions—words that link dependent clauses to independent clauses. This table includes the ones used most commonly:
Categorizing subordinating conjunctions helps us to better understand the relationship between dependent and independent clauses
Some examples can fit into multiple categories, depending on the context of the sentence in which they are used.
How Do I Use Subordinating Conjunctions in Sentences?
To get a full understanding of what subordinating conjunctions are and how they work, it’s important to see them in action.
Check out these sentences and see if you can identify the relationship the subordinating conjunction is showing in the sentence.
And, since grammar isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time, I’ve added a challenge. All of the examples are from (or adapted from) song lyrics and poems. Can you identify the song, poem, or artist?
-
(I) Don’t care what is written in your history as long as you’re here with me.
-
Because I could not stop for death, he kindly stopped for me.
-
Since you’ve been gone, I can breathe for the first time.
-
When I’m not with you, I lose my mind.
-
Even though I’m leavin’, I ain’t going nowhere.
-
I’mma keep running cause a winner don’t quit on themselves.
-
Lovers think quite different thoughts while lying side by side.
-
When it’s cold outside, I’ve got the month of May.
Answers: 1. Backstreet Boys 2. Emily Dickinson 3. Kelly Clarkson 4. Britney Spears 5. Luke Combs 6. Beyonce 7. Maya Angelou 8. The Temptations
And here’s eight more ordinary, made-up examples so you can just concentrate on the subordinating conjunctions.
-
I will not start this car unless your seatbelt is buckled.
-
Although it is rush hour, there isn’t too much traffic.
-
You can have a drink in the car as long as you’re careful not to spill it!
-
If it’s an emergency, we can stop.
-
Whenever I see a rest stop, I’ll pull over for you.
-
Wash your hands before you leave the bathroom.
-
Though I’d love to say yes, the answer is no.
-
You may not have another drink until we get there.
All of these examples are spoken by a parent or person in charge talking to their child or another young passenger. Do you see the metaphor for main and subordinate clauses?
The driver is in charge of making the car move and getting from point A to point B, just as an independent clause is responsible for providing a sentence that conveys a complete thought.
The passenger adds to the experience of that drive, but is not necessary for making the car arrive at its destination, just as a subordinate clause (introduced by its subordinating conjunction) adds to a sentence but isn’t what makes that sentence complete.
How to Order Independent and Dependent Clauses in Your Sentences
Most of the time, you can place either the independent or the dependent clause first in your sentence and it won’t change the meaning. It’s a matter of style, or preference.
However, it is good practice to vary your sentence structure to avoid sounding monotonous. You don’t want to start too many sentences with a subordinating conjunction, just as you wouldn’t want any of your sentence styles to be repetitive.
To keep your sentence structure varied, run your work through ProWritingAid’s Structure Report. If you’re starting too many sentences with subordinate conjunctions and clauses, this report will let you know and will coach you through revisions.
Upload your writing to our editor and try the Structure Report with a free ProWritingAid account.
What Punctuation Should You Use with Subordinate Conjunctions?
Take another look at those examples from before. Pay special attention to where the conjunction appears in its sentence, and to comma placement.
Subordinating conjunctions follow these punctuation guidelines:
-
When the independent (or main) clause comes first and is followed by the dependent clause, no comma is required.
- See examples 1, 6, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16 from above.
-
When the sentence starts with a subordinating conjunction (and therefore a dependent clause), put a comma after the dependent clause, before the independent clause.
- See examples 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15 from above.
If this all sounds a bit difficult to remember, download ProWritingAid’s browser extension. It’ll tell you when you’ve missed a comma, or used one when you shouldn’t have.
Final Review of Subordinating Conjunctions
Understanding subordinating conjunctions and the role they play in sentence structures is key to producing grammatically correct writing. Here are the key summary points that you need to remember:
- A subordinating conjunction joins an independent clause with a dependent, or subordinate clause.
- A subordinate/dependent clause does not express a complete thought on its own and so depends on connection to an independent clause.
- When the independent clause comes first and is followed by the subordinating conjunction that introduces the dependent clause, no comma is required.
- When the sentence starts with subordinating conjunction (and therefore a dependent clause), and is followed by the independent clause, put a comma after the subordinating clause.
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Subordinating Conjunctions in English! Learn the definition, useful rules and subordinating conjunctions list with ESL printable infographics.
Subordinating Conjunction
What are subordinating conjunctions?
These conjunctions are used to join an independent and complete clause with a dependent clause that relies on the main clause for meaning and relevance. The dependent clause cannot exist on its own as a sentence and often does not make sense without the main clause.
The subordinating conjunction always comes before the dependent clause but the dependent clause itself can be placed either ahead of or following the independent clause.
- Since they had misbehaved, the boys were given one week suspensions from school.
Here, we see the dependent clause is ‘they had misbehaved’ which is not a valid sentence by itself.
The independent main clause is ‘the boys were given one week suspensions from school’.
They are joined by the subordinating conjunction ‘since’.
- He was fond of playing basketball because it was his father’s favourite game.
In this sentence, because is the subordinating conjunction as it introduces the dependent clause ‘it was his father’s favourite game’.
The main clause in this sentence is ‘he was fond of playing basketball’ as it is the sentence which can be said independently and still be grammatically correct.
Other subordinating conjunctions are – Although, As, Before, Once, Though, Until, Whether, etc.
There are many subordinating conjunctions. This is the most commonly used subordinating conjunctions list in English.
| After | Soon after moving to London, she got a new job. |
| Although | He decided to go, although I begged him not to. |
| As | You can go first as you’re the oldest. |
| As soon as | As soon as I saw her, I knew there was something wrong. |
| Because | We can’t go to Julia’s party because we’re going away that weekend. |
| Before | You should always wash your hands before meals. |
| By the time | I thought you’d be done by this time. |
| Even if | Even if you apologize, she still may not forgive you. |
| Even though | Even though he left school at 16, he still managed to become prime minister. |
| If | If she hadn’t called, I wouldn’t have known. |
| In case | Bring a map in case you get lost. |
| Now that | Now that I live only a few blocks from work, I walk to work and enjoy it. |
| Once | Once I’ve found somewhere to live I’ll send you my address. |
| Since | Since we’ve got a few minutes to wait for the train, let’s have a cup of coffee. |
| So that | I am saving money so that I can buy a new car. |
| Than | My brother’s older than you. |
| Unless | You can’t get a job unless you have experience. |
| Until | I was up until three o’clock trying to get it finished! |
| When | I don’t suppose I can really call myself a vegetarian when I eat fish. |
| Whenever | I’m embarrassed whenever I think about it. |
| Whether or not | It remains to be seen whether or not this idea can be put into practice. |
| While | I read it while you were drying your hair. |
| Why | She’ll ask why you don’t have your homework. |
| As long as | You can have a dog as long as you promise to take care of it. |
| In order that | In order that you can sign the form, please print it out and mail it to this address. |
Table: List of Subordinating Conjunctions
Learn more with a big list of transition words and phrases in English.
Subordinating Conjunctions | Infographics
Subordinating Conjunctions List Image 1
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Subordinating Conjunctions List in English | Image 2
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A conjunction is a connecting word or phrase; a subordinating conjunction is a connecting word or phrase that introduces a dependent clause and joins it to a main clause or independent clause. Similarly, a coordinating conjunction sets up an equal partnership between the two clauses. When a subordinating conjunction is linked to a dependent clause, the unit is called a subordinate clause.
Subordinating Conjunctions
- Subordinating conjunctions can be found in sentences containing two clauses: an independent or main clause and a dependent clause.
- They must come at the beginning of a dependent clause.
- Subordinators help lend meaning to a sentence by linking two ideas. Time, concession, comparison, cause, condition, and place are the types of subordinating conjunctions, categorized by meaning.
- In most sentences, as long as the subordinating conjunction precedes the dependent clause, clause order does not matter.
Subordinating conjunctions are also known as subordinators, subordinate conjunctions, and complementizers. Many subordinators are single words such as because, before, and when, but some subordinating conjunctions consist of more than one word such as even though, as long as, and except that.
Subordinating conjunctions are separated into categories by meaning and can serve a few different purposes for a sentence. Learn subordinator categories and types, as well as how to construct a subordinate clause, here.
How to Construct a Subordinate Clause
Constructing a subordinate clause is as simple as attaching a subordinating conjunction to the beginning of a dependent clause. Then, decide which clause—main or subordinate—you want to come first. See the following example.
«They’ll have a picnic on Saturday,» an independent clause, can be modified by the dependent clause «it rains» using the conjunction unless: «They’ll have a picnic on Saturday unless it rains.» Said group is staking a picnic on Saturday’s weather and, because the main clause begins the sentence, the conjunction belongs after it (before the dependent clause). If the sentence instead begins with the conjunction followed by a dependent clause, then a supporting main clause must follow. The meaning of both sentences is technically the same, but in this case, slightly more emphasis is shifted onto whichever clause that comes first.
Sometimes, placing a subordinate clause first can give deeper meaning to the main clause. In his play «The Importance of Being Earnest,» Oscar Wilde demonstrated this. Mimicking the way people in love speak effusively to one another using subordinators, he wrote, «Gwendolyn says to Jack, ‘If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life,'» (Wilde 1895).
Semantic Categories of Subordinating Conjunctions
As demonstrated, conjunctions can bring different layers of meaning to writing by building relationships between clauses. There are six main classes of conjunctions, categorized by meaning: time, concession, comparison, cause, condition, and place.
Time
Time-related conjunctions establish a period when the main clause will be or was performed. These include after, as soon as, as long as, before, once, still, until, when, whenever, and while. For example, «I will do the dishes after everyone has gone home» might be stated by a hostess who prefers to enjoy her guests’ company while they are there.
Concession
Concession conjunctions help to redefine the main clause by providing additional context regarding conditions of delivery. Concession conjunctions highlight an action that took place in spite of an obstacle or hindrance and they include although, as though, and even though. An example would be, «Eliza wrote the Higgins report even though it was assigned to Colonel Pickering.»
Comparison
Similarly, comparison conjunctions—which include just as, though, whereas, in contrast to, and while—help to establish correlations by providing context for comparison. «Ellen vlogged about the results of the political meeting, in contrast to her arch-enemy who merely blogged.»
Cause
Cause conjunctions illuminate the reason(s) that the activities of a main clause were performed and are commonly engineered using as, because, in order that, since, and so that. «Grant dreamed about cheese because he had eaten so much of it the night before.»
Condition
Condition conjunctions introduce rules under which a main clause performs. These are indicated by even if, if, in case, provided that, and unless. «If he’s going to be there, I’m not going to the party.» Often, subordinate clauses come first in conditional sentences but they are still dependent on the main clause and cannot exist outside of it.
Place
Place conjunctions, which determine where activities might occur, include where, wherever, and whereas. «I will place my conjunction in the sentence wherever I please.»
Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are not hard to find when you know where to look for them. Use these quotes to get started.
- «Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humor, reserve, and caprice, that the experience of three-and-twenty years had been insufficient to make his wife understand his character.» -Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
- «I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it.» -Pablo Picasso
- «If you want to change the world, start with yourself.» -Mahatma Gahndi
- «When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.» -Anonymous
Practice Exercises
The following pairs of sentences can be combined into one complex unit using subordinating conjunctions. Try adding various conjunctions and conjunctive phrases to join the sentences until you find the best fit. Remember: for most sentences, sentence order does not matter (as long as the subordinating conjunction precedes the dependent clause).
- I will help the man. He deserves it.
- Mary came up. We were talking about her.
- I admire Mr. Brown. He is my enemy.
- I came. You sent for me.
- Evelyn will come to school. She is able.
- He knows he is wrong. He will not admit it.
- The man is rich. He is unhappy.
- The Mexican War came on. Polk was president.
- I shall come tomorrow. You sent for me.
- You wish to be believed. You must tell the truth.
- The dog bites. He ought to be muzzled.
- It would be foolish to set out. It is raining.
- Call me at my office. You happen to be in town.
- The cat ran up a tree. She was chased by a dog.
- The sun shines brightly. It is very cold.
Sources
- Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Thomas Egerton, 1813.
- Wilde, Oscar. «The Importance of Being Earnest.» Dover Publications, 1895.