Subordinating Conjunctions Lesson

What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?

A subordinating conjunction is a word that joins a dependent clause to an independent clause, forming a complex sentence. The dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence — it needs the independent clause to complete its meaning.

Common subordinating conjunctions include because, although, since, when, while, if, unless, after, before, until, even though, and as long as. Each one signals a particular relationship between the two clauses — such as cause and effect, contrast, or time.

For example: “She studied hard because she wanted to pass the test.” The word because is the subordinating conjunction. It introduces the dependent clause “because she wanted to pass the test,” which explains why she studied hard.

Using Subordinating Conjunctions in Writing

Subordinating conjunctions help writers show relationships between ideas. Instead of writing two short, choppy sentences, you can use a subordinating conjunction to combine them into one more complex and informative sentence.

When a sentence begins with a subordinating conjunction (and its dependent clause), a comma is placed after the dependent clause before the independent clause begins. For example: “Although it was raining, we went to the park.” When the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed: “We went to the park although it was raining.”

Recognizing and using subordinating conjunctions is an important skill for upper-elementary and middle school writers. It helps students write more sophisticated sentences and express nuanced ideas clearly.

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