Subordinating Conjunctions: A Comprehensive Guide & Examples

Subordinating conjunctions are essential for crafting complex and nuanced sentences in English. They connect dependent clauses to independent clauses, adding depth and clarity to your writing.

Mastering these conjunctions allows you to express cause and effect, condition, contrast, and time relationships, making your communication more precise and effective. This article provides a detailed exploration of subordinating conjunctions, offering definitions, examples, usage rules, and practice exercises.

Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply an English language enthusiast, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to confidently use subordinating conjunctions in your writing and speech.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition of Subordinating Conjunctions
• Structural Breakdown
• Types and Categories
  • Time Conjunctions
  • Cause and Effect Conjunctions
  • Condition Conjunctions
  • Contrast Conjunctions
  • Place Conjunctions
  • Purpose Conjunctions
• Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions
  • Time Conjunction Examples
  • Cause and Effect Conjunction Examples
  • Condition Conjunction Examples
  • Contrast Conjunction Examples
  • Place Conjunction Examples
  • Purpose Conjunction Examples
• Usage Rules
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Definition of Subordinating Conjunctions

A subordinating conjunction is a word or phrase that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause. The dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a complete sentence; it relies on the independent clause to give it meaning. Subordinating conjunctions establish the relationship between these two clauses, indicating time, cause, condition, contrast, place, or purpose. They transform a clause into an adverbial clause, modifying the main clause’s verb, adjective, or adverb.

Subordinating conjunctions are crucial for creating complex sentences that express more intricate relationships between ideas. They provide a means of adding detail, context, and nuance to your writing.

By using these conjunctions effectively, you can avoid writing a series of short, choppy sentences and instead create a more coherent and engaging narrative. For example, instead of writing “It was raining.

We stayed inside,” you could write “Because it was raining, we stayed inside,” using the subordinating conjunction “because” to establish a cause-and-effect relationship.

The primary function of a subordinating conjunction is to introduce a dependent clause and to indicate the nature of the clause’s relationship to the independent clause. Without a subordinating conjunction, a dependent clause would simply be a fragment. The conjunction acts as a bridge, linking the dependent clause to the rest of the sentence and giving it grammatical and semantic context. In the sentence “After the movie ended, we went for ice cream,” the word “after” is the subordinating conjunction. It introduces the dependent clause “after the movie ended” and shows that this event happened before the action in the independent clause “we went for ice cream.”

Structural Breakdown

The structure of a sentence with a subordinating conjunction typically follows one of two patterns:

1. Dependent Clause + Comma + Independent Clause: This structure is used when the dependent clause comes before the independent clause. The comma is essential to separate the two clauses. For example: “Because it was late, I went to bed.”
2. Independent Clause + Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause: This structure is used when the independent clause comes first. In this case, a comma is generally not needed unless the dependent clause is nonrestrictive (i.e., provides extra information but is not essential to the meaning of the sentence). For example: “I went to bed because it was late.”

The dependent clause contains the subordinating conjunction and the subject and verb of that clause. The independent clause contains its own subject and verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence. The subordinating conjunction indicates the relationship between the two clauses. Consider the sentence, “If it rains, the game will be canceled.” Here, “if” is the subordinating conjunction, “it rains” is the dependent clause, and “the game will be canceled” is the independent clause.

Understanding the placement of clauses and the role of commas is crucial for using subordinating conjunctions correctly. Misplacing a comma or using the wrong structure can lead to confusion and grammatical errors.

For instance, “Although I was tired I finished the project” is incorrect because it’s missing a comma after “tired”. The correct sentence is, “Although I was tired, I finished the project.”

Types and Categories

Subordinating conjunctions can be categorized based on the type of relationship they establish between the dependent and independent clauses. Here are some of the most common categories:

Time Conjunctions

These conjunctions indicate when an action or event occurred. Common time conjunctions include: after, before, when, while, as, since, until, whenever, as soon as, once, now that.

Cause and Effect Conjunctions

These conjunctions show a cause-and-effect relationship between the clauses. Common cause and effect conjunctions include: because, since, as, so that, in order that.

Condition Conjunctions

These conjunctions express a condition that must be met for something else to happen. Common condition conjunctions include: if, unless, provided that, as long as, in case, even if.

Contrast Conjunctions

These conjunctions indicate a contrast or opposition between the clauses. Common contrast conjunctions include: although, though, even though, whereas, while.

Place Conjunctions

These conjunctions indicate a location or place. Common place conjunctions include: where, wherever.

Purpose Conjunctions

These conjunctions indicate the purpose of an action. Common purpose conjunctions include: so that, in order that, lest.

Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions

To further illustrate the use of subordinating conjunctions, here are examples organized by category. Each table provides a variety of sentences demonstrating how these conjunctions connect dependent and independent clauses.

Time Conjunction Examples

The following table demonstrates the use of time conjunctions. Notice how each conjunction introduces a dependent clause that specifies the timing of the action in the independent clause.

Subordinating Conjunction	Example Sentence
After	After I finished my homework, I watched TV.
Before	Before you leave, make sure to lock the door.
When	When the bell rings, the students will go home.
While	While I was cooking dinner, my husband set the table.
As	As I walked down the street, I saw an old friend.
Since	Since you’re here, can you help me with this?
Until	We can’t leave until everyone is ready.
Whenever	Whenever I feel stressed, I go for a walk.
As soon as	As soon as the rain stops, we’ll go outside.
Once	Once you start, you can’t stop.
Now that	Now that the semester is over, I can relax.
Till	I will wait here till you come back.
By the time	By the time I got to the station, the train had left.
Ere	I must finish my work ere the sun sets.
While	The phone rang while I was having a bath.
As long as	You can borrow the car as long as you return it by tomorrow.
The moment	The moment she saw him, she burst into tears.
The instant	The instant he touched the wire, he got a shock.
Immediately	Immediately after the concert ended, the crowd dispersed.
Directly	Directly he sat down, the phone rang.
Previous to	Previous to the meeting, all documents must be reviewed.
Subsequent to	Subsequent to the investigation, changes were implemented.
Simultaneously	The two events occurred simultaneously as the clock struck noon.
Contemporaneously	The research was conducted contemporaneously with similar studies abroad.
During	During the storm, the power went out.
Following	Following the ceremony, there will be a reception.

Cause and Effect Conjunction Examples

The following table illustrates cause and effect conjunctions, showing how one event leads to another. These conjunctions are essential for explaining reasons and consequences.

Subordinating Conjunction	Example Sentence
Because	Because it was raining, the game was canceled.
Since	Since you’re not feeling well, you should stay home.
As	As it was getting late, we decided to go home.
So that	I study hard so that I can get good grades.
In order that	He exercised regularly in order that he could stay healthy.
Seeing that	Seeing that everyone is here, let’s begin the meeting.
Inasmuch as	Inasmuch as you are willing to help, we can complete the project on time.
Due to the fact that	Due to the fact that the roads were icy, the school was closed.
On account of	On account of the heavy traffic, we were late for the concert.
For	He felt relieved, for the exam was finally over.
Considering that	Considering that she had never baked before, the cake was quite good.
Given that	Given that the resources are limited, we need to prioritize our tasks.
As a result of	As a result of the increased demand, prices have gone up.
Consequently	The company invested in new technology; consequently, productivity increased.
Therefore	The evidence was compelling; therefore, the jury reached a guilty verdict.
Thus	The experiment was carefully controlled; thus, the results are reliable.
Hence	The weather was bad; hence, we decided to stay indoors.
Accordingly	The rules were clearly stated; accordingly, everyone followed them.
Because of the fact that	Because of the fact that he studied diligently, he passed the exam easily.
Since the time that	Since the time that she started exercising, she has felt much healthier.
By reason of	By reason of his hard work, he received a promotion.
Now that	Now that we have identified the problem, we can start working on a solution.
Insomuch as	Insomuch as the research is still ongoing, the results are preliminary.
Seeing as	Seeing as it’s your birthday, we’ll let you choose the restaurant.
In that	The plan is flawed in that it does not address long-term sustainability.
For the reason that	For the reason that he was late, he missed the presentation.

Condition Conjunction Examples

The following table showcases condition conjunctions, which set the terms under which an action will occur. These are essential for expressing possibilities and requirements.

Subordinating Conjunction	Example Sentence
If	If it rains, we will stay inside.
Unless	Unless you hurry, you will miss the bus.
Provided that	You can go to the party provided that you finish your homework.
As long as	As long as you’re careful, you can borrow my car.
In case	Take an umbrella in case it rains.
Even if	Even if it’s difficult, I will try my best.
On condition that	He agreed to help on condition that he would be paid extra.
Assuming that	Assuming that the weather is good, we will have a picnic.
Supposing that	Supposing that you won the lottery, what would you do?
In the event that	In the event that there is a fire, use the emergency exit.
So long as	So long as you follow the rules, you will be fine.
Given that	Given that you have the required skills, you are hired.
Providing	Providing you have the right qualifications, you can apply for the job.
On the understanding that	We agreed to the deal on the understanding that the terms would not change.
Once	Once you have completed the training, you can start working.
Whenever	Whenever you need help, don’t hesitate to ask.
Wherever	Wherever you go, I will follow you.
No matter how	No matter how hard you try, you can’t please everyone.
No matter what	No matter what happens, I will always be there for you.
No matter when	No matter when you call, I will answer.
No matter where	No matter where you hide, I will find you.
Lest	He ran quickly lest he should miss the train.
If and only if	The program will run if and only if all the conditions are met.
Unless and until	The situation will not improve unless and until changes are implemented.
In so far as	In so far as it is possible, we will accommodate your requests.

Contrast Conjunction Examples

The following table demonstrates contrast conjunctions, which highlight differences or opposing ideas between clauses. These are crucial for expressing complex arguments and nuanced perspectives.

Subordinating Conjunction	Example Sentence
Although	Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
Though	Though she was tired, she kept working.
Even though	Even though he studied hard, he didn’t pass the test.
Whereas	Whereas I like coffee, my sister prefers tea.
While	While some people prefer summer, others prefer winter.
Despite the fact that	Despite the fact that he was sick, he attended the meeting.
In spite of the fact that	In spite of the fact that she was nervous, she gave a great presentation.
While it is true that	While it is true that the economy is improving, many people are still struggling.
Notwithstanding that	Notwithstanding that he had little experience, he performed remarkably well.
Even if	Even if I don’t agree with you, I respect your opinion.
Much as	Much as I would like to help, I am too busy.
For all that	For all that he is rich, he is not happy.
However much	However much she tried, she couldn’t solve the problem.
Albeit	The plan was successful, albeit with some minor setbacks.
Contrarily	Contrarily to popular belief, the Earth is not flat.
Conversely	Some people are extroverts; conversely, others are introverts.
On the contrary	He didn’t fail; on the contrary, he excelled.
In contrast to	In contrast to her brother, she is very outgoing.
Different from	Different from what I expected, the movie was excellent.
Unlike	Unlike her parents, she chose a career in the arts.
Admittedly	Admittedly, the task is challenging, but it is not impossible.
Regardless of	Regardless of the weather, we will proceed with the event.
Despite	Despite the challenges, they persevered.
Even so	He was tired; even so, he continued working.
Still	It was raining; still, we went for a walk.

Place Conjunction Examples

The following table provides examples of place conjunctions, which specify the location where an action occurs. These are useful for providing context and detail about spatial relationships.

Subordinating Conjunction	Example Sentence
Where	I left my keys where I always leave them.
Wherever	You can sit wherever you like.
Anywhere	You can go anywhere you want.
Everywhere	Everywhere she goes, she makes friends.
From where	From where I stand, I can see the ocean.
In which	This is the house in which I grew up.
To where	They traveled to where the mountains meet the sky.
Whither	She went, I knew not whither.
Whereabouts	Do you know whereabouts he lives?
Whereupon	The documents were signed, whereupon the deal was finalized.
Whereafter	The lecture ended, whereafter we went for coffee.

Purpose Conjunction Examples

The following table illustrates purpose conjunctions, which explain the reason or intention behind an action. These are important for expressing goals and motivations.

Subordinating Conjunction	Example Sentence
So that	I study hard so that I can get good grades.
In order that	He exercised regularly in order that he could stay healthy.
Lest	He ran quickly lest he should miss the train.
That	She saved money that she might travel the world.
For fear that	He spoke softly for fear that he would wake the baby.
With the aim that	The project was launched with the aim that it would improve the community.
With the intention that	He invested in the company with the intention that it would grow rapidly.
In the hope that	She applied for the scholarship in the hope that she would be accepted.
To the end that	He worked tirelessly to the end that his family would have a better life.
With a view to	They renovated the house with a view to selling it for a profit.
For the purpose of	The funds were collected for the purpose of building a new school.

Usage Rules

Several rules govern the proper use of subordinating conjunctions. Adhering to these rules ensures clarity and grammatical correctness in your writing.

• Comma Usage: When the dependent clause precedes the independent clause, a comma is typically required. For example: “Because it was raining, we stayed inside.” However, when the independent clause comes first, a comma is generally not needed unless the dependent clause is nonrestrictive. For example: “We stayed inside because it was raining.”
• Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure that the verb in both the dependent and independent clauses agrees with its subject. For example: “Because he studies hard, he gets good grades.” Not “Because he study hard, he get good grades.”
• Tense Consistency: Maintain consistent verb tenses within the sentence, especially when describing events that occur at different times. For example: “After I finished my homework, I watched TV.” Both verbs are in the past tense.
• Avoid Redundancy: Do not use multiple conjunctions to express the same relationship. For example, avoid writing “Because since it was raining…” Instead, choose either “Because it was raining…” or “Since it was raining…”
• Correct Placement: Place the subordinating conjunction at the beginning of the dependent clause. For example: “If you study hard, you will pass the exam.” Not “You will pass the exam if you study hard.” (Though this is grammatically correct, the ‘if’ should still introduce the clause it modifies)
• Clarity: Ensure that the relationship between the clauses is clear and logical. The choice of conjunction should accurately reflect the intended meaning.

Understanding these rules and applying them consistently will significantly improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing. Pay close attention to comma usage and tense consistency, as these are common areas of error.

Common Mistakes

Several common mistakes can occur when using subordinating conjunctions. Being aware of these errors can help you avoid them in your own writing.

Mistake	Incorrect Example	Correct Example
Missing Comma	Although I was tired I finished the project.	Although I was tired, I finished the project.
Incorrect Conjunction	Because it rained, so we stayed inside.	Because it rained, we stayed inside.
Redundancy	Because since it was late, I went to bed.	Because it was late, I went to bed.
Incorrect Tense	After I will finish my work, I went to the store.	After I finished my work, I went to the store.
Misplaced Conjunction	I will go if it will not rain.	If it does not rain, I will go.
Unclear Relationship	I like pizza, although I eat healthy.	I like pizza, although I try to eat healthy.
Run-on Sentence	It was raining we stayed inside.	Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
Fragment Sentence	Because it was raining.	Because it was raining, we stayed inside.

Avoiding these common mistakes will enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing. Always double-check your sentences for proper comma usage, correct conjunction choice, and tense consistency.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of subordinating conjunctions with the following exercises. Identify the subordinating conjunction in each sentence and determine the relationship it expresses (time, cause, condition, contrast, place, or purpose).

#	Sentence	Subordinating Conjunction	Relationship
1	If you study hard, you will succeed.
2	Because it was cold, I wore a coat.
3	After the movie ended, we went home.
4	Although she was tired, she kept working.
5	Wherever you go, I will follow.
6	I study so that I can get good grades.
7	Unless you hurry, you will be late.
8	Since you’re here, can you help me?
9	While I was cooking, he was cleaning.
10	Even though it was difficult, I finished it.

Answer Key:

#	Sentence	Subordinating Conjunction	Relationship
1	If you study hard, you will succeed.	If	Condition
2	Because it was cold, I wore a coat.	Because	Cause
3	After the movie ended, we went home.	After	Time
4	Although she was tired, she kept working.	Although	Contrast
5	Wherever you go, I will follow.	Wherever	Place
6	I study so that I can get good grades.	So that	Purpose
7	Unless you hurry, you will be late.	Unless	Condition
8	Since you’re here, can you help me?	Since	Cause
9	While I was cooking, he was cleaning.	While	Time
10	Even though it was difficult, I finished it.	Even though	Contrast

Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks with an appropriate subordinating conjunction.

#	Sentence
1	_______ it rains, we will cancel the picnic.
2	I went to bed early _______ I was tired.
3	_______ you finish your homework, you can watch TV.
4	_______ she is rich, she is not happy.
5	You can sit _______ you like.
6	I study hard _______ I can get good grades.
7	_______ you don’t hurry, you will miss the bus.
8	_______ you are ready, we can leave.
9	_______ I was walking, I saw a friend.
10	_______ it was difficult, I succeeded.

Answer Key:

#	Sentence
1	If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.
2	I went to bed early because I was tired.
3	After you finish your homework, you can watch TV.
4	Although she is rich, she is not happy.
5	You can sit wherever you like.
6	I study hard so that I can get good grades.
7	Unless you don’t hurry, you will miss the bus.
8	Since you are ready, we can leave.
9	While I was walking, I saw a friend.
10	Even though it was difficult, I succeeded.

Advanced Topics

For those looking to delve deeper into the intricacies of subordinating conjunctions, here are some advanced topics to explore:

• Elliptical Clauses: These are dependent clauses where some words are omitted but understood. For example: “While I was in the park, I saw a bird.”
• Nonrestrictive Clauses: These clauses provide additional information but are not essential to the meaning of the sentence and are set off by commas. For example: “My sister, who loves to read, is a librarian.”
• Subjunctive Mood: Some subordinating conjunctions, such as “lest” or “in order that,” can introduce clauses in the subjunctive mood, which expresses a wish, possibility, or necessity. For example: “He spoke softly lest he should wake the baby.”
• Correlative Conjunctions: These are pairs of conjunctions that work together to connect equal grammatical elements. While not strictly subordinating conjunctions, they often appear in complex sentences. Examples include: “both…and,” “either…or,” “neither…nor,” “not only…but also,” “as…as,” and “so…as.”
• Implied Subordination: Sometimes, the subordinating conjunction is not explicitly stated but is implied by the context. This is common in informal writing and speech. For example: “I knew he was lying because he avoided eye contact.”

Exploring these advanced topics will further refine your understanding and usage of subordinating conjunctions, allowing you to write with greater precision and sophistication.

FAQ

Conclusion

Subordinating conjunctions are indispensable tools for creating complex, nuanced, and grammatically correct sentences. By understanding their definitions, types, usage rules, and common mistakes, you can significantly enhance your writing skills.

Whether you are crafting academic papers, professional reports, or creative narratives, mastering subordinating conjunctions will enable you to express your ideas with greater clarity, precision, and sophistication. Practice using these conjunctions regularly, and you will find that your writing becomes more engaging, coherent, and effective.