Subordinating Conjunctions: Common Uses, Examples & Worksheets

What Is a Subordinating Conjunction?

In simple terms, a subordinating conjunction is a word or phrase used to combine a dependent clause (also known as a subordinate clause) and an independent clause (also known as a main clause) in a sentence. For a better understanding, let's look at the basic example.

For example

• She was annoyed, the bus had stopped.

Here in this example, we can add "because" and link the dependent clause to "the bus had stopped" with the main clause "she was annoyed".

• She was annoyed because the bus had stopped.

In essence, the dependent clause cannot stand as its own sentence as it depends on an independent clause to complete the sentence. The dependent clause provides information about the independent clause, such as time, reason, or a certain condition.

After understanding the meaning of a subordinating conjunction, it is fair to say that with its correct use, you can easily form complex sentences that are key to professional communication.

Structure of Sentences with Subordinating Conjunctions

Structuring sentences with subordinating conjunction words is simple if you learn the placement of both clauses to form a sound and meaningful sentence. Subordinating conjunctions are more like go-betweens that structure sentences. Here is a detailed explanation of the structuring of sentences with the help of these conjunctions.

Basic Sentence Structure: The commonly used structure that goes like: an independent clause + a subordinating conjunction + a dependent clause. It might still sound confusing to many of you. Here is an example for better understanding.

For Example:

• I stayed home because it was raining

Alternative Structure: Structuring sentences alternately is also possible, where the dependent clause comes first and a comma is used to separate it from the main clause. It goes like; Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause +, + Independent Clause.

For Example:

• Because it was raining, I stayed home."

Alternative Common Uses of Subordinating Conjunctions

While you are learning about the functions of the subordinating conjunctions, it is vital to understand that they do more than just introduce independent clauses. Read further to gain a detailed insight.

Signalling Relationships of Time

Subordinating conjunctions like "when," "before," "after," "while," "since," "as," "until," and "once" are used to tell when an action in the relative clause occurs relative to the action in the independent clause.

For example

• After they finished their practice session, the players went to rest.

Signalling Relationships of Place

Subordinating conjunctions like "where" and "whenever" are frequently used to specify the location of the action in the independent clause.

For example

• They built a house where the old one used to be.

Comma Placement

A subordinate conjunction in the middle of the sentence does not have a comma preceding it. However, if a sentence starts with a subordinating conjunction, then we use a comma at the end of its clause.

For example, a subordinating conjunction in the middle of a sentence (no comma)

• I'll ping you when I arrive.

For example, a subordinating conjunction at the beginning of a sentence (a comma)

• When I arrive, I'll call you.

List of Subordinating Conjunctions for Everyday Use

Now that you have learned how this grammatical element is used in various contexts, given below is the list of subordinating conjunctions that are commonly used in everyday situations.

While you learn these conjunctions, one important point to remember is that these conjunctions can be used in multiple contexts to indicate a different meaning.

Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions in Sentences

Before we go ahead with the topic, let us help you get familiar with subordinating conjunctions examples to understand their use. Given below is the list categorised by meaning with an example sentence.

Subordinating Vs. Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating and Subordinating conjunctions both connect the clauses within the sentence. However, the catch is that both have their own different ways to do so.

Subordinate conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause and clarify an association between them. On the other hand, coordinating conjunctions join the independent clauses to form sound sentences.

The table below explains the difference between the two conjunctions in more detail.

Subordinating Conjunction Worksheet

While you have learned the subordinate conjunction meaning with the help of functions and examples, it's time to test your knowledge. Go ahead and solve the subordinating conjunctions worksheet given for your practice.

Practice Exercise 1: Combine the Sentences

Given below are a pair of sentences; your task is to combine the sentences using an appropriate subordinating conjunction. Make sure the new sentence is grammatically correct.

1. He was tired. He stayed up late to finish the syllabus.
2. The children were excited. They went to the watch the movie.
3. The event was amazing. Everyone danced until midnight.
4. Alex didn’t want to go. His cousins convinced her to join.
5. He was carefully painting the room. We owned the house.
6. My sister was watching her favourite show. She was cooking dinner
7. He can visit his grandma. His family travels to Chicago this summer
8. We are going to work faster. We don’t need to be done until weekend.
9. I love the mall. I wish it were closer to my house.
10. You should bring a jacket. It might get cold later.

Answers for Exercise 1

1. He was tired, although he stayed up late to finish the syllabus.
2. The children were excited because they went to watch the movie.
3. The event was amazing and everyone danced until midnight.
4. Alex didn’t want to go, but his cousins convinced her to join.
5. He was carefully painting the room because we owned the house.
6. My sister was watching her favourite show while she was cooking dinner.
7. He can visit his grandma if his family travels to Chicago this summer.
8. We are going to work faster because we don’t need to be done until the weekend.
9. I love the mall, but I wish it were closer to my house.
10. You should bring a jacket in case it might get cold later.

Practice Exercise 2: Fill in The Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct subordinating conjunction. Pick from the list provided (because, although, while, if, since, unless, after, before, as soon as, when)

1. I decided to stay home from office _______ I was not feeling well.
2. __________ it was raining, they decided to go for a drive.
3. We’ll leave __________ she finishes her project.
4. You can watch a series __________ you finish your chores.
5. __________ the party ended, crowed cheered loudly.
6. I will not go to the event __________ you come with me.
7. __________ I saw him, he looked really happy.
8. He didn’t know the actual situation, __________ he guessed.
9. __________ she prepared hard, she still didn’t pass the exam.
10. We should leave __________ the match starts.

Answers for Exercise 2

1. I decided to stay home from office because I was not feeling well.
2. Although it was raining, they decided to go for a drive.
3. We’ll leave after she finishes her project.
4. You can watch a series if you finish your chores.
5. As soon as the party ended, crowed cheered loudly.
6. I will not go to the event unless you come with me.
7. when I saw him, he looked really happy.
8. He didn’t know the actual situation, but he guessed.
9. Although she prepared hard, she still didn’t pass the exam.
10. We should leave before the match starts.

Conclusion

This sums up our learning journey of subordinating conjunctions. We hope this guide has helped you to learn this crucial grammatical element. These conjunctions are often confused with coordinating conjunctions; however, they function distinctly. Learning this type of conjunction is vital for you as it allows you to express nuanced relationships among ideas that make writing and speaking more sophisticated and clear.

Now, if you are considering enhancing your grammatical knowledge, feel free to connect with our experts. They will guide you and help you improve your language skills.

FAQs

1. What is a subordinating conjunction?

A subordinating conjunction is a word or a phrase that links the dependent clauses to the independent clauses. These conjunctions show a cause-and-effect relationship or a shift in time or place.

2. What are the 23 subordinating conjunctions?

Some of the common subordinating conjunctions are after, although, as, as if, as long as, because, before, despite, even if, even though, if, in order that, rather than, since, so that, that, though, unless, until, when, where, whereas, whether, and while.

3. How to remember common subordinating conjunctions for everyday use?

One helpful trick to learn a few common subordinating conjunctions for everyday use is to remember the word "BASICS". It is an acronym for before, after, since, if cause, so that. Further, with the effective practice, you can learn various subordinating conjunctions for everyday use.

4. How do you use subordinating conjunctions in a sentence?

In order to use subordinating conjunctions in a sentence, just place them at the beginning of the dependent clause. If it comes before the independent clause, then use a comma at the end.

5. Can subordinating conjunctions start a sentence?

Yes, subordinating conjunctions often begin a sentence whenever the dependent clause comes first.