Subordinating conjunctions are words that link a dependent (subordinate) clause to an independent clause, revealing the nature of their relationship—such as time, cause, condition, contrast, or purpose. By using subordinating conjunctions, complex sentences are formed, which add depth and detail to writing.
- They introduce dependent clauses that cannot stand alone as sentences.
- They express relationships like cause and effect, time, contrast, and condition.
- Common subordinating conjunctions include: because, although, if, when, while, since, unless, after, before, as.
because, although, if, and when are subordinating conjunctions.
Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause.
How They Work
A subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause (also called a subordinate clause), which cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It depends on the main (independent) clause to provide full meaning.
Example:
- Independent clause: I stayed home.
- Dependent clause: because it was raining.
- Combined: I stayed home because it was raining.
The word “because” makes the second idea dependent on the first, showing the reason for staying home.
- Dependent clauses introduced by subordinating conjunctions are incomplete by themselves.
- The main idea is in the independent clause; the dependent clause adds richness or detail.
Only the independent clause can stand alone.
No, it cannot stand alone.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
| Category | Subordinating Conjunctions | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cause/Effect | because, since, as, so | I left early because I was tired. |
| Time | when, while, after, before, since, as soon as | Call me when you arrive. |
| Contrast | although, though, even though, whereas | Although it rained, we went out. |
| Condition | if, unless, provided that, as long as | You can go out if you finish homework. |
| Purpose/Reason | so that, in order that | I’ll explain it so that you understand. |
Although, though, even though, and whereas show contrast.
Examples in Sentences
Cause/Effect:
- She didn’t go out because she was sick.
- Since you’re here, help me with this.
Time:
- We’ll eat after the movie.
- When I was young, I played soccer.
Contrast:
- Although he is rich, he lives simply.
- She likes coffee, whereas I prefer tea.
Condition:
- You’ll pass the test if you study.
- I won’t tell anyone unless you say it’s okay.
Purpose:
- I am leaving early so that I can catch the train.
- Study hard in order that you succeed.
So that is used to show purpose.
When, after, before, and while are subordinating conjunctions for time.
Word Order and Punctuation
When the dependent clause comes first:
- Although it was cold, we went hiking.
(Use a comma after the dependent clause.)
When the independent clause comes first:
- We went hiking although it was cold.
(No comma is needed.)
If the dependent clause is in the middle:
- We, although tired, finished the project.
Use a comma when the dependent clause comes first.
No comma is needed when the independent clause goes first.
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are essential for crafting complex sentences that clearly show how ideas relate to one another.
- They connect dependent clauses to independent clauses, making writing more nuanced.
- Common types include those for cause/effect, time, contrast, and condition.
- Proper comma usage depends on the order of the clauses.