Subordinating conjunction: Definition and 10 clear examples

What Is a Subordinating Conjunction?

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause (a group of words that can’t be alone) to an independent clause, which is a complete sentence.

Example:

• He didn’t go out because it was raining.
He didn’t go out is the independent clause.
Because is the subordinating conjunction.
It was raining is the dependent dependent clause.

Here, “because” is the subordinating conjunction. It connects the two parts of the sentence.

If you’re learning English, you’ve probably seen words like because, although, or while. These words are called subordinating conjunctions, and they are important for connecting ideas together to make a complete sentence.

Subordinating Conjunction Meaning

A subordinating conjunctions are a words that join a dependent clause to an independent clause. It shows how the two ideas are related—by reason, time, condition, or contrast.

They help explain why, when, how, or under what condition something happens.

Examples:

• My mother was tired because she went to bed early.

• He will call you when he gets home.

• It was raining. Although they went outside.

These conjunctions help make your sentences more complete, connected, and clear.

Subordinating Conjunction examples

here are 10 examples of subordinating conjunctions:-

1. She left early because she had a meeting.
2. Although he was tired, he finished his work.
3. I will go out if it stops raining.
4. They stayed inside since it was cold.
5. When the bell rings, the class ends.
6. He didn’t come after he got sick.
7. Unless you study, you won’t pass the exam.
8. She smiled though she was nervous.
9. We can start as soon as you are ready.
10. While I was cooking, the phone rang.

Subordinating conjunction list

Here’s a longer list of common subordinating conjunctions :

why

after

although

as

as if

as long as

as much as

as soon as

as though

because

before

even if

even though

if

if only

in case

in order that

lest

once

provided that

since

so that

than

that

though

unless

until

when

whenever

where

whereas

wherever

whether

while

Why they are useful in English?

Subordinating conjunctions are very useful in English because they:

• Connect ideas—They link a dependent (subordinate) clause to an independent clause, showing how the two parts relate.

• Show relationships—They explain cause and effect, time, contrast, condition, purpose, or reason between ideas.

• Make sentences more interesting—Instead of two short sentences, they help create complex sentences that flow better.

• Add detail and clarity—They give extra information about when, why, or under what condition something happens.

For example:

• “I stayed home because I was tired.” (Shows reason)

• “Although it rained, we went outside.” (Shows contrast)

Without subordinating conjunctions, English would be less clear and more choppy. They help speakers and writers explain ideas smoothly and clearly.

Easy rules to remember subordinating conjunctions

Here are some easy rules to remember subordinating conjunctions:

• They join two parts of a sentence:
One part can stand alone (independent clause); the other cannot (dependent clause).

• The dependent clause starts with the subordinating conjunction.

• If the subordinating conjunction and dependent clause come first, use a comma after them.
Example: Because it was raining, we stayed inside.

• If the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed.
Example: We stayed inside because it was raining.

• They show different relationships:

• Cause/reason: because, since, as

• Time: when, after, before, until

• Condition: if, unless, provided that

• Contrast: although, though, even though, whereas

Exercise 1: Choose the correct subordinating conjunction to complete the sentence.

1. I stayed home ___ it was raining.
   a) although
   b) because
   c) unless
2. ___ you study hard, you will pass the test.
   a) When
   b) If
   c) Since
3. She smiled ___ she was nervous.
   a) before
   b) though
   c) after
4. We will start the meeting ___ everyone arrives.
   a) before
   b) after
   c) until
5. ___ he was tired, he kept working.
   a) Although
   b) Because
   c) If

Answers:

1. because
2. If
3. though
4. after
5. Although

Exercise 2: Combine the two sentences using a subordinating conjunctions.

1. She didn’t come to class. She was sick.
2. I will call you. I arrive early.
3. He stayed outside. It was cold.
4. You can play. You finish your homework.
5. They left the party. It got late.
6. He didn’t stop working. He was tired.
7. We left the house. The rain stopped.
8. I will help you. you ask me.
9. They went home. It got dark
10. Today we are not going to school. It is raining.

Answers:

1. She didn’t come to class because she was sick.
2. I will call you if I arrive early.
3. He stayed outside although it was cold.
4. You can play after you finish your homework.
5. They left the party when it got late.
6. He didn’t stop working although he was tired.
7. We left the house when rain stopped.
8. I will help you if you ask me.
9. They went home because it got dark
10. Today we are not going to school because it is raining.

Subordinating Conjunction quiz: Choose the Correct answer

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coordinating conjunction

Common noun