Subordinating conjunctions in English help connect ideas clearly and logically. In this guide, you’ll learn what subordinating conjunctions are, how to use them correctly, and see a well-organized list with examples—perfect for ESL learners.
What Is a Subordinating Conjunction?
A subordinating conjunction is a word or phrase that joins an dependent clause to an independent (main) clause. The dependent clause cannot stand alone and depends on the main clause for its full meaning.
Common subordinating conjunctions include: because, although, since, if, when, while, unless, and many others.
How to Use Subordinating Conjunctions
A subordinating conjunction introduces the dependent clause. The dependent clause can come before or after the main clause.
- Since they had misbehaved, the boys were given one-week suspensions from school.
- The boys were given one-week suspensions from school since they had misbehaved.
In these examples:
- Dependent clause: Since they had misbehaved
- Main clause: the boys were given one-week suspensions from school
Punctuation Rules
Comma rules are important when using subordinating conjunctions:
- If the dependent clause comes first, use a comma after it.
- If the dependent clause comes after the main clause, no comma is needed.
Examples:
- Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
- We went for a walk although it was raining.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions List
To make learning easier, the most common subordinating conjunctions are grouped by meaning.
Time Conjunctions
| After | Soon after moving to London, she got a new job. |
| Before | You should always wash your hands before meals. |
| When | I don’t suppose I can call myself a vegetarian when I eat fish. |
| While | I read it while you were drying your hair. |
| Since | Since we’ve got a few minutes, let’s have a cup of coffee. |
Cause and Effect
| Because | We stayed home because it was raining. |
| So that | I am saving money so that I can buy a new car. |
| Now that | Now that I live near work, I walk every day. |
Condition
| If | If she hadn’t called, I wouldn’t have known. |
| Unless | You can’t get a job unless you have experience. |
| Even if | Even if you apologize, she may not forgive you. |
Contrast and Concession
| Although | Although he was tired, he kept working. |
| Even though | Even though she was nervous, she gave a great speech. |
| Though | Though it was late, they continued talking. |
Commonly Confused Forms
Because vs. Because of
- Because + clause:
I stayed home because it was raining. - Because of + noun:
I stayed home because of the rain.
Although vs. Despite
- Although + clause:
Although he was sick, he went to work. - Despite + noun / -ing:
Despite being sick, he went to work.
Practice Quiz: Subordinating Conjunctions
Question
Choose the correct answer to complete each sentence. Think about meaning and structure
(clause vs. noun phrase).
- _____ it was cold, she didn’t wear a jacket.
a) Because
b) Although
c) If - I’ll call you _____ I arrive.
a) unless
b) when
c) because of - We stayed inside _____ the heavy rain.
a) because
b) because of
c) although - You won’t pass the exam _____ you study harder.
a) unless
b) while
c) since - _____ she was tired, she finished her homework.
a) Despite
b) Although
c) Because of
Answers and Explanations
- b) Although
Explanation: Although introduces contrast. The sentence contrasts being cold with not wearing a jacket. - b) when
Explanation: When is a time subordinating conjunction followed by a clause (I arrive). - b) because of
Explanation: Because of is followed by a noun phrase (the heavy rain), not a clause. - a) unless
Explanation: Unless expresses a condition that must be met for passing the exam. - b) Although
Explanation: Although must be followed by a clause (she was tired).
Despite and because of require a noun or -ing form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a coordinating and a subordinating conjunction?
A coordinating conjunction joins two clauses of equal importance (such as and, but, or). A subordinating conjunction joins a dependent clause to an independent clause, making one idea grammatically dependent on the other.
Can you start a sentence with a subordinating conjunction?
Yes. A sentence can begin with a subordinating conjunction. When the dependent clause comes first, it should be followed by a comma before the main clause.