Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are primarily used to create complex sentences.
What is a complex sentence?
A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. An independent clause contains a subject and verb portraying a complete thought. A dependent clause also contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone. It is introduced by a subordinating conjunction (also called a dependent marker word).
Subordinating conjunctions have two main functions:
- Introduce the dependent clause, showing it is less important than the independent clause.
- Show the relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause — such as cause, effect, reason, condition, or comparison.
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Cause
The subordinating conjunctions since, as, and because introduce a clause expressing the cause.
Examples:
"You passed the exam since you studied hard last night."
"Since you studied hard last night, you passed the exam."
Locating the clauses:
"You passed the exam..." is the independent clause; it can stand alone.
"...since you studied hard last night." is the dependent clause, introduced by since, which cannot stand alone.
The conjunctions because and as can replace since in these sentences:
"You passed the exam because you studied hard last night."
"Because you studied hard last night, you passed the exam."
"You passed the exam as you studied hard last night."
"As you studied hard last night, you passed the exam."
Comparison and Contrast
Similarities
The subordinating conjunction as introduces a clause showing something similar or expected in relation to the independent clause.
Examples:
"Today's classes have been postponed, as we thought they would."
"She will join the competition, as you advised she should."
Commas may be omitted, but are preferable. The clauses can also be reversed without changing the meaning:
"As you advised she should, she will join the competition."
"As we thought they would, today's classes have been postponed."
Contrasts
The subordinating conjunctions though, whereas, while, although, and even though introduce clauses that contrast the independent clause.
Examples:
"The ice cream was superb, although I didn't get to enjoy it because of my toothache."
"I watched the movie, though I was told it wasn't really good."
"Other students don't complete their sleep just to pass the exam while you are roaming around enjoying yourself."
"I don't enjoy music, whereas I could spend hours watching movies."
"I am tall even though my parents are short."
Condition
The subordinating conjunctions as long as, in case, even if, if, providing that, and providing introduce a condition for the independent clause.
Examples:
"I'll go with you if you buy me ice cream."
The clause "if you buy me ice cream" is the dependent clause expressing the condition. The independent clause "I'll go with you" will happen only if the condition is met.
Other conjunctions similar to if are as long as, provided that, provided, and providing, which often emphasize the condition more strongly.
Examples:
"I'll go with you as long as you buy me ice cream."
"I'll go with you provided that you buy me ice cream."
"I'll go with you provided you buy me ice cream."
"I'll go with you providing you buy me ice cream."
The subordinating conjunction in case introduces a clause that indicates a possible event, often used as a precaution.
Examples:
"I'll bring my raincoat just in case it rains."
"Can you text me the things to buy in case I lose my list?"
Even if indicates that the independent clause will occur regardless of the dependent clause.
Examples:
"I will buy that car even if you scold me."
Meaning: You may scold me, but I will still buy the car.
"She will leave me even if I give her everything."
Meaning: I may give her everything, but she will still leave me.
Place
The subordinating conjunctions where and wherever are used when the dependent clause relates to a place.
- where: used when the place is specific or definite.
- wherever: used when referring to any place.
Examples:
"They live in a place where there are no huge buildings."
Meaning: They live in a specific place without huge buildings.
"She goes to a college where all students are required to join academic clubs."
Meaning: She studies at a particular college with this requirement.
"I want to live wherever autumn is there."
Meaning: I want to live in any place as long as autumn is present.
Reason
The subordinating conjunctions in order that, so that, and so introduce clauses expressing reason.
Examples:
"She asked for your notes so she could copy them." (informal)
"She asked for your notes so that she could copy them." (neutral)
"She asked for your notes in order that she could copy them." (formal)
Meaning: She wants to copy your notes; that is why she asked for them.
Time
Below are subordinating conjunctions used to show time relationships.
- Previously — before
Used to show that the independent clause happens first, followed by the dependent clause.
Example: "I often have coffee before taking a bath."
Meaning: I have coffee first, then take a bath. - Concurrently — when
Used to show two actions happening at the same time.
Example: "We were laughing when someone knocked on the door."
Meaning: Someone knocked on the door while we were laughing. - Subsequently — after
Shows that the dependent clause happens after the independent clause.
Example: "I take a bath after having coffee."
Meaning: I have coffee first, then take a bath. - Up to a certain time — until
Shows when the first event stopped.
Example: "I was eating ice cream until my stomach ached."
Meaning: I stopped eating ice cream when my stomach started aching. - Any time or every time — whenever
Used to show that two actions happen every time or any time.
Example: "I get nervous whenever my English teacher comes in."
Meaning: Every time my English teacher comes in, I get nervous.
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