What Is a Subordinating Conjunction?

Understanding Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses, which cannot stand alone and depend on the main clause for meaning. These conjunctions show the relationship between the two clauses.

Example:

• "Although it was raining, we went for a walk."
• "I will call you if I finish my work."

Common Subordinating Conjunctions

Several subordinating conjunctions are commonly used in English. Here are some examples:

Because:

• "She stayed home because she was sick."

Although:

• "Although he was tired, he finished his homework."

If:

• "You can come if you are ready."

When:

• "We will start when everyone arrives."

Types of Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions can be categorized based on the type of relationship they indicate:

Time:

• "When the sun sets, the lights turn on."
• "Before we leave, we must check the doors."

Cause and Effect:

• "Because it was late, they left the party."
• "Since you are here, we can start the meeting."

Condition:

• "If it rains, the event will be canceled."
• "Unless you hurry, you will miss the bus."

Contrast:

• "Although he studied hard, he didn't pass the exam."
• "Even though it was cold, they went swimming."

How to Use Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. The dependent clause can come before or after the independent clause.

Example:

• "If you need help, ask the teacher."
• "Ask the teacher if you need help."

Additional Rules

1. Punctuation: When the dependent clause comes first, use a comma after it. When the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed.
   • "Because it was raining, we stayed inside."
   • "We stayed inside because it was raining."
2. Maintaining Clarity: Ensure the dependent clause provides additional information to the main clause and does not stand alone.
   • Incorrect: "Because it was raining."
   • Correct: "Because it was raining, we stayed inside."

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Incomplete Sentences

• Incorrect: "Although he was tired."
• Correct: "Although he was tired, he finished his homework."

Mistake 2: Misplaced Commas

• Incorrect: "I will go, if I have time."
• Correct: "I will go if I have time."

Mistake 3: Confusing Subordinating and Coordinating Conjunctions

• Incorrect: "He was late, but he missed the bus."
• Correct: "He was late because he missed the bus."

Practice Exercises

Here are some practice exercises to help you master subordinating conjunctions:

Exercise 1: Combine the following pairs of sentences using a subordinating conjunction.

1. "He was late. He missed the bus."
2. "It started to rain. We went inside."
3. "She studied hard. She failed the test."
4. "We will wait. You arrive."
5. "You are my friend. I will help you."

Answers:

1. "He was late because he missed the bus."
2. "When it started to rain, we went inside."
3. "Although she studied hard, she failed the test."
4. "We will wait until you arrive."
5. "Because you are my friend, I will help you."

Exercise 1: Correct the mistakes in the following sentences.

1. "Although it was late. We kept working."
2. "She didn't go to the party, if she was tired."
3. "Because he was hungry, he didn't eat."
4. "We can start, when everyone arrives."
5. "If you call me. I will answer."

Answers:

1. "Although it was late, we kept working."
2. "She didn't go to the party because she was tired."
3. "Although he was hungry, he didn't eat."
4. "We can start when everyone arrives."
5. "If you call me, I will answer."

Related Articles

• Correlative conjunctions
• Coordinating conjunction
  
• Complex sentence examples