What is Subordinating Conjunction? Definition and Example Sentences
Table of Contents
Subordinating Conjunctions
In some cases, we may need to connect two sentences and say them in one sentence. In such cases, we need to use subordinate conjunctions. Subordinate clauses in English are the ones used to connect the subordinate clause to the main clause. Subordinate conjunctions establish cause-effect, purpose-effect, simultaneity, probability, or condition meaning between sentences while connecting two sentences. Subordinate clauses are always placed at the beginning of the clause. Subordinate clauses can take place before or after the main clause. In cases where the subordinate clause is at the beginning, a comma (,) sign is placed between the main clause and the subordinate clause.
Subordinate Conjunctions List
- After
- Although
- As
- As if
- As long as
- As much as
- As soon as
- As though
- Because
- Even
- Even if
- Even though
- İf
- İf only
- İf when
- İf then
- Inasmuch
- In order that
- Just as
- Lest
- Now
- Now since
- Now that
- Now when
- Once
- Provided
- Provided that
- Rather that
- Since
- So that
- Supposing
- Than
- That
- Though
- Till
- Unless
- Until
- When
- Whenever
- Where
- Whereas
- Whereif
- Wherever
- Whether
- Which
- While
- Who
- Whoever
- Why
We have listed 50 Subordinating Conjunctions in the list above. Now, let’s reinforce some of them by using them in a sentence.
Example Sentences:
- After school opened, Mark started waking up early in the morning.
We used the conjunction “after” in the sentence given as an example above, this conjunction establishes a time relationship.
- Although the weather was very hot, he wore coats and sweaters.
- As we walked towards the beach, it started to get dark.
- Because he loved Jessie so much, he decided to give her another chance.
- You must come home with your cousin before it’s too late.
- If you work hard, you will be successful too.
- We don’t need to go to school since it’s a holiday on New Year’s Day.
In this sentence, the conjunction “since” establishes a cause-effect relationship.
- I’ve made so many friends since I came to Washington.
In this sentence, the conjunction “since” added the meaning of “since” to the sentence.
- Now that you’ve graduated from college, you should start looking for a job.
- By the time the firefighters got there, the building had already burned down.
- The young woman gave CPR to the old man who was lying on the ground until the ambulance arrived.
- Whether you agree with me or not, I’m going for a jog on the beach early tomorrow morning.
- Today, the poor keep getting poorer, while the rich are getting richer.
- While I was in my room, the sound of gunfire from outside scared me.
The tabular form of the subordinate conjunctions listed above is as follows:
| After | Although | As | As if | As long as |
| As much as | As soon as | As though | Because | Before |
| Even | Even if | Even though | If | If only |
| If when | If then | Inasmuch | In order that | Just as |
| Lest | Now | Now since | Now that | Now when |
| Once | Provided | Provided that | Rather that | Since |
| So that | Supposing | Than | That | Though |
| Till | Unless | Until | When | Whenever |
| Where | Whereas | Where if | Wherever | Whether |
| Which | While | Who | Whoever | Why |
