Subordinating Conjunctions Definition and Examples

Subordinating Conjunctions help us to connect two parts of a sentence. The words like because, although, and when are subordinating conjunctions. They show us how one part of a sentence depends on the other. If we understand how to use these words correctly, we can make our writing clearer and more interesting.

Subordinating Conjunctions In English

What are Subordinating Conjunctions?

A subordinating conjunction is defined as a word that begins a subordinate clause. Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect dependent clauses to independent clauses. They help us in forming complex sentences.

She stayed home because she was sick.
They went hiking although it was raining.
Call me when you arrive.
You will pass if you study.

Example Words:
Because, although, since, while, after, before, if

Usage of Subordinating Conjunctions:

Cause and Effect
Time
Condition
Contrast
Purpose
Concession
Result
Comparison

1. Cause and Effect:
Cause and effect words help us to express the reason for something happening, because, since, and as.

They canceled the picnic since it started raining.
He missed the train as he overslept.
She failed the exam because she didn’t study.

2. Time:
Time word is used to indicate the timing of events words like after, before, while, since, and when.

We’ll have dinner when she arrives home.
They had already left by the time we arrived.
While I was waiting, he called me.

3. Condition:
Condition word is used to describe conditions like if and unless.

I’ll buy the dress provided that it fits me.
If you study hard, you’ll pass the exam.
She’ll eat dessert if she finishes her dinner.

4. Contrast:
Contrast word is used to to express a contrast between two different clauses such as although, though, and while.

He is very talented, whereas his brother struggles.
Though it was cold, they went for a swim.
She enjoys hiking, while her sister prefers biking.

5. Purpose:
Purpose word is used to indicate the purpose of an action. such as so that and for.

He left early for he had an important meeting.
We turned off the lights so that the baby could sleep.
He took a loan so that he could buy a car.

6. Concession:
Concession is the word that is used to agree to some point. words such as although, though, and even though.

Even though it was raining, they went for a walk.
Although she was tired, she kept working.
He enjoyed the meal, though it wasn’t very spicy.

7. Result:
The result word can be used to describe a result. such as so that, so, and such…that.

He ran so fast that he won the race.
She sang so beautifully that everyone applauded.
The wind was so strong that it blew the roof off.

8. Comparison:
Comparison word helps to create a comparison between two things. such as then and as.

She is more skilled than her peers.
He works harder than anyone else.
She runs as fast as her brother.

Subordinating Conjunctions Rules:

Cause and Effect	Time	Condition	Contrast	Purpose	Concession	Result	Comparison
because	after	if	although	so that	although	so	than
since	before	unless	though	in order that	though	such…that	as
as	when	provided that	whereas	for	even though	that	as much as
	while	assuming that	while		whether or not	thereby	rather than
	since	as long as	even though		albeit	consequently	more than
	until	as soon as	nevertheless		regardless	hence	rather
	whenever	unless	even if		albeit	therefore
	meanwhile		whereas		even if	thus
			whilst		regardless	thereby