List of Common Subordinating Conjunctions with Meanings and Examples
Subordinating conjunctions are important in connecting ideas, especially in school exams, clear writing, and daily conversations. Understanding them helps students improve sentence structure, manage grammar questions, and express thoughts with more detail or contrast. At Vedantu, we explain subordinating conjunctions so you can write and speak better English every day.
| Subordinating Conjunction | Relationship | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| After | Time | We went home after the show ended. |
| Because | Cause/Reason | He left early because he felt sick. |
| Although | Contrast | Although it was raining, they played football. |
| If | Condition | If you study, you will pass. |
| When | Time | Call me when you arrive. |
| Unless | Condition | She won’t go unless you invite her. |
| Since | Time/Cause | She has been happy since she won. |
| While | Time/Contrast | They talked while walking. |
| Before | Time | Wash your hands before you eat. |
| Though | Contrast | Though tired, he finished his work. |
| Until | Time | I will wait until you call. |
| As | Cause/Time | I left as it grew dark. |
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. They help show the link between two ideas. Using subordinating conjunctions in English grammar lets you explain reasons, time, conditions, and contrasts in your writing or speech.
Types of Subordinating Conjunctions in English Grammar
- Time: when, after, before, since, until, while
- Cause/Reason: because, since, as, so that
- Condition: if, unless, provided that, in case
- Contrast/Concession: although, though, even though, whereas
- Place: where, wherever
- Purpose: so that, in order that
Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions in Sentences
- She went inside because it was cold.
- After he finished, he relaxed.
- If you call me, I will answer.
- Although Sara was tired, she finished her project.
- We will start when everyone is ready.
- Unless it rains, we will play outside.
Subordinating vs Coordinating Conjunctions
| Subordinating Conjunctions | Coordinating Conjunctions |
|---|---|
| Connect dependent to independent clauses | Connect words, phrases, or independent clauses |
| Create complex sentences | Create compound sentences |
| Examples: because, if, although | Examples: and, but, or, so, yet |
| Show relationships (time, cause, condition, etc.) | Links equal ideas together |
For more on coordinating conjunctions, visit our complete guide on coordinating conjunctions.
Rules for Using Subordinating Conjunctions
- If the dependent clause comes first, use a comma after it:
If you are late, let me know. - No comma is needed if the dependent clause comes after the main clause:
Let me know if you are late. - Do not use a comma before the subordinating conjunction in the middle of a sentence.
- Always ensure a dependent clause is joined to an independent clause so the sentence makes sense.
Practice: Subordinating Conjunctions Worksheet
- Fill in the blanks:
1. I will come ___ I finish my homework.
2. ___ it stops raining, we will go out. - Combine sentences:
a) She was tired. She finished her work.
(Use “although”) - Identify the conjunction:
“We left because it was late.”
Try more worksheets at Vedantu’s subordinating conjunctions worksheet page.
Summary
Subordinating conjunctions help join dependent and independent clauses for clearer, more complex sentences. Key types include those for time, cause, condition, purpose, and contrast. Mastering them is useful for exams, writing, and speaking skills. Regular practice improves English grammar confidence at every level.
FAQs on Subordinating Conjunctions in English Grammar
1. What are subordinating conjunctions in English grammar?
A subordinating conjunction is a word or phrase that connects a dependent clause (a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence) to an independent clause (a clause that can stand alone). It establishes a relationship between the two clauses, indicating aspects like time, reason, condition, or contrast. Common examples include because, although, if, when, and since.
2. How are subordinating conjunctions different from coordinating conjunctions?
The main difference lies in the structures they connect. Coordinating conjunctions (like for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) join words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical rank. In contrast, subordinating conjunctions join an independent clause with a dependent clause, creating an unequal relationship where one clause relies on the other for its full meaning.
3. What is a dependent clause and why is it essential for understanding subordinating conjunctions?
A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence. It is essential for understanding subordinating conjunctions because these conjunctions are the very words that introduce a dependent clause and signal its relationship to the main (independent) clause. For example, in "...because it was raining," the phrase is a dependent clause created by the conjunction 'because'.
4. What are the different types of subordinating conjunctions based on their function?
Subordinating conjunctions can be categorised based on the relationship they express:
Time: Show when something happens (e.g., when, while, after, before, since, until, as soon as).
Reason/Cause: Explain why something happens (e.g., because, since, as).
Condition: Set a condition for the main clause to be true (e.g., if, unless, provided that, in case).
Contrast/Concession: Show an opposing or unexpected idea (e.g., although, though, even though, whereas).
Purpose: Indicate the purpose of an action (e.g., so that, in order that).
5. What is the rule for using a comma with a subordinating conjunction?
The rule depends on the position of the dependent clause. If the sentence begins with the dependent clause, you must place a comma after it. For example: "Although it was late, she continued to study." However, if the independent clause comes first, a comma is generally not needed. For example: "She continued to study although it was late."
6. Is it grammatically incorrect to start a sentence with 'because'?
No, it is not grammatically incorrect. You can start a sentence with 'because' or any other subordinating conjunction as long as the dependent clause it introduces is followed by an independent clause to form a complete thought. The error, known as a sentence fragment, occurs when the dependent clause is left to stand on its own. For example, "Because he was tired." is a fragment, but "Because he was tired, he went to bed." is a complete, correct sentence.
7. How do subordinating conjunctions improve writing by creating complex sentences?
Subordinating conjunctions are crucial for elevating writing from a series of simple, choppy sentences to more sophisticated complex sentences. They allow a writer to show precise logical connections between ideas, such as cause-and-effect, contrast, or timing. This adds depth, clarity, and variety to the text, making it more engaging and readable. For instance, instead of "The sun was shining. It was cold," you can write, "Although the sun was shining, it was cold."
8. What are the most common mistakes to avoid when using subordinating conjunctions?
The most common mistakes students should avoid are:
Creating Sentence Fragments: Writing a dependent clause as if it were a complete sentence (e.g., "While the music played.").
Incorrect Comma Usage: Forgetting the comma after an introductory dependent clause or adding an unnecessary comma before a concluding one.
Choosing the Wrong Conjunction: Using a conjunction that doesn't express the intended logical relationship (e.g., using 'if' when 'although' is needed).
9. How do you choose the right subordinating conjunction to show the correct relationship between ideas?
To choose the right conjunction, you must first identify the precise logical connection you want to make. Ask yourself what the relationship is: Is it a cause? A condition? A contrast? For example, to show a reason, use because ("She succeeded because she worked hard."). To set a condition, use if ("She will succeed if she works hard."). To show an unexpected contrast, use although ("She succeeded although the odds were against her."). Selecting the correct word is key to conveying your intended meaning accurately.
10. Can some subordinating conjunctions like 'since' or 'as' have multiple meanings?
Yes, some subordinating conjunctions are tricky because their meaning can change based on the context. It is important to understand these nuances:
Since: Can refer to time ("I have been here since 9 a.m.") or reason ("Since you are busy, I will ask someone else.").
As: Can refer to time ("He called as I was leaving."), reason ("As it's raining, we should cancel the picnic."), or comparison ("He is not as fast as his sister.").
While: Can refer to time ("She read a book while she waited.") or contrast ("While I enjoy rock music, my brother prefers classical.").
