List of Common Subordinating Conjunctions with Meanings and Examples
Subordinating conjunctions are important in connecting ideas, especially in school exams, clear writing, and daily conversations. Understanding them helps students improve sentence structure, manage grammar questions, and express thoughts with more detail or contrast. At Vedantu, we explain subordinating conjunctions so you can write and speak better English every day.
| Subordinating Conjunction | Relationship | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| After | Time | We went home after the show ended. |
| Because | Cause/Reason | He left early because he felt sick. |
| Although | Contrast | Although it was raining, they played football. |
| If | Condition | If you study, you will pass. |
| When | Time | Call me when you arrive. |
| Unless | Condition | She won’t go unless you invite her. |
| Since | Time/Cause | She has been happy since she won. |
| While | Time/Contrast | They talked while walking. |
| Before | Time | Wash your hands before you eat. |
| Though | Contrast | Though tired, he finished his work. |
| Until | Time | I will wait until you call. |
| As | Cause/Time | I left as it grew dark. |
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. They help show the link between two ideas. Using subordinating conjunctions in English grammar lets you explain reasons, time, conditions, and contrasts in your writing or speech.
Types of Subordinating Conjunctions in English Grammar
- Time: when, after, before, since, until, while
- Cause/Reason: because, since, as, so that
- Condition: if, unless, provided that, in case
- Contrast/Concession: although, though, even though, whereas
- Place: where, wherever
- Purpose: so that, in order that
Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions in Sentences
- She went inside because it was cold.
- After he finished, he relaxed.
- If you call me, I will answer.
- Although Sara was tired, she finished her project.
- We will start when everyone is ready.
- Unless it rains, we will play outside.
Subordinating vs Coordinating Conjunctions
| Subordinating Conjunctions | Coordinating Conjunctions |
|---|---|
| Connect dependent to independent clauses | Connect words, phrases, or independent clauses |
| Create complex sentences | Create compound sentences |
| Examples: because, if, although | Examples: and, but, or, so, yet |
| Show relationships (time, cause, condition, etc.) | Links equal ideas together |
For more on coordinating conjunctions, visit our complete guide on coordinating conjunctions.
Rules for Using Subordinating Conjunctions
- If the dependent clause comes first, use a comma after it:
If you are late, let me know. - No comma is needed if the dependent clause comes after the main clause:
Let me know if you are late. - Do not use a comma before the subordinating conjunction in the middle of a sentence.
- Always ensure a dependent clause is joined to an independent clause so the sentence makes sense.
Practice: Subordinating Conjunctions Worksheet
- Fill in the blanks:
1. I will come ___ I finish my homework.
2. ___ it stops raining, we will go out. - Combine sentences:
a) She was tired. She finished her work.
(Use “although”) - Identify the conjunction:
“We left because it was late.”
Try more worksheets at Vedantu’s subordinating conjunctions worksheet page.
Summary
Subordinating conjunctions help join dependent and independent clauses for clearer, more complex sentences. Key types include those for time, cause, condition, purpose, and contrast. Mastering them is useful for exams, writing, and speaking skills. Regular practice improves English grammar confidence at every level.
FAQs on Subordinating Conjunctions in English Grammar
1. What are subordinating conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent clause (which cannot stand alone as a complete sentence) to an independent clause (which can stand alone). They show the relationship between the two clauses, indicating things like time, reason, condition, contrast, or purpose. Examples include because, although, if, when, since, and unless.
2. What is the difference between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions?
Coordinating conjunctions (like and, but, or) join clauses of equal grammatical rank. Subordinating conjunctions join a dependent clause to an independent clause, showing a clear relationship between them. The dependent clause is grammatically incomplete without the independent clause.
3. Give 10 examples of subordinating conjunctions and their uses.
Here are 10 common subordinating conjunctions with examples:
• After: After the rain stopped, we went outside.
• Although: Although it was cold, she wore a short skirt.
• Because: He stayed home because he was sick.
• Before: Before leaving, she locked the door.
• If: If it rains, we will stay inside.
• Since: Since it's Friday, let's celebrate.
• Unless: I won't go unless you come with me.
• Until: Wait until I call you.
• When: When the phone rang, he answered.
• While: While she sang, he played the piano.
4. How do I use commas with subordinating conjunctions?
If the dependent clause (introduced by the subordinating conjunction) comes before the independent clause, use a comma after the dependent clause. If the dependent clause comes after the independent clause, a comma is usually not needed. Example: Because it was raining, we stayed inside. We stayed inside because it was raining.
5. What are some subordinating conjunctions that show time?
Subordinating conjunctions indicating time include: after, before, when, whenever, while, since, until, as soon as, by the time.
6. What are some subordinating conjunctions that show cause and effect?
Subordinating conjunctions showing cause and effect include: because, since, as, so that.
7. What are some subordinating conjunctions that show contrast or concession?
Subordinating conjunctions indicating contrast or concession include: although, though, even though, while (in some contexts), whereas.
8. What are some subordinating conjunctions that show condition?
Subordinating conjunctions expressing condition include: if, unless, provided that, in case.
9. Can a sentence begin with a subordinating conjunction?
Yes, a sentence can begin with a subordinating conjunction. However, if the dependent clause comes first, you must place a comma after the dependent clause. Example: Although the sun was shining, it was quite cold.
10. What is a dependent clause?
A dependent clause contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It relies on an independent clause for complete meaning. It's often introduced by a subordinating conjunction.
11. How do subordinating conjunctions help create complex sentences?
Subordinating conjunctions combine independent and dependent clauses to form complex sentences, adding detail and nuance to writing. They show relationships between ideas that simple sentences cannot express as effectively.
12. What are some common mistakes students make with subordinating conjunctions?
Common mistakes include incorrect comma usage, confusing coordinating and subordinating conjunctions, and using the wrong conjunction to express the intended relationship between clauses. Practice and careful review are essential to master their use.
