At Belekar Sir’s Academy, we believe that mastering grammar is the key to mastering communication. One of the most powerful tools in sentence construction is the subordinating conjunction.
These words and phrases help connect ideas in a logical, meaningful way by linking dependent clauses to main clauses. Whether you’re writing essays, reports, or everyday communication, understanding subordinating conjunctions allows you to build more complex, fluent, and precise sentences.
In this lesson, we’ll explore how these conjunctions work, why they matter, and how to use them correctly.
Definition and Function
A subordinating conjunction is a word or phrase that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, forming a complex sentence. It shows the relationship between the two clauses—often indicating time, reason, condition, contrast, or place.
Example: “Because it was raining, we stayed inside.”
Here, because introduces the reason for staying inside.
What Is a Subordinating Conjunction?
It’s a word that joins two clauses of unequal importance:
- The independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.
- The dependent clause cannot stand alone and relies on the independent clause to make sense.
How Do Subordinating Conjunctions Work?
They introduce the dependent clause and clarify its connection to the main clause. These connections typically fall into categories like:
- Cause/Reason: because, since, as
- Time: after, before, when, while, until, once
- Condition: if, unless, provided that, in case
- Contrast/Concession: although, though, whereas, even though
- Place: where, wherever
The subordinating conjunction usually begins the dependent clause, which can come before or after the main clause.
Can Subordinating Conjunctions Start a Sentence?
Yes. When the dependent clause comes first, the sentence starts with a subordinating conjunction.
Example: “Although it was late, she finished her homework.”
Note: Use a comma after the dependent clause when it comes at the beginning.
Recognizing Subordinating Conjunctions
How to Identify Them
To spot a subordinating conjunction in a sentence:
- Look for a word (or phrase) that begins a clause which can’t stand alone as a complete sentence.
- Check if that clause adds extra information—such as time, reason, condition, contrast, or place—to the main clause.
Common subordinating conjunctions include:
because, although, since, after, before, if, unless, while, where, as, even though, so that, until, once, whenever, wherever, rather than, in order that.
Real-Life Examples
- Time: “We went home after the movie ended.”
- Reason: “She stayed inside because it was raining.”
- Condition: “If you finish your work, you can play outside.”
- Contrast: “Although he was tired, he kept working.”
- Place: “Sit wherever you like.”
In each case, the subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause that adds context to the main action.
Why They Matter?
Subordinating conjunctions help connect ideas and build complex sentences. They show how or why two parts of a sentence are related, making your writing clearer and more detailed.
Types of Subordinating Conjunctions
1. Cause and Effect
These show reasons or results.
- because: She stayed home because she was sick.
- since: Since it was raining, we canceled the picnic.
- as: As traffic was heavy, we were late.
- so that: He works hard so that he can travel.
- in order that: She left early in order that she could catch the train.
2. Time
These indicate when something happens.
- before: We left before the movie ended.
- after: He called after he arrived.
- while: While I was cooking, the phone rang.
- until: I’ll wait until you finish.
- as soon as: Call me as soon as you arrive.
- once: Once you try it, you’ll love it.
- since: She’s been happy since she changed jobs.
- when, whenever: I’ll call you when I get home. Visit whenever you want.
3. Place
These show location or direction.
- where: Sit where you like.
- wherever: Wherever I go, I bring my camera.
- everywhere: Everywhere I travel, I learn something new.
4. Condition
These express situations that must happen first.
- if: If it rains, we’ll stay inside.
- unless: You won’t pass unless you study.
- provided that: You can go provided that you finish your homework.
- as long as: You can use my bike as long as you return it.
- even if, in case, assuming that: Even if it’s cold, I’ll go running.
5. Concession
These show contrast or exceptions.
- although: Although it was late, he kept working.
- even though: Even though she was tired, she finished.
- though: He plays well, though he started recently.
- whereas, while: Whereas she is tidy, her brother is messy.
6. Comparison
These highlight similarities or differences.
- than: She runs faster than I do.
- as … as: He is as tall as his brother.
In summary, subordinating conjunctions are powerful tools that help structure your sentences with clarity and depth by connecting ideas smoothly and logically.
A Handy List of Common Subordinating Conjunctions
Here’s a quick reference list, organized by category and alphabetically within each group:
- Cause/Effect: as, because, since, so that, in order that, for, as a result, due to, therefore, hence, consequently
- Time: after, as, as soon as, before, once, since, until, when, whenever, while
- Place: where, wherever, everywhere
- Condition: if, unless, provided that, as long as, even if, in case, assuming that
- Concession/Contrast: although, even though, though, whereas, while, rather than
- Comparison: as, than, as … as
- Purpose: so that, in order that, that
- Manner: as, as if, as though, how
- Other: that, whether, now that, in case, so long as, if only
Subordinating conjunctions are essential for forming complex sentences and expressing clear, nuanced relationships between ideas.
Subordinate Clauses and Sentence Structure
How to Build a Subordinate Clause
A subordinate (or dependent) clause cannot stand alone as a sentence. It starts with a subordinating conjunction, followed by a subject and a verb. It connects to a main clause to complete the meaning.
Basic Pattern:
Subordinating Conjunction + Subject + Verb
Examples:
- Because she was tired
- Although he arrived late
- If it rains
- When the bell rings
- Since you asked
Non-Examples:
- She was tired
- He arrived late
- It rains
These are complete sentences on their own and lack a subordinating conjunction.
Where Are Subordinate Clauses Used?
Subordinate clauses can appear at the beginning or end of a sentence.
- Beginning: Use a comma after the subordinate clause.
Example: Although it was raining, we went outside. - End: No comma is needed.
Example: We went outside although it was raining.
Effect of Placement:
- Beginning: Sets up background/context, often more formal or reflective.
- End: Adds detail or contrast, often more conversational.
Impact on Sentence Meaning and Tone
Subordinate clauses help explain why, when, how, or under what condition something happens. They add depth, clarify relationships between ideas, and shape tone.
- Starting with a subordinate clause can build anticipation or background.
- Ending with one can add emphasis to the main action.
Punctuation Rules with Subordinating Conjunctions
1. When the Subordinate Clause Comes First:
Use a comma after the clause.
- Correct: If you’re ready, we can begin.
- Correct: Although you’re ready, we must wait.
- Incorrect: If you’re ready we can begin.
2. When the Main Clause Comes First:
No comma is typically needed.
- Correct: We can begin if you’re ready.
- Correct: We must wait although you’re ready.
- Incorrect: We can begin, if you’re ready.
3. Exceptions & Style Choices:
Sometimes, commas are used for emphasis, clarity, or with longer clauses. A comma may also appear before certain contrastive conjunctions like whereas or although to highlight contrast.
In summary, subordinating conjunctions and subordinate clauses help you structure complex, meaningful sentences with clarity and precision. They guide how ideas connect and how your message is received.
Examples of Correct and Incorrect Punctuation
| Example Type | Subordinate First | Main Clause First |
| Correct | If you study hard, you will pass. | You will pass if you study hard. |
| Incorrect | If you study hard you will pass. | You will pass, if you study hard. |
| Correct | Although it rained, we went out. | We went out although it rained. |
| Incorrect | Although it rained we went out. | We went out, although it rained. |
Before and After: Punctuation with Subordinating Conjunctions
- Before (incorrect): If you finish your work you can play outside.
After (correct): If you finish your work, you can play outside.
- Before (incorrect): You can play outside, if you finish your work.
After (correct): You can play outside if you finish your work.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Missing comma after an introductory subordinate clause:
- Incorrect: When the bell rings you may leave.
- Correct: When the bell rings, you may leave.
2. Unnecessary comma before a final subordinate clause:
- Incorrect: You may leave, when the bell rings.
- Correct: You may leave when the bell rings.
3. Misplaced commas with “because,” “since,” “if,” etc.:
Avoid placing a comma before these conjunctions when they appear in the middle of a sentence, unless clarity demands it in long or complex sentences.
Quick Summary
- Use a comma after a subordinate clause at the start of a sentence.
- Do not use a comma before a subordinate clause at the end of a sentence—except in special contrast cases or for stylistic emphasis.
- Watch for these patterns to improve clarity and avoid common punctuation errors.
Practice and Application
Activity 1: Identify the Subordinating Conjunction
Underline or highlight the subordinating conjunction in each sentence:
- I picked up the phone to call my grandma even though it was getting late.
- Cheryl had to find a nice dress since she was invited to the party.
- I want to go wherever I can order pizza.
- We rinsed off our shoes after playing in the mud.
- Although she was excited for school to start, part of her was dreading having homework again.
- Make sure you wash your hands before you eat.
- Carlos can come with us as long as it is okay with his parents.
- If you try your best, you can accomplish anything.
- I would rather have a horse than have a parrot.
- In order that you can be a member of the team, you must try out.
Activity 2: Rewrite as Complex Sentences
Convert each pair into a complex sentence using a subordinating conjunction:
- She was tired. She finished her homework.
→ Although she was tired, she finished her homework.
- It started to rain. We kept playing outside.
→ We kept playing outside even though it started to rain.
- You study hard. You will succeed.
→ If you study hard, you will succeed.
- The bell rings. You may leave.
→ When the bell rings, you may leave.
Practice Exercises
Multiple Choice
Choose the correct subordinating conjunction:
- _______ you finish your dinner, you can have dessert.
a) And b) Because c) When d) Or
Answer: c) When
- She didn’t go to the party _______ she was feeling sick.
a) but b) because c) or d) so
Answer: b) because
- _______ it rains, we will cancel the picnic.
a) If b) And c) Or d) But
Answer: a) If
Fill in the Blanks
- I will call you _______ I arrive.
Answer: when
- She stayed inside _______ it was snowing.
Answer: because
- _______ you don’t hurry, you’ll miss the bus.
Answer: If / Unless
Sentence Correction
Correct the punctuation and structure:
- If you finish your work you can play outside.
Corrected: If you finish your work, you can play outside.
- You can play outside, if you finish your work.
Corrected: You can play outside if you finish your work.
- Although it was late he kept working.
Corrected: Although it was late, he kept working.
These activities help reinforce how to identify, use, and punctuate subordinating conjunctions effectively across sentence structures.
Subordinating Conjunctions in Context
Watch and Learn
Several quality video resources can help you understand subordinating conjunctions more effectively:
- “Subordinating Conjunctions Explained” on YouTube features over 110 example sentences, explaining what subordinating conjunctions are and how to use them in complex sentences.
- Khan Academy also offers clear lessons on how these conjunctions link independent and dependent clauses.
These videos use real-world examples to simplify the concept and improve understanding.
Video Transcript Summary
Definition
A subordinating conjunction is a word or phrase that connects a dependent (subordinate) clause to an independent (main) clause, showing how the two ideas relate.
Common examples: because, although, if, when, since, after, before, until, while.
Usage
Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses that cannot stand alone.
Example:
- Because she was late (dependent clause)
- The waves crashed onto the shore (independent clause)
Structure
Typical format:
Subordinating conjunction + subject + verb, followed by the main clause
Example: Although it was raining, we still went outside.
Placement
They can appear at the beginning or middle of a sentence:
- If you study, you will succeed.
- You will succeed if you study.
More Examples
- After the party finished, we cleaned up the mess.
- We can go out when you finish your homework.
- She stayed home because she was ill.
Memory Aid
Use the acronym I SAW A WABUB to remember common subordinating conjunctions:
If, Since, As, When, Although, While, After, Before, Until, Because
Real-Time Writing Help
Modern writing tools like Grammarly, Microsoft Editor, and Google Docs help with:
- Highlighting structure issues: Suggest adding subordinating conjunctions to clarify relationships.
- Comma placement: Recommend proper punctuation, especially when the dependent clause comes first.
- Improving complexity: Offer ways to join simple sentences using subordinating conjunctions.
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions may seem small, but their impact on your writing and speaking is significant. They help you express cause and effect, time, conditions, contrasts, and more—adding depth and clarity to your thoughts. At Belekar Sir’s Academy, we encourage students not only to memorize grammar rules but to understand their purpose in real-world communication. By learning to use subordinating conjunctions confidently, you take one more step toward mastering the English language with clarity and professionalism.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are subordinating conjunctions?
They are words or phrases that link a dependent clause to an independent clause, showing relationships like cause, time, condition, contrast, or place.
What are some common examples?
Cause and Effect: because, since, as, so that
Time: after, before, when, while, until, once
Condition: if, unless, provided that
Concession: although, even though, though
Place: where, wherever
Comparison: than, as … as
Purpose and Manner: so that, in order that, as if, as though
How do you use them in a sentence?
They introduce a dependent clause (subject + verb), which can come before or after the main clause.
Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
We stayed inside because it was raining.
When the dependent clause comes first, use a comma after it.
Can a subordinating conjunction start a sentence?
Yes. When the dependent clause comes first, it often starts with a subordinating conjunction and is followed by a comma.
Example: If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
Belekar Sir is the founder and lead instructor at Belekar Sir’s Academy, a trusted name in English language education. With over a decade of teaching experience, he has helped thousands of students—from beginners to advanced learners—develop fluency, confidence, and real-world communication skills. Known for his practical teaching style and deep understanding of learner needs, Belekar Sir is passionate about making English accessible and empowering for everyone. When he’s not teaching, he’s creating resources and guides to support learners on their journey to mastering spoken English.
