Subordinating Conjunctions 2

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.