What Is Subordinating Conjunctions: Definition, Types & Examples

Subordinating conjunctions are the unsung heroes of complex sentences, linking ideas to show relationships like cause, time, or condition. Words like because, although, and if help you build richer, clearer sentences. This article defines subordinating conjunctions, provides a handy list, and shares examples to make them easy to use.

What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?

A subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause, which can’t stand alone, and connects it to an independent clause, which can. Together, they show how ideas relate—whether one caused the other, happened first, or sets a condition.

For example, in “I stayed home because it was raining,” because links the reason (raining) to the action (staying home). The dependent clause (because it was raining) needs the main clause (I stayed home) to make sense.

Types of Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions cover different relationships:

1. Cause: Explain why something happened—because, since, as.
   Example: “She smiled because she won.”
2. Time: Show when things occur—after, before, while, until.
   Example: “I’ll call after I finish.”
3. Condition: Set up if-then scenarios—if, unless, provided that.
   Example: “We’ll go if it’s sunny.”
4. Contrast: Highlight differences—although, though, whereas.
   Example: “He laughed although he was tired.”
5. Purpose: Indicate goals—so that, in order that.
   Example: “She studied so that she’d pass.”
6. Place: Describe where—where, wherever.
   Example: “I’ll meet you where the path ends.”

List of Common Subordinating Conjunctions

Here’s a quick-reference list of widely used subordinating conjunctions:

• after
• although
• as
• as if
• as long as
• as soon as
• as though
• because
• before
• even if
• even though
• if
• in order that
• lest
• once
• provided that
• since
• so that
• than
• that
• though
• till
• unless
• until
• when
• whenever
• where
• wherever
• while

Some can double as other parts of speech (e.g., after as a preposition), but context makes their role clear.

Examples in Sentences

Check out these examples to see subordinating conjunctions at work:

• Cause: “I brought an umbrella since it might rain.” (Since explains why.)
• Time: “She left before the movie ended.” (Before sets the timing.)
• Condition: “I’ll help unless I’m busy.” (Unless shows a condition.)
• Contrast: “He stayed though it was late.” (Though highlights contrast.)
• Purpose: “They whispered so that no one heard.” (So that shows intent.)
• Place: “We stopped where the sign was.” (Where indicates location.)

A full sentence might combine clauses smoothly:
“Although the hike was tough, we reached the peak because we didn’t give up.” (Although contrasts; because explains.)

Tips for Using Subordinating Conjunctions

• Match the Meaning
  Choose the right conjunction for the relationship. “I failed because I studied” doesn’t work—because implies cause, so “I failed although I studied” fits better.
• Punctuation Matters
  When the dependent clause comes first, use a comma: “If you’re free, we’ll meet.” No comma if it’s second: “We’ll meet if you’re free.”
• Keep Clauses Clear
  Ensure both clauses make sense together. Vague clauses like “because it was weird” confuse—specify what “it” is.
• Mix It Up
  Vary conjunctions to avoid repetition. Instead of overusing because, try since or as for variety.

Common Mistakes

• Fragment Sentences: Writing only the dependent clause, like “Because I was tired.” Fix by adding an independent clause: “Because I was tired, I slept.”
• Wrong Conjunction: Using since for time (“Since yesterday”) when you mean cause (“I stayed because I was sick”).
• Overcomplicating: Stacking too many clauses, like “I went because it was fun although I was tired since morning.” Simplify for clarity.

Final Thoughts

Subordinating conjunctions are like bridges, connecting ideas to make your sentences more dynamic. With this list—because, if, while, and more—and examples, you can show cause, time, or contrast with ease. Practice using them in your writing, and they’ll soon feel natural. Which conjunction do you use most? Try swapping it for a new one next time!