Subordinating conjunctions are essential tools for connecting ideas in English sentences. They bridge the gap between an independent clause, which can stand alone as a sentence, and a dependent clause, which cannot. Understanding subordinating conjunctions helps learners write clearer sentences and express relationships such as time, cause and effect, condition, contrast, and purpose.
Understanding Subordinating Conjunctions
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What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
A subordinating conjunction is a word or phrase that links a dependent (subordinate) clause to an independent (main) clause. The dependent clause cannot stand alone and needs the main clause to complete its meaning.
Common examples include: because, although, since, if, when, unless, while, after, before, even though, as long as, until, whereas.
How Do Subordinating Conjunctions Work?
Subordinating conjunctions show the relationship between two ideas. These relationships typically include time, cause, condition, contrast, and purpose.
Cause and Effect Conjunctions
| Vocabulary | IPA (US) | Short Description | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| because | /bɪˈkʌz/ | Shows the reason why something happens. | She stayed home because she was feeling sick. |
| since | /sɪns/ | Indicates cause or reason in a sentence. | Since it was raining heavily, we decided to cancel the picnic. |
| as | /æz/ | Used to explain a cause or reason. | As I was tired, I went to bed early. |
| inasmuch as | /ˌɪnəzˈmʌtʃ æz/ | Formal expression meaning “because” or “since.” | Inasmuch as the project was incomplete, the deadline was extended. |
Time Conjunctions
| Vocabulary | IPA (US) | Short Description | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| after | /ˈæftər/ | Indicates something happens later in time. | We went for a walk after dinner. |
| before | /bɪˈfɔr/ | Shows that an action happens earlier. | Finish your homework before you watch TV. |
| when | /wɛn/ | Refers to a specific moment in time. | Call me when you arrive at the airport. |
| while | /waɪl/ | Indicates two actions happening simultaneously. | She was listening to music while doing her homework. |
| until | /ʌnˈtɪl/ | Shows the time up to which something continues. | We waited until the rain stopped. |
| as soon as | /æz suːn æz/ | Indicates something happens immediately after another event. | I will call you as soon as I get the results. |
| once | /wʌns/ | Means “after something happens.” | Once you finish the task, you can leave early. |
| whenever | /wɛnˈɛvər/ | Indicates every time something happens. | She smiles whenever she sees her little brother. |
Condition Conjunctions
| Vocabulary | IPA (US) | Short Description | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| if | /ɪf/ | Introduces a condition. | If it rains tomorrow, we will stay at home. |
| unless | /ʌnˈlɛs/ | Means “except if.” | You cannot enter the building unless you show your ID. |
| provided that | /prəˈvaɪdɪd ðæt/ | Used to introduce a condition that must be met. | You can borrow my laptop provided that you return it tomorrow. |
| supposing | /səˈpoʊzɪŋ/ | Introduces a hypothetical condition. | Supposing he arrives late, what should we do? |
| if only | /ɪf ˈoʊnli/ | Used to express a wish or strong condition. | If only I had more time, I would travel around the world. |
| in case | /ɪn keɪs/ | Used for precautions or possible situations. | Take an umbrella in case it rains later. |
Contrast Conjunctions
| Vocabulary | IPA (US) | Short Description | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| although | /ɔlˈðoʊ/ | Introduces a contrast between two ideas. | Although he was tired, he continued working on the project. |
| even though | /ˈivən ðoʊ/ | Emphasizes a stronger contrast. | Even though the weather was cold, they went swimming. |
| though | /ðoʊ/ | Informal form of “although.” | She decided to go out though she felt a little sick. |
| whereas | /ˌwɛrˈæz/ | Shows contrast between two clauses. | I prefer tea, whereas my brother prefers coffee. |
| while | /waɪl/ | Sometimes used to indicate contrast between ideas. | While some people enjoy traveling alone, others prefer going with friends. |
Purpose Conjunctions
| Vocabulary | IPA (US) | Short Description | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| so that | /soʊ ðæt/ | Indicates the purpose of an action. | She spoke loudly so that everyone in the room could hear her. |
| in order that | /ɪn ˈɔrdər ðæt/ | Formal expression showing purpose. | He saved money in order that he could buy a new car. |
| lest | /lɛst/ | Means “for fear that something might happen.” | She whispered lest she wake the sleeping baby. |
Word Order with Subordinating Conjunctions
The position of the subordinating conjunction affects punctuation.
1. Subordinate Clause First
Use a comma after the clause.
Example: Because it was late, we decided to leave.
2. Main Clause First
Usually no comma is needed.
Example: We decided to leave because it was late.
Note: With strong contrast conjunctions such as whereas or while, a comma is often used even when the subordinate clause appears second.
Example: I prefer tea, whereas my brother prefers coffee.
List of Subordinating Conjunctions
The following table presents commonly used subordinating conjunctions in English grammar. Incorrect or rarely used forms have been removed to ensure grammatical accuracy.
| Vocabulary | IPA (US) | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| after | /ˈæftər/ | Introduces a clause showing time after an event. |
| although | /ɔlˈðoʊ/ | Shows contrast between two clauses. |
| as | /æz/ | Indicates time, reason, or manner. |
| as if | /æz ɪf/ | Used to compare something unreal or imagined. |
| as long as | /æz lɔŋ æz/ | Expresses condition or duration. |
| as much as | /æz mʌtʃ æz/ | Indicates comparison or emphasis. |
| as soon as | /æz suːn æz/ | Shows that something happens immediately. |
| as though | /æz ðoʊ/ | Similar meaning to “as if.” |
| because | /bɪˈkʌz/ | Introduces the cause or reason. |
| before | /bɪˈfɔr/ | Shows that something happens earlier. |
| even if | /ˈivən ɪf/ | Introduces a hypothetical condition. |
| even though | /ˈivən ðoʊ/ | Indicates strong contrast. |
| if | /ɪf/ | Introduces a condition. |
| if only | /ɪf ˈoʊnli/ | Expresses wishes or regrets. |
| inasmuch as | /ˌɪnəzˈmʌtʃ æz/ | Formal expression meaning “because.” |
| in order that | /ɪn ˈɔrdər ðæt/ | Introduces purpose. |
| just as | /dʒʌst æz/ | Used for comparison. |
| lest | /lɛst/ | Means “for fear that.” |
| now that | /naʊ ðæt/ | Used to show a new situation. |
| once | /wʌns/ | Means “after something happens.” |
| provided that | /prəˈvaɪdɪd ðæt/ | Introduces a required condition. |
| since | /sɪns/ | Shows reason or time. |
| so that | /soʊ ðæt/ | Expresses purpose. |
| supposing | /səˈpoʊzɪŋ/ | Used for hypothetical situations. |
| than | /ðæn/ | Used for comparisons. |
| that | /ðæt/ | Introduces noun clauses. |
| though | /ðoʊ/ | Shows contrast. |
| till | /tɪl/ | Means “until a certain time.” |
| unless | /ʌnˈlɛs/ | Means “except if.” |
| until | /ʌnˈtɪl/ | Indicates duration until something happens. |
| when | /wɛn/ | Introduces a time clause. |
| whenever | /wɛnˈɛvər/ | Means “every time that.” |
| where | /wɛr/ | Refers to a place. |
| whereas | /ˌwɛrˈæz/ | Introduces contrast between clauses. |
| wherever | /wɛrˈɛvər/ | Means “in any place that.” |
| whether | /ˈwɛðər/ | Introduces alternatives or choices. |
| while | /waɪl/ | Indicates time or contrast. |
Let’s practice subordinating conjunction worksheets and exercises.
Josiah Beadeh
Monday 18th of September 2023
Can I get more Examples of subordinating conjunction
shane
Thursday 2nd of February 2023
amazing site
Venom
Friday 13th of January 2023
hi so i like it but why so short
someone
Tuesday 20th of September 2022
this is so sweet of however made this
Loba
Wednesday 7th of September 2022
daddy