A subordinating conjunction is used to connect a dependent (or subordinate) clause to an independent (or main) one in a sentence. Ordinarily, a complex sentence involves such a construction with at least one dependent and one independent clause.
Here is an example:
- Because Sheila loves travelling, we decided to surprise her with an impromptu trip.
Because Sheila loves travelling is the dependent clause in this sentence and includes the subordinating conjunction because. It represents an incomplete idea which when combined with the independent clause we decided to surprise her with an impromptu trip makes sense.
What Subordinating Conjunctions Do
A subordinating conjunction has two important roles in a sentence:
- It indicates the significance of the independent clause.
- It allows for the smooth transition of one idea to another related one in a sentence.
Irrespective of where the dependent clause occurs in a sentence, a subordinating conjunction is always a part of it and begins it. Subordinating conjunctions as part of dependent clauses work to indicate cause, condition, concession, comparison, time, and place. They can also be broadly grouped based on these functions.
Types of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can be classified based on what they indicate as follows:
1. Cause: Subordinating conjunctions indicating cause bring to light the reason why the activity in the independent clause is being carried out. Examples of such conjunctions include:
- Since
- As
- Because
- So that
- In order to
- In order that
Here is a sample sentence with a cause subordinating conjunction:
- It’s best to discuss the clauses of the contract now since all the parties involved are here.
In the above example, the dependent clause since all the parties involved are here, which includes the subordinating conjunction since, reveals why the clauses of the contract must be discussed now. It’s best to discuss the clauses of the contract now is the independent clause in the sentence.
2. Condition: These subordinating conjunctions indicate the condition under which the independent clause can take place. Some commonly used condition subordinating conjunctions are:
- If
- Unless
- In case
- Provided that
Here is an example that illustrates the use of this type of subordinating conjunction:
- Ron needs to start trying harder if he truly wants to make a difference.
If he truly wants to make a difference is the dependent clause and includes the subordinating conjunction if, which indicates the why of the independent clause Ron needs to start trying harder.
3. Concession: Concession subordinating conjunctions help elaborate on an action taking place in the independent clause despite some obstruction or hindrance. Examples of such conjunctions are:
- Though
- Even though
- Although
Here is a sentence that illustrates the use of a concession subordinating conjunction:
- Sharon managed to be the top seller of the quarter even though she was sick most of the time.
The dependent clause even though she was sick most of the time (where even though is the subordinating conjunction) specifies the obstacle for the action in the independent clause Sharon managed to be the top seller of the quarter.
4. Comparison: These subordinating conjunctions work to show a connection between two things via comparison. Examples include:
- As much as
- Than
- Rather than
- Whereas
- While
Here is a sentence that illustrates the use of this type of subordinating conjunction:
- Some students prefer to study in the morning while others are more productive at night.
In the above sentence, the subordinating conjunction while brings about a comparison between students who prefer different times of the day to study.
5. Time: Subordinating conjunctions that indicate time convey to the reader the duration for which the action in the independent clause has occurred or will occur. Time subordinating conjunctions examples include:
- As soon as
- As long as
- After
- Before
- Until
- Once
- When
- Whenever
- While
Here is a sentence that shows the use of time subordinating conjunctions:
- I will wait outside while they clean up the mess in the room.
The dependent clause while they clean up the mess in the room (which includes the subordinating conjunction while) provides context about what happens while the independent clause I will wait outside takes place.
6. Place: Place subordinating conjunctions indicate the location of the activities in the independent clause. They include:
- Where
- Wherever
Here is an example of a sentence using this type of subordinating conjunction:
- We eat vegetarian food wherever we go.
The dependent clause wherever we go (containing the subordinating conjunction wherever) gives information about where the independent clause we eat vegetarian food takes place.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions List
Following is a list of subordinating conjunctions that are frequently used in the English language:
- After
- Although
- As
- As long as
- As soon as
- Because
- Before
- Even if
- Even though
- If
- In case
- In order that
- In order to
- In the event that
- Lest
- Once
- Provided that
- Rather than
- Since
- So that
- Supposing
- Than
- Though
- Unless
- Until
- When
- Whenever
- Where
- Whereas
- Wherever
- Whether
- While
Using Commas with Subordinating Conjunctions
The question that often troubles people while using conjunctions is knowing when to use commas. The fundamental rules for comma use with subordinating conjunctions are simple.
1. When the sentence begins with a subordinating conjunction, and hence the dependent clause, a comma must be inserted at the end of the dependent clause (before the independent clause begins). This is the exact opposite of sentences with coordinating conjunctions, or FANBOYS, where no comma is necessary when the sentence begins with it.
For example:
- If you want to stay fit, you must work out regularly.
This sentence begins with the subordinating conjunction if. Hence, the comma is inserted after the dependent clause if you want to stay fit and before the independent clause you must work out regularly.
2. When the dependent clause occurs in the middle of a sentence/follows the independent clause, no comma is required.
For example:
- Rita was late for work because she woke up later than usual.
Here, the subordinating conjunction because appears in the middle of the sentence/after the independent clause. Hence, no comma is needed.
