Subordinating Conjunctions 1

Subordinating Conjunctions

🔗Subordinating Conjunctions

1️⃣What are Subordinating Conjunctions?

📝A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a main clause (complete idea) with a subordinate clause (dependent idea).

👉The subordinate clause cannot stand alone — it depends on the main clause.

🏠I stayed home because it was raining.
(Main clause = I stayed home. Subordinate clause = because it was raining.)

2️⃣Why do we use them?

🔍They show the relationship between the two clauses:

❓Cause/Reason → because, since, as
⚖️Contrast → although, though, even though, whereas, while
🔄Condition → if, unless, provided that, in case
⏰Time → when, while, before, after, until, as soon as
🎯Purpose → so that, in order that

3️⃣Word Order

📝A subordinating conjunction can go in the middle or at the beginning of a sentence:

➡️Middle: I'll go out if it stops raining.
▶️Beginning: If it stops raining, I'll go out.

⚠️When the subordinate clause comes first, use a comma after it.

4️⃣Examples by Category

❓Cause/Reason: We stayed inside because it was cold.
⚖️Contrast: She passed the test although she didn't study much.
🔄Condition: You can go to the party if you finish your homework.
⏰Time: I'll call you when I arrive.
🎯Purpose: He whispered so that nobody could hear him.

5️⃣Common Mistakes ❌✅

❌Because is raining, I stayed home.
✅Because it was raining, I stayed home. (subordinate clause needs subject + verb)
❌Although it was raining but we went out.
✅Although it was raining, we went out. (don't use "but" after although)
❌He'll go if he will have time.
✅He'll go if he has time. (use present tense after "if" for future meaning)

✨Quick Tips

🔗Subordinating conjunctions = connect ideas and show relationships.
📝Subordinate clause + main clause = full sentence.
✅Don't forget subject + verb in both parts.
🖊️Use commas when the subordinate clause comes first.