What Is a Subordinating Conjunction? And How to Use Them

Subordinating Conjunction Definition 

Subordinate or subordinate Conjunction is a word or phrase that subordinating a dependent stream to an independent stream. Using this simple Twinkle tutorial wiki page, you and your students can learn how to add subordinates and how to use them in sentences. Tare conjunction that introduce a subordinate clause into a complex sentence. For more information, you may also want to visit our Conjunction Wiki page.

So what are you waiting for? Take a look and learn what you need to know about different subordinate conjunctions, their definitions, place in sentences and how to teach your students to use conjunctions in their sentences with confidence.

What Is a Subordinating Conjunction?

A subordinate conjunction is used in English grammar to connect a dependent clause (or subordinate clause) with an independent clause (or main conjunction) to form a complex sentence. These single words or phrases specify specific information about the sentence, such as time, cause, or condition. Clauses beginning with a subordinate conjunction cannot stand on their own as a complete sentence and they will only be fragments of the sentence.

In contrast to the coordinate conjunction that combine two main strands of the same grammatical rank, the inferior conjunction combine two unequal strands.

List of Subordinating Conjunctions

There are many subordinate conjunctions to keep track, but here is a list of the most commonly used.

• after
• although
• as
• as if
• as long as
• as much as
• as soon as
• as though
• because
• before
• by the time
• even if
• even though
• if
• in order that
• in case
• in the event that
• lest
• now that
• once
• only
• only if
• provided that
• since
• so
• supposing
• that
• than
• though
• till
• unless
• until, when
• whenever
• where
• whereas
• wherever
• whether or not
• while

Although many consider these to be subordinate conjunctions, words such as, but, accordingly, still, otherwise and more are referred to as adjunct adverbs, which are somewhat different from subordinate conjunctions, and are also punctuated separately.

Semantic Categories of Subordinating Conjunctions

As shown, conjunctions can bring different levels of meaning to the text by creating relationships between the clauses. There are six (6) main categories of conjunctions, categorized by meaning: time, discount, comparison, cause, condition and place.

Time
Time-related conjunctions establish a period when the main clause will be or was executed. It include after, as long as, as soon as, before, once, still, when, until, while, and whenever. For example, "I'll cook after everyone goes home" may be said by a hostess who likes to be with her guests while they are there.

Concession
Concession conjunctions help to redefine the mainstream by providing additional context/ subject on the terms of delivery. Concession conjunctions highlight an action that occurred in spite of an obstacle or hindrance and include them though, though and though. An example would be; "Eliza Higgins wrote the report even though it was given to Colonel Pickering."

Comparison
Similarly, the addition of conjunctions— which include, however, where, in contrast, and even—provides the context of the comparison and helps to establish reciprocity. 'Ellen blogged the results of the political meeting against her eternal enemy who only blogged.'

Cause
Because conjunctions illuminate the cause (s) that a mainstream activity was performed and are usually engineered using it, because, so, since, and so on. 'Grant dreamed about cheese because he ate a lot of it the night before.'

Condition
Condition conjunctions introduces rules under which a main clause is performed. These are indicated by even if, in case, if, unless that, and provided. 'I'm not going to the party.' "If he's going to be there. Often, subordinate conjunctions come first in conditional sentences but they are still dependent on the main clause and cannot be left out.

Place
Conjunctions of space determines where activities can take place, where, where, and where included. "I will put my conjunctions to the sentence wherever I want."

Examples of Subordinating Conjunction

Finding subordinate conjunctions is not difficult when you know where to look for them. Use this quote to get started.

• "Mr. Bennett was so bizarre in the quick part, a mixture of satirical humor, reserve, and capris, that three or twenty (20) years of experience were insufficient for his wife to understand his character." -Jen Austen, arrogance and superstition
• "I always do what I can't do, so I can learn how to do it." (Pablo Picasso)
• "If you want to change the world, start with yourself first." (Mahatma Gahandi)
• "When Life Gives You Lemon, Make Lemonade." (Anonymous)

Practice of Exercises Subordinating Conjunction

The following pairs of sentences can be combined into one (1) complex unit using subordinating conjunctions. Try adding different conjunctions and conjunctions to join the sentences until you are the best fit. Remember: For most sentences, the order of the sentence does not matter (as long as the subordinate conjunctions precedes the dependent clause).

• I will help the woman. She deserves it.
• Mick came up. We were talking about her.
• I admire Mr. Alex. He is my enemy.
• I came. You sent for me.
• Mary will come to school. She is able.
• She knows she is wrong. She will not admit it.
• The woman is rich. She is unhappy.
• The Mexican War came on. Jeack was president.
• I shall come Monday. You sent for me.
• Smith wish to be believed. He must tell the truth.
• The cat bites. He ought to be muzzled.
• It would be foolish to set come. It is raining.
• Call me at my new office. You happen to be in city.
• The rat ran up a tree. She was chased by a cat.
• The sun shines brightly. It is very cold.

Watch A Video Summary of Usage

Here is a short video explaining what we mean by subordinate conjunction.

Conclusion

Conjunctions are used in sentences to express an additional or opposite idea, to show the relationship between cause and effect, to show purpose, to show the relation of time and place.

Subordinate conjunction join two elements of the same type, where the two elements do not depend on each other. Subordinate conjunction, on the other hand, add subordinate clauses to the main clause to provide additional details.