Subordinating Conjunctions List
Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, establishing a relationship between the two.
They help indicate the reason, time, condition, contrast, or other relationships between the connected clauses. Common examples include "because," "although," "since," and "if."
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause.
Unlike coordinating conjunctions that link elements of equal importance, subordinating conjunctions show a relationship where one clause depends on the other.
Examples of subordinating conjunctions include:
Because
Although
Since
Common Subordinating Conjunctions and Their Uses
Understanding how to use common subordinating conjunctions can greatly enhance your writing.
Here is a list of frequently used subordinating conjunctions with explanations and examples:
Because: Introduces a reason.
She stayed home because she was sick.
Although: Introduces a contrast.
Although it was raining, they went for a walk.
Since: Indicates a time or reason.
Since you have finished your homework, you can play outside.
If: Introduces a condition.
If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
When: Refers to a specific time.
Call me when you arrive.
While: Indicates simultaneous actions.
She listened to music while she cleaned the house.
After: Shows that one event follows another.
We will eat after the meeting ends.
Before: Indicates a preceding event.
Finish your work before you leave.
Until: Specifies a point in time up to which something continues.
Wait here until I return.
Subordinating Conjunctions in Complex Sentences
Subordinating conjunctions are key to forming complex sentences, which consist of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. This structure allows you to provide additional context and detail.
For example:
Because it was late, we decided to go home.
Although she was tired, she finished the project.
Correct punctuation is important. Generally, when the dependent clause comes first, you should use a comma to separate it from the independent clause. If the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed.
Rules for Using Subordinating Conjunctions
Positioning: Subordinating conjunctions can start a sentence if the dependent clause comes first.
Because she was tired, she went to bed early.
She went to bed early because she was tired.
Punctuation: Use a comma when the dependent clause precedes the independent clause.
Although it was raining, they went for a walk.
Clarity: Ensure the dependent clause adds necessary information to the independent clause.
She stayed home because she was sick. (Provides a reason)
Common Mistakes with Subordinating Conjunctions
Comma Misuse: Avoid placing a comma before the subordinating conjunction if the independent clause comes first.
Incorrect: She went to bed early, because she was tired.
Correct: She went to bed early because she was tired.
Fragmented Sentences: Do not use a subordinating conjunction without completing the thought.
Incorrect: Because she was tired.
Correct: Because she was tired, she went to bed early.
Overuse: Avoid overloading sentences with multiple subordinating conjunctions, which can confuse the reader.
Incorrect: Because she was tired, and since it was late, she went to bed early.
Correct: Because she was tired and it was late, she went to bed early.
Practice Exercises
Here are some sentences for you to complete using the appropriate subordinating conjunctions:
______ you finish your dinner, you can have dessert.
She decided to stay ______ it was snowing heavily.
They waited ______ the bus arrived.
______ he studied hard, he didn't pass the test.
We will go out ______ the rain stops.
Answers:
After
Because
Until
Although
When
More Practice Exercises
Complete the following sentences using the correct subordinating conjunction:
We were late ______ there was a traffic jam.
She practiced the piano every day ______ she could become a better player.
______ he is very wealthy, he is not happy.
I will call you ______ I get home.
They played outside ______ it started to rain.
Answers:
Because
So that
Although
When
Until