Subordinating Conjunctions: Definition, Uses, and Examples

What is Subordinating Conjunction?

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause (incomplete thought) to an independent clause (complete thought).
It shows the relationship between the two clauses and indicates that one clause is less important or subordinate to the other.

Examples:
I stayed home because it was raining.
She smiled although she was nervous.
You can go if you finish your homework.

Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses that are of equal importance or structure. These conjunctions link elements that are similar in grammatical function, and they help to show a relationship between them.

There are seven main coordinating conjunctions in English: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. When used, coordinating conjunctions generally link two independent clauses (complete thoughts) or items in a list.

For example, when connecting two independent clauses, a coordinating conjunction allows both parts of the sentence to stand alone but be linked together in meaning. The most common structure when using a coordinating conjunction is: independent clause + coordinating conjunction + independent clause.

Example:

• I wanted to go to the park, but it started raining.

Here, the two clauses are equally important and connected by the coordinating conjunction but.

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions, on the other hand, are used to connect a dependent clause (incomplete thought) to an independent clause (complete thought). This creates a relationship where the dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence.

Subordinating conjunctions indicate that one part of the sentence is of lesser importance than the other, showing cause, condition, contrast, time, and more.

Unlike coordinating conjunctions, which join equals, subordinating conjunctions show that one clause is subordinate or dependent on the other.

The structure is usually: dependent clause + subordinating conjunction + independent clause or independent clause + subordinating conjunction + dependent clause.

Example:

• She went to bed early because she was tired.

Here, the dependent clause because she was tired cannot stand alone and depends on the independent clause She went to bed early.

Function of Subordinating Conjunction Words

Cause

These conjunctions show the reason for an action or event:

• Because
• Since
• As
• Seeing that
• Inasmuch as

Example Sentences:

• She stayed home because she was feeling unwell.
• Since it was late, we decided to leave.
• He apologized as he realized his mistake.

Effect

These conjunctions indicate the result of an action or event:

• So that
• That
• In order that

Example Sentences:

• She speaks slowly so that everyone can understand her.
• He studied hard that he might secure the top position.
• I left early in order that I could catch the bus.

Time

These conjunctions show when something happens in relation to another action:

• When
• While
• As
• Before
• After
• Until
• Since
• As soon as
• Once
• Whenever

Example Sentences:

• When the bell rang, the students rushed out of class.
• He was reading while I was cooking.
• After we finished dinner, we went for a walk.

Place

These conjunctions indicate the location of an action or event:

• Where
• Wherever

Example Sentences:

• Stay where you are until I come back.
• Wherever she goes, she makes new friends.
• The picnic will be held where the river meets the forest.

How to Use Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are used to connect a dependent clause (incomplete thought) with an independent clause (complete thought). They show relationships like cause, effect, time, place, condition, or contrast.

Steps to Use Subordinating Conjunctions

Identify the Relationship

Understand whether the subordinating conjunction is showing cause, time, condition, etc.

Place the Subordinating Conjunction

It can be at the beginning or in the middle of the sentence.

Use a Comma if Needed

• When the subordinating conjunction starts the sentence, use a comma after the dependent clause.
• No comma is needed if the dependent clause comes second.

Examples

Beginning of the Sentence

• Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.
• Although she was tired, she finished her homework.

Middle of the Sentence

• We stayed indoors because it was raining.
• She finished her homework although she was tired.

Subordinating Conjunctions Showing Cause and Effect

Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect two parts of a sentence by showing a relationship between them. When they indicate cause and effect, they explain the reason (cause) for an action and its result (effect).

These conjunctions make sentences clearer by showing why something happened. Common subordinating conjunctions for cause and effect include because, since, as, and so that.

Examples

• Because:
  She stayed home because she was feeling sick.

(Cause: she was feeling sick; Effect: she stayed home)

• Since:
  Since it was raining, we decided to cancel the picnic.

(Cause: it was raining; Effect: we canceled the picnic)

• As:
  As he forgot his homework, the teacher gave him extra assignments.

(Cause: he forgot his homework; Effect: he got extra assignments)

• So that:
  She studies every day so that she can pass her exams.

(Cause: she studies every day; Effect: she can pass her exams)

Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions

• She stayed home because she wasn’t feeling well.
• Although it was raining, they continued playing outside.
• We left early so that we could avoid the traffic.
• He waited patiently until the train arrived.
• Since she studied hard, she passed the test with flying colors.
• You can come with us if you finish your homework.
• As he was walking, he found a wallet on the street.
• We decided to go hiking even though the weather wasn’t perfect.
• Whenever I visit my grandparents, they cook my favorite food.
• She couldn’t attend the meeting because her car broke down.
• The kids went to sleep after they finished their storybooks.
• Wherever you go, remember to call us.
• He will wait until she gives him an answer.
• While he was explaining, the students listened carefully.
• Before you leave, make sure you lock the door.

Why Subordinating Conjunctions Are Important

Subordinating conjunctions are important because they connect dependent clauses to independent clauses, creating complex sentences that clarify relationships between ideas. They help:

Show Relationships:

They indicate cause, effect, time, place, condition, or contrast, making sentences more meaningful.

• She stayed home because she was unwell.

Enhance Clarity:

They explain why, when, or under what conditions something happens.

• We waited until the rain stopped.

Improve Writing Flow:

They allow writers to combine ideas logically, avoiding choppy or disconnected sentences.

• Although it was cold, we went hiking.

Add Depth to Communication:

Subordinating conjunctions let speakers and writers express complex thoughts effectively.

• He left early so that he could catch the train.

List of Subordinating Conjunction

Cause

• Because
• Since
• As
• Inasmuch as
• Seeing that

Effect

• So that
• That
• In order that
• Time
• When
• While
• Before
• After
• Until
• Since
• As soon as
• Once
• Whenever

Place

• Where
• Wherever

Condition

• If
• Unless
• Provided that
• As long as
• In case

Contrast/Concession

• Although
• Though
• Even though
• While
• Whereas

Purpose

• So that
• In order that

Comparison

• Than
• As

FAQS of Subordinating Conjunctions

You May Also Like

• Pronouns and Its Type
• Compound Adjectives
• Parentheses
• Complete Guide to Articles
• Understanding Adverbs of Degree