Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions link a dependent clause to a main clause, showing relations like cause, time, condition, and purpose.
Key Conjunctions
Below are common subordinating conjunctions that introduce different types of dependent clauses. Learn them by function.
| English Word(s) | English Word(s) |
|---|---|
| because | although |
| if | when |
| since | while |
| unless | after |
| before | so that |
| Conjunction | Example |
|---|---|
| Because | I stayed home because I was sick. |
| Although | Although it rained, we went hiking. |
| If | If you study, you will pass. |
| When | When she called, I was cooking. |
| So that | I left early so that I could catch the train. |
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Usage
A subordinating conjunction introduces a clause that cannot stand alone and adds meaning such as reason, time, condition, or contrast.
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Because
Use because to give a reason for something that happened or will happen. The clause after because explains the cause.
Examples
| English Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🌱 I watered the plants because it was sunny. | I watered the plants because it was sunny. |
| ☁️ The plants stayed inside because it was cloudy. | The plants stayed inside because it was cloudy. |
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Although
Use although to introduce a contrast when one thing is true despite another. The clause after although shows an unexpected circumstance.
Examples
| English Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🌧️ Although it rained, the flowers bloomed. | Although it rained, the flowers bloomed. |
| 🌼 Although it was cloudy, the garden looked bright. | Although it was cloudy, the garden looked bright. |
If
Use if to introduce a condition that must be met for something to happen. The clause after if states the condition.
Examples
| English Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 💧 If you water me, I will grow. | If you water me, I will grow. |
| ☀️ If it is sunny, I will open my leaves. | If it is sunny, I will open my leaves. |
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When
Use when to talk about the time something happens or happened. The clause after when can refer to the past, present, or future.
Examples
| English Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🌅 When the sun rises, I turn toward the light. | When the sun rises, I turn toward the light. |
| 🌙 When night comes, I close my petals. | When night comes, I close my petals. |
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So That
Use so that to express purpose or intended result. The clause after so that often shows why someone did something.
Examples
| English Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 🪴 I moved the pot so that it would get more sunlight. | I moved the pot so that it would get more sunlight. |
| ⬆️ I stood on a rock so that I could see the whole garden. | I stood on a rock so that I could see the whole garden. |
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Placement
If the subordinate clause comes first, put a comma after it. If it comes second, no comma is needed unless for emphasis.
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Summary
Subordinating conjunctions connect dependent clauses to show cause, time, condition, contrast, or purpose. Learn key ones and practice placing clauses and commas.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025