Subordinating Conjunctions List and Great Examples

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Today, we’ll look at subordinating conjunctions in greater detail to better understand what they are. We’ll look at some examples and explain how a subordinating conjunction differs from a coordinating conjunction.

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Conjunctions are simple enough for most individuals to grasp. Something is connected together when it is conjoined. Conjunctions function similarly, by connecting two ideas in a sentence. However, if you begin to divide conjunctions into more precise groups, people may become perplexed by the functions of each particular one.

What Is A Subordinating Conjunction?

Subordinating Conjunction Definition

A subordinating conjunction is a word or phrase that joins two clauses in a sentence and establishes a particular relationship between them. It typically introduces a dependent clause, which cannot stand alone as a complete phrase and must be contextualized and understood in conjunction with the main clause (independent clause). Subordinating conjunctions are employed in complicated sentences to illustrate numerous relationships such as cause and effect, time, condition, contrast, purpose, and more.

Subordinating Conjunctions and Examples

Subordinating Conjunctions	Examples
Although	Although it’s late, I’ll stay up.
Because	Because she was tired, she napped.
Since	Since you asked, I’ll explain.
Unless	Unless he calls, we won’t go.
While	While it rains, stay indoors.
Before	Before the party, clean the house.
After	After dinner, we’ll watch a movie.
If	If you sing, I’ll dance.
Even though	Even though it’s hot, wear a coat.
Where	I’ll go where you go.
As if	She acted as if nothing happened.
Whenever	Call me whenever you need help.
Wherever	Go wherever you like.
As though	He behaved as though he knew.
Whereas	She likes tea, whereas I prefer coffee.
In case	Take an umbrella in case it rains.
Provided that	You can borrow it, provided that you return it.
As long as	You can go, as long as you’re back by 10.
In order that	Study hard in order that you to succeed.
Even if	I’ll come even if I’m busy.
As soon as	Call me as soon as you arrive.
So that	Speak softly so that he can sleep.
Inasmuch as	Inasmuch as it’s true, we must act.
Lest	Lest you forget, write it down.
Insofar as	Insofar as I know, it’s accurate.
Supposing	Supposing it’s true, what’s next?
As a result of	As a result of his efforts, he succeeded.
Owing to	Owing to the rain, we stayed home.
Due to	Due to traffic, I’ll be late.
In the event that	In the event that he’s late, we’ll start without him.
Whether	Whether you like it or not, we’re going.
During	During the storm, we stayed indoors.
Prior to	Prior to the meeting, prepare the report.
Afterward	Afterward, we celebrated our victory.
Once	Once you understand, it’s easy.
As	We danced as the music played.
Whereupon	He left, whereupon she started crying.
Even as	Even as it snowed, we went skiing.
Until	We’ll wait until you arrive.

Subordinating Conjunctions | Image

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating Conjunctions Takeaways

Subordinating Conjunctions Examples

There are six basic subordinating conjunction kinds, each exhibiting a specific relationship between independent and dependent clauses. These conjunctions join clauses in diverse ways to communicate different relationships. Here are several instances to demonstrate these links.

Time

These conjunctions indicate when something happens.

“When” shows the timing of an event.

Cause and Effect

They explain why something happens.

“Because” shows the reason for an action.

Condition

These words describe a situation that must be met.

Example: “If” introduces a condition for an action.

Contrast and Concession

They show differences or exceptions.

“Although” introduces a contrast to the main clause.

Purpose

They explain why something is done.

“So that” indicates the purpose behind an action.

Place

They describe where something happens.

“Where” specifies the location of an event.

Difference between Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunctions

Join words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance.
Examples: “and,” “but,” “or.”
Create compound sentences where both parts have equal weight.

Subordinating Conjunctions

Connect an independent clause (main idea) and a dependent clause (less important).
Examples: “because,” “although,” and “if.”
Create complex sentences, adding details or showing relationships between ideas.