What Is a Subordinating Conjunction? Usage & Examples

What Is A Subordinating Conjunction? Explore its definition, usage, and examples with WHAT.EDU.VN. We’ll break down how these essential words connect clauses, creating complex and meaningful sentences. Learn to master grammar and improve your writing skills effortlessly. Discover various types of conjunctions with examples.

1. Understanding Subordinating Conjunctions: The Basics

A subordinating conjunction is a word or phrase that connects a dependent (or subordinate) clause to an independent (or main) clause. This connection indicates that the dependent clause adds informative value to the sentence’s primary idea, often showing a cause-and-effect relationship, or a shift in time, place, or condition between the two clauses. In essence, it transforms a simple sentence into a complex one, enriching the meaning and providing context. Subordinating conjunctions are essential tools for crafting sophisticated and nuanced writing.

Think of it this way: an independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while a dependent clause cannot. The subordinating conjunction is the glue that binds them, making the dependent clause rely on the independent clause for its full meaning.

2. Defining Dependent and Independent Clauses

To fully grasp the role of subordinating conjunctions, it’s essential to understand the difference between dependent and independent clauses.

• Independent Clause: This is a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence. It contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete idea.

  • Example: The dog barked.

• Dependent Clause: This clause also contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. It relies on an independent clause to form a complete sentence. A subordinating conjunction usually introduces it.

  • Example: Because it was raining.

When you combine these two types of clauses using a subordinating conjunction, you create a complex sentence:

• Example: Because it was raining, the dog barked.

3. Common Subordinating Conjunctions

There are numerous subordinating conjunctions in the English language. Here is an extensive list, categorized by their primary function:

Category	Subordinating Conjunctions	Example Sentence
Time	after, as, as long as, as soon as, before, by the time, once, since, till, until, when, whenever, while	After the movie ended, we went for dinner.
Cause and Effect	as, because, since, so that, in order that	I studied hard because I wanted to pass the exam.
Condition	if, only if, unless, provided that, assuming that, in case (that), as long as	If it rains, we will stay inside.
Contrast/Concession	although, though, even though, whereas, while	Although it was difficult, she completed the project.
Place	where, wherever	You can sit wherever you like.
Manner	as, as if, as though	He acted as if nothing had happened.
Purpose	that, in order that, so that, lest	She saved money so that she could travel.
Comparison	than, rather than, whether	He is taller than I am.
Reason	as, because, since	Since you are busy, I will do it myself.
Extent	so far as, insofar as	Insofar as it is possible, we will help you.
Circumstance	in that, considering that	The plan is good in that it saves money.
Preference	rather than	I would prefer to read a book rather than watch TV.
Doubt	whether	I doubt whether he will come.
Exclusion	except that	The movie was great except that it was too long.
Addition	where, whereas, while	The rich get richer, whereas the poor get poorer.
Equivalence	in that	The two situations are similar in that they both involve risk.
Limitation	although, even if, except that	Even if it is raining, I will go for a walk.
Condition (Unless)	unless	Unless you study, you will fail.

4. Subordinating Conjunctions Showing Cause and Effect

These conjunctions illustrate a direct relationship between two actions or events, indicating why something happened.

• Because: Directly states the reason for something.

  • Example: I am happy because I passed my exam.

• Since: Similar to “because” but often implies a time relationship as well.

  • Example: Since it’s raining, we’ll stay inside.

• As: Can mean “because” and often introduces a well-known or obvious reason.

  • Example: As it was getting late, we decided to go home.

• So that: Indicates purpose or intention.

  • Example: I exercise regularly so that I can stay healthy.

5. Subordinating Conjunctions Signaling Time or Place

These conjunctions show when or where something happens in relation to another event.

• When: Indicates a specific time.

  • Example: I always drink coffee when I wake up.

• While: Indicates that two actions occur simultaneously.

  • Example: I listen to music while I work.

• Before: Indicates an action that happens prior to another.

  • Example: I always brush my teeth before I go to bed.

• After: Indicates an action that happens following another.

  • Example: After I finish work, I go to the gym.

• Where: Indicates a location.

  • Example: I love to visit the park where I used to play as a child.

• Wherever: Indicates any place.

  • Example: I will follow you wherever you go.

• Until: Indicates up to a certain time.

  • Example: I will wait here until you return.

• As soon as: Indicates immediately after something happens.

  • Example: I will call you as soon as I arrive.

6. Conditional Subordinating Conjunctions

These conjunctions express a condition that must be met for something else to happen.

• If: Introduces a possible condition.

  • Example: If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.

• Unless: Means “except if” and introduces a negative condition.

  • Example: Unless you study, you will not pass the exam.

• Provided that: Similar to “if,” but often implies a stronger condition.

  • Example: Provided that you have a ticket, you can enter the concert.

• In case: Indicates a precaution.

  • Example: Take an umbrella in case it rains.

7. Concessive Subordinating Conjunctions

These conjunctions introduce a clause that contrasts with the main clause but does not prevent it from being true.

• Although: Introduces a contrast or unexpected element.

  • Example: Although it was difficult, she completed the marathon.

• Though: Similar to “although” but can be less formal.

  • Example: Though he was tired, he continued working.

• Even though: Emphasizes the contrast more strongly than “although.”

  • Example: Even though it was expensive, I bought the car.

• Whereas: Used to show a direct contrast between two things.

  • Example: Some people like coffee, whereas others prefer tea.

8. Comma Placement with Subordinating Conjunctions

Comma usage with subordinating conjunctions depends on the order of the clauses:

• When the dependent clause comes first: Place a comma at the end of the dependent clause.

  • Example: Because it was raining, I took an umbrella.

• When the independent clause comes first: Generally, do not use a comma.

  • Example: I took an umbrella because it was raining.

However, a comma might be necessary if the dependent clause is nonessential or adds extra information:

• Example: She wore a hat, even though it wasn’t cold.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Misusing Commas: The most common mistake is incorrect comma placement. Remember the rule: comma after the dependent clause only when it comes first.
• Confusing Subordinating and Coordinating Conjunctions: Coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so – FANBOYS) join two independent clauses. Subordinating conjunctions make one clause dependent on the other.
• Using Incorrect Conjunctions: Ensure the conjunction you choose accurately reflects the relationship between the clauses. For example, don’t use “because” when you mean “although.”
• Omitting the Subordinating Conjunction: A dependent clause must be introduced by a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun. Don’t leave it out.

10. How to Identify Subordinating Conjunctions

Identifying subordinating conjunctions can be tricky. Here are some tips:

• Look for common words: Familiarize yourself with the list of common subordinating conjunctions.
• Check for clause dependency: Determine if one of the clauses cannot stand alone as a sentence. If it can’t, it’s likely a dependent clause introduced by a subordinating conjunction.
• Understand the relationship: Identify the relationship between the clauses (time, cause, condition, etc.). This will help you confirm that the conjunction is appropriate.
• Try rearranging the sentence: If moving the clause introduced by the conjunction requires adding a comma, it’s likely a subordinating conjunction.

11. Exercises to Practice

To reinforce your understanding, try these exercises:

• Identify the subordinating conjunctions in the following sentences:

  1. After the rain stopped, the sun came out.
  2. I will call you when I get home.
  3. Although she was tired, she finished the race.
  4. Because he studied hard, he passed the test.
  5. If you need help, let me know.

• Combine the following sentences using appropriate subordinating conjunctions:

  1. I was late. The bus was delayed.
  2. She is happy. She received a gift.
  3. He wants to travel. He saves money.
  4. We will go to the beach. It is sunny.
  5. I finished my work. I went to bed.

• Write five sentences using different subordinating conjunctions.

12. Subordinating Conjunctions vs. Coordinating Conjunctions

It’s crucial to differentiate subordinating conjunctions from coordinating conjunctions. Coordinating conjunctions connect two independent clauses, creating a compound sentence. They are easily remembered using the acronym FANBOYS:

• For

• And

• Nor

• But

• Or

• Yet

• So

• Example of coordinating conjunction: I wanted to go to the park, but it was raining.

Key Differences:

Feature	Subordinating Conjunctions	Coordinating Conjunctions
Clause Type	Connect a dependent clause to an independent clause	Connect two independent clauses
Sentence Type	Create complex sentences	Create compound sentences
Comma Usage	Comma after dependent clause when it comes first	Comma before the coordinating conjunction
Common Examples	because, since, when, if, although, while	for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
Clause Independence	One clause cannot stand alone	Both clauses can stand alone
Relationship	Establishes a relationship of time, cause, condition, contrast, etc. between the clauses	Adds information, contrasts, or presents alternatives between the clauses
Flexibility	Can often be moved to different positions in the sentence, affecting emphasis	Typically placed between the two independent clauses
Dependent Clause Start	Often starts a dependent clause, making it subordinate to the independent clause	Does not start clauses; connects two equally important clauses
Emphasis	Can emphasize one clause over another, showing that one idea is more important or dependent on the other	Provides equal weight to both clauses, suggesting that both ideas are equally important
Sentence Complexity	Increases sentence complexity by adding layers of meaning and connections between ideas	Connects ideas in a straightforward manner, creating longer sentences without necessarily adding layers of complexity
Joining Ability	Primarily joins unequal elements (dependent and independent clauses) to form a complex thought	Joins equal elements (two independent clauses) to form a compound thought
Effect on Meaning	Significantly impacts the meaning of the sentence by establishing the relationship between the dependent and independent clauses	Primarily adds to the sentence without significantly changing the relationship or importance of the connected clauses

13. Subordinating Conjunctions vs. Relative Pronouns

Another point of confusion is between subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns. Relative pronouns (who, whom, which, that, whose) introduce adjective clauses, which modify nouns or pronouns.

• Example of relative pronoun: The book that I borrowed was very interesting.

Key Differences:

Feature	Subordinating Conjunctions	Relative Pronouns
Clause Type	Introduce adverbial clauses (dependent clauses that modify the verb in the independent clause)	Introduce adjective clauses (dependent clauses that modify a noun or pronoun)
Function	Connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, showing relationships like time or cause	Relate an adjective clause to a noun or pronoun in the main clause; act as the subject or object within the adjective clause
Relationship	Establish a relationship of time, cause, condition, contrast, etc. between the clauses	Provide additional information about a noun or pronoun; specify or describe which one is being referred to
Common Examples	because, since, when, if, although, while	who, whom, which, that, whose
Modification	Modify the verb, adjective, or adverb in the main clause	Modify a noun or pronoun in the main clause
Clause Importance	Dependent clause provides context or conditions for the action in the independent clause	Adjective clause adds descriptive detail or identification to a noun or pronoun in the main clause; it is not essential to the basic meaning of the independent clause
Essential Information	Can be essential to the meaning of the sentence, providing necessary context	Can be essential or non-essential; non-essential clauses are set off by commas and provide additional but not critical information

14. Examples in Literature

Literature is filled with examples of subordinating conjunctions enhancing the depth and complexity of sentences.

• “Because I could not stop for Death – He kindly stopped for me –” – Emily Dickinson
• “When sorrows come, they come not single spies, But in battalions.” – William Shakespeare
• “If music be the food of love, play on.” – William Shakespeare
• “Though she be but little, she is fierce.” – William Shakespeare

15. The Role of Subordinating Conjunctions in Writing

Mastering subordinating conjunctions is crucial for effective writing. They allow you to:

• Express complex ideas: Combine simple ideas into more nuanced and sophisticated sentences.
• Show relationships: Clearly illustrate the connections between different parts of your message.
• Vary sentence structure: Avoid monotonous, repetitive writing by using a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences.
• Improve clarity: Make your writing more precise and easier to understand by specifying the relationships between ideas.
• Enhance flow: Create smoother transitions between ideas, making your writing more engaging.

16. Subordinating Conjunctions in Academic Writing

In academic writing, the correct use of subordinating conjunctions is paramount. They help to:

• Present evidence: Provide reasons and explanations for your arguments.
• Draw conclusions: Show the logical connections between your data and your interpretations.
• Acknowledge opposing viewpoints: Introduce counterarguments and show how they relate to your thesis.
• Provide context: Offer background information and set the stage for your analysis.
• Demonstrate critical thinking: Show that you understand the complexities of your topic and can analyze it from multiple angles.

17. Tips for Effective Usage

• Choose the right conjunction: Select the conjunction that best expresses the relationship you want to convey.
• Vary your sentence structure: Use a mix of sentences that begin with subordinating conjunctions and those that don’t.
• Read your writing aloud: This will help you catch awkward phrasing and ensure that your sentences flow smoothly.
• Get feedback: Ask a friend, teacher, or writing center to review your work and provide suggestions for improvement.
• Practice regularly: The more you write, the more comfortable you will become with using subordinating conjunctions correctly.
• Avoid overuse: While subordinating conjunctions are important, using too many in a single piece of writing can make it sound dense and convoluted.
• Be clear and concise: Use subordinating conjunctions to enhance clarity, not to obscure your meaning.
• Know the context: Understand the nuances of each subordinating conjunction and how they affect the meaning of the sentence.

18. Improving Your Writing Skills

To enhance your writing skills, consider these strategies:

• Read widely: Expose yourself to different styles of writing and pay attention to how authors use subordinating conjunctions.
• Practice regularly: Write every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
• Get feedback: Ask others to review your work and provide constructive criticism.
• Take a writing course: Consider enrolling in a class or workshop to learn more about grammar, style, and composition.
• Use online resources: Take advantage of websites, apps, and software programs that can help you improve your writing skills.
• Review grammar rules: Periodically refresh your knowledge of grammar and punctuation.
• Edit carefully: Take the time to revise and edit your writing before submitting it.

19. Common Subordinating Conjunctions Usage Table

This table provides a quick reference for the most common subordinating conjunctions and their typical uses:

Subordinating Conjunction	Meaning/Use	Example Sentence
Because	States the reason for something	I am happy because I passed my exam.
Since	Similar to “because” but often implies a time relationship as well	Since it’s raining, we’ll stay inside.
When	Indicates a specific time	I always drink coffee when I wake up.
While	Indicates that two actions occur simultaneously	I listen to music while I work.
If	Introduces a possible condition	If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.
Although	Introduces a contrast or unexpected element	Although it was difficult, she completed the marathon.
Where	Indicates a location	I love to visit the park where I used to play as a child.
Unless	Means “except if” and introduces a negative condition	Unless you study, you will not pass the exam.
After	Indicates an action that happens following another	After I finish work, I go to the gym.
Before	Indicates an action that happens prior to another	I always brush my teeth before I go to bed.
So that	Indicates purpose or intention	I exercise regularly so that I can stay healthy.
Even though	Emphasizes the contrast more strongly than “although”	Even though it was expensive, I bought the car.
As long as	Indicates a condition that must be maintained for something else to happen	As long as you promise to be careful, you can borrow my car.
As soon as	Indicates that something will happen immediately after another event	As soon as the bell rings, you may leave the classroom.
In order that	Expresses a purpose or aim	She saved money in order that she could travel the world.

20. Advanced Tips and Tricks

For those looking to master subordinating conjunctions completely, here are some advanced tips:

• Use them to create complex arguments: Subordinating conjunctions can help you build sophisticated and persuasive arguments by showing the relationships between different pieces of evidence.
• Pay attention to nuance: Different subordinating conjunctions have slightly different meanings, so choose the one that best expresses the relationship you want to convey.
• Use them sparingly: While subordinating conjunctions are important, overusing them can make your writing sound convoluted.
• Practice varying your sentence structure: Experiment with different ways of using subordinating conjunctions to create a variety of sentence structures.
• Study the writing of skilled authors: Pay attention to how skilled authors use subordinating conjunctions to create effective and engaging prose.

21. Subordinating Conjunctions and Sentence Variety

Varying sentence structure is a key aspect of engaging writing. Using subordinating conjunctions effectively allows you to move beyond simple subject-verb sentences and create more dynamic prose.

• Start with a dependent clause: Although the weather was bad, we still went for a walk.
• Embed a dependent clause in the middle of the independent clause: The book, because it was so popular, was reprinted several times.
• End with a dependent clause: She smiled because she was happy.

By mixing up your sentence structure, you can keep your readers engaged and prevent your writing from becoming monotonous.

22. Subordinating Conjunctions in Different Contexts

The use of subordinating conjunctions can vary depending on the context of your writing. In formal writing, it’s important to use precise and sophisticated conjunctions to convey your ideas clearly. In informal writing, you can use more casual conjunctions and sentence structures.

• Formal: Inasmuch as the data supports the hypothesis, further research is warranted.
• Informal: Since the data supports the hypothesis, we should do more research.

23. Subordinating Conjunctions and Coherence

Subordinating conjunctions play a crucial role in creating coherent and cohesive writing. They help to:

• Connect ideas logically: By showing the relationships between different parts of your message, subordinating conjunctions help to create a clear and logical flow of ideas.
• Create transitions: Subordinating conjunctions can be used to create smooth transitions between sentences and paragraphs.
• Guide the reader: By using subordinating conjunctions effectively, you can guide your reader through your writing and help them understand your message.

24. Common Pitfalls in Using Subordinating Conjunctions

Even experienced writers can make mistakes when using subordinating conjunctions. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Using the wrong conjunction: Make sure you choose the conjunction that accurately reflects the relationship between the clauses.
• Misplacing commas: Remember the rules for comma placement with subordinating conjunctions.
• Creating sentence fragments: Make sure that your dependent clauses are attached to independent clauses.
• Writing run-on sentences: Avoid stringing together multiple independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
• Using too many subordinating conjunctions: Overusing subordinating conjunctions can make your writing sound convoluted and difficult to understand.

25. Real-World Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions

To further illustrate the use of subordinating conjunctions, here are some real-world examples:

• News Article: Although the economy is improving, unemployment remains high.
• Scientific Paper: Because the sample size was small, the results should be interpreted with caution.
• Novel: As she walked through the forest, she felt a sense of peace.
• Blog Post: If you want to improve your writing skills, practice regularly.
• Legal Document: Unless the defendant can provide evidence to the contrary, he will be found guilty.

26. The History of Subordinating Conjunctions

The history of subordinating conjunctions is closely tied to the development of the English language itself. Many of these words have evolved over centuries, with their meanings and usages shaped by various linguistic influences.

• Old English: Some subordinating conjunctions have roots in Old English (e.g., “þæt” which evolved into “that”).
• Middle English: During this period, many French words entered the English language, influencing the development of new conjunctions and altering the usage of existing ones.
• Modern English: The standardization of English grammar in the 18th and 19th centuries led to more formal rules for using subordinating conjunctions.

27. Resources for Further Learning

To deepen your understanding of subordinating conjunctions, here are some helpful resources:

• Grammar Websites: Websites like Grammarly, Purdue OWL, and Khan Academy offer detailed explanations and examples.
• Grammar Books: “The Elements of Style” by Strunk and White and “English Grammar in Use” by Raymond Murphy are excellent resources.
• Writing Centers: Many colleges and universities have writing centers that offer tutoring and workshops on grammar and writing skills.
• Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer courses on English grammar and writing.

28. Subordinating Conjunctions and Sentence Clarity

Using subordinating conjunctions correctly can significantly enhance sentence clarity. By clearly showing the relationship between different parts of a sentence, you can help your readers understand your message more easily.

• Example: Unclear: The weather was bad. We still went for a walk.
• *Clear: Although the weather was bad, we still went for a walk.

29. Subordinating Conjunctions and Persuasive Writing

In persuasive writing, subordinating conjunctions can be powerful tools for building your argument. By using conjunctions like “because,” “since,” and “if,” you can provide reasons, evidence, and conditions to support your claims.

• Example: Because the evidence is so compelling, we must conclude that the defendant is guilty.

30. Subordinating Conjunctions and Storytelling

In storytelling, subordinating conjunctions can help you create vivid and engaging narratives. By using conjunctions like “when,” “while,” and “as,” you can describe the sequence of events and create a sense of atmosphere.

• Example: As she walked through the dark forest, she heard a twig snap.

31. Subordinating Conjunctions and Academic Research

In academic research, subordinating conjunctions are essential for presenting your findings clearly and accurately. By using conjunctions like “because,” “since,” and “although,” you can explain your methodology, discuss your results, and draw conclusions.

• Example: Although the sample size was small, the results suggest a significant correlation between the two variables.

32. FAQ: Subordinating Conjunctions

Here are some frequently asked questions about subordinating conjunctions:

Question	Answer
What is a subordinating conjunction?	A word or phrase that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause.
Can a sentence start with a subordinating conjunction?	Yes, but you must follow the dependent clause with a comma.
What are some common subordinating conjunctions?	Because, since, when, if, although, while, where, unless, after, before, so that, even though.
How do I use a comma with a subordinating conjunction?	If the dependent clause comes first, use a comma after it. If the independent clause comes first, you usually don’t need a comma.
What is the difference between a subordinating and coordinating conjunction?	A subordinating conjunction connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, while a coordinating conjunction connects two independent clauses.
Can I overuse subordinating conjunctions?	Yes, using too many subordinating conjunctions can make your writing sound convoluted and difficult to understand.
What is a dependent clause?	A clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence and is introduced by a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun.
What is an independent clause?	A clause that can stand alone as a sentence and expresses a complete thought.
How can I improve my use of subordinating conjunctions?	Practice writing regularly, read widely, get feedback on your work, and study grammar rules.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when using subordinating conjunctions?	Using the wrong conjunction, misplacing commas, creating sentence fragments, writing run-on sentences, and overusing subordinating conjunctions.
Why are subordinating conjunctions important in writing?	They allow you to express complex ideas, show relationships between different parts of your message, vary sentence structure, improve clarity, and enhance flow.
How do subordinating conjunctions contribute to sentence variety?	They allow you to start sentences with dependent clauses, embed dependent clauses in the middle of independent clauses, and end sentences with dependent clauses.
What role do subordinating conjunctions play in storytelling?	They help you create vivid and engaging narratives by describing the sequence of events and creating a sense of atmosphere.
How are subordinating conjunctions used in academic research?	They are essential for presenting your findings clearly and accurately by explaining your methodology, discussing your results, and drawing conclusions.
Can subordinating conjunctions be used to build persuasive arguments?	Yes, by providing reasons, evidence, and conditions to support your claims.

33. Subordinating Conjunctions and Critical Thinking

Using subordinating conjunctions effectively demonstrates critical thinking. These conjunctions require you to consider relationships between ideas, acknowledge conditions, and present nuanced arguments.

• Example: “Even though the initial results were promising, further research is needed to confirm these findings.” This sentence demonstrates an understanding of the complexities involved in research.

34. The Art of Subordination

Mastering subordinating conjunctions is about more than just grammar; it’s about the art of subordination. It’s about understanding how to connect ideas in a way that creates a coherent, engaging, and persuasive message.

35. Conclusion: Elevate Your Writing with Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are indispensable tools for effective communication. By understanding their function and usage, you can elevate your writing skills, enhance your clarity, and express your ideas with greater precision and nuance. So, embrace these words, practice their application, and watch your writing transform. Mastering the art of subordinating conjunctions is a journey towards becoming a more articulate and persuasive writer.

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