What Are Subordinating Conjunctions? Complete Guide
Quick Answer: Subordinating conjunctions are words or phrases that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, showing relationships like cause, time, condition, contrast, or place. Common examples: because, although, if, when, since, after, before, until, while. When the dependent clause comes first, use a comma (e.g., “If you study hard, you will pass”). When it comes second, no comma is needed (e.g., “You will pass if you study hard”).
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.
📚 Key Concepts
Independent clause: Can stand alone as a complete sentence (e.g., “We stayed inside”).
Dependent clause: Cannot stand alone; relies on the independent clause to make sense (e.g., “Because it was raining”).
Subordinating conjunction: The word that introduces the dependent clause and shows its relationship to the main clause.
If, Since, As, When, Although, While, After, Before, Until, Because — these ten common subordinating conjunctions cover most everyday uses.
Types of Subordinating Conjunctions
because, since, as, so that, in order that
“She stayed home because she was sick.”
after, before, when, while, until, once, as soon as, since
“We left after the movie ended.”
where, wherever, everywhere
“Sit wherever you like.”
if, unless, provided that, as long as, even if
“If it rains, we’ll stay inside.”
although, even though, though, whereas, while
“Although it was late, he kept working.”
than, as … as
“She runs faster than I do.”
Complete List with Examples
| Category | Subordinating Conjunctions | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cause/Effect | because, since, as, so that, in order that | “Since it was raining, we canceled the picnic.” |
| Time | after, before, when, while, until, once, as soon as | “Call me when you arrive.” |
| Place | where, wherever | “I’ll go wherever you go.” |
| Condition | if, unless, provided that, as long as, even if | “You won’t pass unless you study.” |
| Concession | although, even though, though, whereas | “Even though she was tired, she finished.” |
| Comparison | than, as … as | “He is as tall as his brother.” |
Subordinate Clauses and Sentence Structure
📐 Building a Subordinate Clause
Pattern: Subordinating Conjunction + Subject + Verb
Examples: “Because she was tired” • “Although he arrived late” • “If it rains”
Placement options:
– Beginning: “Although it was raining, we went outside.” (comma after clause)
– End: “We went outside although it was raining.” (no comma)
Punctuation Rules with Subordinating Conjunctions
| Position | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Subordinate clause firstUse a comma after the dependent clause“If you’re ready, we can begin.” | ||
| Main clause firstNo comma before the subordinate conjunction (usually)“We can begin if you’re ready.” | ||
| ExceptionComma may be used for emphasis or with contrastive conjunctions (whereas, although)“We went outside, although it was raining heavily.” |
Incorrect: If you finish your work you can play outside.
Correct: If you finish your work, you can play outside.
Incorrect: You can play outside, if you finish your work.
Correct: You can play outside if you finish your work.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incorrect: “When the bell rings you may leave.”
Correct: “When the bell rings, you may leave.”
Incorrect: “You may leave, when the bell rings.”
Correct: “You may leave when the bell rings.”
Incorrect: “He left, because he was tired.”
Correct: “He left because he was tired.”
Practice Exercises
“I picked up the phone even though it was getting late.”
Answer: even though
“_______ you finish your dinner, you can have dessert.”
Answer: When / After
“She didn’t go to the party _______ she was feeling sick.”
Answer: because
“If you study hard you will pass.”
Answer: “If you study hard, you will pass.”
“She was tired. She finished her homework.”
Answer: “Although she was tired, she finished her homework.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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Conclusion: Build Complex Sentences with Confidence
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. By learning to identify and use subordinating conjunctions correctly, following punctuation rules (comma after introductory clauses, no comma before final clauses), and practicing with real examples, you take one more step toward mastering the English language. Remember the I SAW A WABUB mnemonic, and soon these structures will become second nature.
Continue improving your grammar with our guides on adjectives to describe a friend, list of adjectives for students, and how to improve reading and writing.
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.