Subordinating Conjunctions Examples: What They Are and How To Use Them

Do you know what subordinating conjunctions are? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on subordinating conjunctions, including the definition, usage, example sentences, and more!

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What is a subordinating conjunction?

According to 7ESL, in English grammar, subordinating conjunctions join two clauses together. These can be independent clauses (or main clause) and dependent clauses (or subordinate clause). If the dependent clause comes first, then you will need a comma to connect it to the main clause. If the main clause comes first, you usually don’t need a comma. These are different from correlative conjunctions and coordinating conjunctions because coordinating conjunctions join two independent clauses together, not a dependent clause and an independent clause. An independent clause is a complete idea, while a dependent clause is a fragment.

In a complex sentence and a complete sentence, these correlations often create a cause and effect relationship or a transition. There are many types of subordinating conjunction, including those used for comparison, time, concession, place, causal relationship, condition, manner, reason, relative adjectives, a conjunctive adverb, and relative pronouns. This can be a single word or full phrase. This connecting word can come in different parts of a sentence, but must come at the beginning of a dependent clause, especially if the dependent clause comes at the beginning of the sentence. This connecting word can connect using a semicolon, square brackets, comma, or other form of punctuation. You won’t often find a joining word in simple sentences.

The most common subordinating conjunctions are than, rather than,  since, so that, in order (that), that, whether, as much as, whereas, that, whatever, which, whichever, after, as soon as,  who, whoever, whom, whomever, whose, where, as long as, before, by the time, now that, once, since, till, until, when, whenever, while, though, although, even though, wherever, if, only if, unless, provided that, assuming that, even if, in case (that), lest, how, as though, as if, because, and as.

What are examples of subordinating conjunctions?

A subordinating conjunction can be used in many different contexts in the English language. Trying to use a word or literary technique in a sentence is one of the best ways to memorize what it is, but you can also try making flashcards or quizzes that test your knowledge. Try using this term of the day in a sentence today! The following couple of examples from 7ESL and Ginger are examples of subordinating conjunctions that can help get you started incorporating this tool into your everyday use. Try to use the term subordinating conjunctions today or notice when someone else is using a subordinating conjunction.

  •  I love Matisse’s work because he uses color so brilliantly.
  •  At sunset, the sun looks as if it is going down.
  •  I was allowed to go off by myself provided that I promised to be careful.
  •  He was free to marry whomever he chose.
  •  Whoever leaves last should turn off the light.
  •  As Sherri blew out the candles atop her birthday cake, she caught her hair on fire.
  • When the doorbell rang, my dog Skeeter barked loudly.
  • Sara begins to sneeze whenever she opens the window to get a breath of fresh air.
  •  Since we’ve got a few minutes to wait for the train, let’s have a cup of coffee.
  •  Only if a teacher has given permission is a student allowed to leave the room.
  •  While I was walking to the market, I met Jenny.
  •  Since Sarah is good at the guitar, sher tutor posted a video on social media.
  •  She went to the school that my father went to.
  •  This is the park where we played.
  •  She was uncertain whether to stay or leave.
  •  He always feeds the dogs before he goes to school.
  •  Though it was raining, she went out.
  •  Mary will eat chocolate cake or candy, whichever is delicious.
  •  I have my umbrella with me in case it rains.
  •  You won’t succeed unless you work hard.
  •  Since Jessica is good at academic writing, she became a tutor for writing tips, MLA format, APA format, citations, and other elements of grammar in Boston.
  •  By the time ambulancemen arrived, he was unconscious.
  •  The person who made the mess needs to clean it.
  •  Whenever w abroad, we take as many pictures as possible.
  •  We eat that we may live.
  •  They look as though they’re heading for divorce.
  •  Elliot is tall and blond, whereas his brother is short and has dark hair.
  •  You can use my car as long as you drive carefully.
  •  I hope to go to college next year, assuming that I pass my exams.
  •  Once you learn it, you never forget.
  •  Study hard lest you should fail.
  •  If you leave, I will be lonely.
  •  Even though he’s a millionaire, he lives in a very small flat.
  •  He is cleverer than I am.
  •  He doesn’t earn as much as me.
  •  You can go and play now that you have finished your homework.
  •  He’s the man whom I met in Greece.
  •  Mary closed his diary after writing about that day’s events.
  •  Tom’s parents cheered for him when he crossed the finished line.
  •  Wherever you go in the world, you’ll always find someone who speaks English.
  •  Although the kitchen is small, it is well designed.
  •  I’ll go by car so that I can take more luggage.
  •  We played chess all evening as we had nothing better to do.
  •  A baby deer can stand as soon as it is born.
  •  She’s the student whose handwriting is the best in my class.
  •  Do exercises in order that your health may improve.
  •  She taught him how to play the piano.
  •  I copied in my notebook whatever he wrote on the blackboard.
  •  James lived with his parents till he was twenty – five.
  •  I chose to learn German rather than French.
  •  You can stay on the bus until you reach London.
  •  He developed the films which he had taken.
  •  Even if you have already bought your ticket, you will still need to wait in line.
  •  Mary has danced since she was five.

Overall, subordinating conjunctions join two clauses together.

Sources:

  1. Glossary of Grammatical Terms | OED
  2. Subordinating Conjunctions: Ultimate List and Great Examples | 7ESL 
  3. Subordinating Conjunctions – Examples & Exercises | Ginger 
  4. conjunction: meaning, origin, translation | Word SenseÂ