Subordinating conjunctions in English grammar link dependent clauses to independent clauses, showing relationships like time, cause, or condition.

Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent (subordinate) clause to an independent clause. They show a relationship between the two clauses, such as cause and effect, time, condition, contrast, or purpose. The dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Example: *I stayed home because it was raining.
Dependent clause: *because it was raining
Independent clause: *I stayed home
Relationship: cause

Common Subordinating Conjunctions

This table lists common subordinating conjunctions and the type of relationship they express.

Conjunction	Function	Example
because	cause	I ate because I was hungry.
although	contrast	Although it rained, we went out.
since	cause/time	Since you’re here, let’s start.
if	condition	If it rains, we’ll cancel.
when	time	Call me when you arrive.
while	time/contrast	I read while waiting. / While I like coffee, I prefer tea.
after	time	After dinner, we’ll watch a movie.
before	time	Wash your hands before eating.
unless	condition	Don’t go unless it’s safe.
even though	contrast	Even though he was tired, he worked late.
as	cause/time	As it was late, we left.
though	contrast	Though it’s hard, keep trying.
until	time	Wait until I’m ready.
so that	purpose	Study hard so that you pass.

Which subordinating conjunction is commonly used to show purpose?

because

so that

although

when

so that

The phrase 'so that' is used to express purpose or intention, explaining why something is done.

How Subordinating Conjunctions Affect Word Order

When a subordinating conjunction begins a sentence, the verb comes at the end of the dependent clause. If the independent clause comes first, normal word order applies.

At the beginning: *Because it was late, we left.
Independent clause first: *We left because it was late.

Examples by Function

This section provides multiple example sentences for each common type of relationship expressed by subordinating conjunctions.

Cause/Reason

I stayed home because I was sick.
Since you’re here, help me with this.
As it was raining, the game was canceled.

Time

Call me when you arrive.
We’ll eat after the movie.
Finish your homework before dinner.
I waited until she called.

Condition

If it rains, we’ll stay inside.
Don’t leave unless you finish your work.
You can’t go out until you clean your room.

Contrast

Although he’s young, he’s very responsible.
Even though I was tired, I finished the project.
While I like tea, I prefer coffee.
Though it’s expensive, I bought it.

Purpose

Study hard so that you pass the exam.
I left early so that I could catch the train.

Tips for Using Subordinating Conjunctions

This table summarizes key advice for writing clear sentences with subordinating conjunctions.

Tip	Explanation	Examples
Use a comma if the dependent clause comes first	When the subordinating conjunction starts the sentence, follow the dependent clause with a comma.	Because it was cold, I wore a jacket.
No comma if the independent clause is first	If the main clause comes first, don’t use a comma before the subordinating conjunction.	I wore a jacket because it was cold.
Avoid starting too many sentences with subordinating conjunctions	Vary sentence structure for more natural writing.	Use some sentences that don’t start with subordinators.
Don’t use a comma between the clauses if the independent clause is first	Only use a comma when the dependent clause precedes the independent clause.	Correct: I stayed home because I was tired. Incorrect: *I stayed home, because I was tired.

Common Mistakes

Mistake	Explanation	Correction
Sentence fragment	A subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause, which cannot stand alone.	Because I was tired. ❌<br>Because I was tired, I went to bed.*
Incorrect comma usage	Don’t use a comma when the independent clause is first.	I stayed home, because I was sick. ❌<br>I stayed home because I was sick.*
Confusing coordinating and subordinating conjunctions	Coordinating conjunctions connect equal clauses; subordinating clauses connect dependent to independent.	I was tired, and I went to bed. (coordinating)<br>I went to bed because I was tired.* (subordinating)
Awkward sentence beginnings	Starting every sentence with ‘because,’ ‘although,’ etc., can feel repetitive.	Vary sentence structure for better flow.

What is the error in using a coordinating conjunction instead of a subordinating conjunction?

It creates a fragment.

Fails to show the dependent relationship between clauses.

It always causes comma errors.

It changes the verb tense.

Fails to show the dependent relationship between clauses.

Coordinating conjunctions connect equal clauses; subordinating conjunctions create a dependent-independent clause relationship.

English

Subordinating Conjunctions