Every sentence needs balance. Some ideas can stand on their own, while others rely on something else to feel complete. Subordinating conjunctions are the words that make this connection possible. They link an idea that cannot stand alone to an idea that completes its meaning.
These conjunctions explain how one idea relates to another, showing time, reason, condition, contrast, or purpose. For instance, “She practiced daily until she could play flawlessly.“
What Is a Subordinating Conjunction?
A subordinating conjunction is a word or group of words that introduces a dependent clause.
A dependent clause contains a subject and a verb, but it does not express a complete thought by itself. It must connect to an independent clause, also called a main clause.
Consider this sentence:
We postponed the picnic because the weather changed.
The sentence contains:
- Independent clause: We postponed the picnic
- Subordinating conjunction: because
- Dependent clause: because the weather changed
The independent clause can stand alone:
We postponed the picnic.
The dependent clause cannot:
Because the weather changed.
It leaves the idea unfinished.
A sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause is called a complex sentence.
How a Subordinating Conjunction Changes a Clause
Compare these examples:
The weather improved.
This is an independent clause. It expresses a complete thought.
When the weather improved
Adding when changes the clause into a dependent clause. The idea now needs more information.
We continued the match when the weather improved.
The dependent clause is complete only when it is connected to the main clause.
A subordinating conjunction belongs to the dependent clause it introduces. It does not simply sit between two clauses.
List of Common Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions may show time, reason, condition, contrast, purpose, place, manner, or comparison.
| Relationship | Common subordinating conjunctions | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Time | after, as, as soon as, before, once, since, till, until, when, whenever, while | We left after the meeting ended. |
| Reason or cause | as, because, now that, seeing that, since | Since the road was blocked, we took another route. |
| Condition | as long as, assuming that, even if, if, in case, only if, provided that, providing that, supposing that, unless, whether or not | You may borrow the car provided that you return it by six. |
| Contrast or concession | although, even though, though, whereas, while | Although the task was difficult, everyone completed it. |
| Purpose | in order that, so that | She wrote down the address so that she would not forget it. |
| Place | where, wherever | Sit wherever you are comfortable. |
| Manner or comparison | as, as if, as though | He spoke as though he knew the answer. |
Some conjunctions may express more than one relationship.
For example, since may show time or reason:
I have lived here since I finished college.
Time
Since you have finished your work, you may leave.
Reason
Lists of subordinating conjunctions may differ because grammar systems do not classify every connector in exactly the same way. The list above focuses on common words and phrases that introduce adverb clauses.
Types of Subordinating Conjunctions by Meaning
Subordinating Conjunctions of Time
Time conjunctions show when one event happens in relation to another. They may express sequence, duration, or repeated time.
Common examples include:
after, before, when, whenever, while, once, since, until, and as soon as.
We will begin once everyone is seated.
Ethan checks the windows before he leaves the office.
While often shows that two actions happen during the same period:
Nina listened to a podcast while she prepared dinner.
Since may show that something began at a particular time and continued from that point:
Daniel has worked remotely since he moved to Bristol.
Subordinating Conjunctions of Reason or Cause
These conjunctions explain why something happens.
The most common are:
because, since, as, now that, and seeing that.
Olivia took an umbrella because rain was expected.
As the library was closing, we returned the books.
Because usually gives the clearest and most direct reason.
Since and as often present the reason as background information:
Since the documents are ready, we can submit the application.
As everyone had agreed, the chairperson approved the proposal.
Be careful with since. It may express either reason or time, so the surrounding sentence must make the meaning clear.
Subordinating Conjunctions of Condition
Condition conjunctions explain what must happen before another action or situation is possible.
Common examples include:
if, unless, even if, only if, as long as, and provided that.
You may enter if you have a ticket.
The plants will dry out unless you water them.
Unless usually means if not:
We will cancel the picnic unless the weather improves.
This means:
We will cancel the picnic if the weather does not improve.
Even if shows that the result will remain the same regardless of the condition:
I will attend even if the meeting starts late.
Provided that and providing that both mean on the condition that:
You may use the hall provided that you leave it clean.
Subordinating Conjunctions of Contrast or Concession
These conjunctions introduce an idea that contrasts with the main clause.
Common examples include:
although, though, even though, whereas, and while.
Although the room was crowded, it remained quiet.
Clara completed the hike even though she was tired.
Although, though, and even though introduce a fact that makes the main result seem surprising.
Even though usually adds stronger emphasis:
Although the journey was long, the children remained cheerful.
Even though the journey lasted twelve hours, the children remained cheerful.
Whereas directly compares contrasting facts:
Liam prefers tea, whereas his brother prefers coffee.
While may also express contrast:
While the design is attractive, it is not practical.
Because while may also show time, its meaning depends on context.
Subordinating Conjunctions of Purpose
Purpose conjunctions explain why an action is performed.
The most common are:
so that and in order that.
Ella wrote down the address so that she would not forget it.
The instructions were repeated in order that everyone could understand them.
Purpose is different from result.
He spoke slowly so that everyone could follow him.
Purpose
He intended to make his speech easier to follow.
He spoke too quietly, so nobody heard him.
Result
Here, so is a coordinating conjunction. It shows what happened as a result.
Subordinating Conjunctions of Place
Place conjunctions show where something happens.
The main examples are where and wherever.
Put the parcel where the receptionist can see it.
You may sit wherever you are comfortable.
Wherever means in any place that.
Subordinating Conjunctions of Manner or Comparison
These conjunctions explain how something happens or how it appears.
Common examples include:
as, as if, and as though.
Arrange the chairs as I showed you.
Sophie spoke as if she knew the answer.
The child stared at the box as though it contained a surprise.
As if and as though have very similar meanings. Both introduce a comparison based on appearance or impression.
How to Identify a Subordinating Conjunction
Use these three steps.
1. Find the connecting word or phrase
Look for a word such as because, although, if, when, or before.
2. Check what follows it
A subordinating conjunction introduces a clause. The clause normally contains its own subject and verb.
3. Check whether the clause can stand alone
If the clause cannot express a complete thought by itself, it is dependent.
Consider this sentence:
We left before the shop closed.
- Connector: before
- Subject of the dependent clause: the shop
- Verb: closed
- Complete clause: before the shop closed
The clause cannot stand alone, so before functions as a subordinating conjunction.
The Same Word May Have a Different Function
Some words act as subordinating conjunctions only when they introduce clauses.
Before
We talked before class.
Here, before is followed by the noun class. It functions as a preposition.
We talked before class began.
Here, before introduces the clause class began. It functions as a subordinating conjunction.
After
The team met after lunch.
After introduces a noun phrase, so it functions as a preposition.
The team met after lunch ended.
After introduces a clause, so it functions as a subordinating conjunction.
Because and Because Of
We stayed inside because the storm intensified.
Because introduces a clause.
We stayed inside because of the storm.
Because of introduces a noun phrase. It is a prepositional expression, not a subordinating conjunction.
The grammatical role depends on the structure that follows the word or phrase.
Word Order and Comma Rules
A dependent clause may appear before or after the main clause. It may also interrupt the main clause.
Dependent Clause Before the Main Clause
Use a comma after an introductory dependent clause.
Incorrect: Although the shop was busy we received quick service.
Correct: Although the shop was busy, we received quick service.
Another example:
Because the road was flooded, we turned back.
The comma separates the introductory dependent clause from the main clause.
Dependent Clause After the Main Clause
A comma is usually unnecessary when an essential dependent clause follows the main clause.
We received quick service although the shop was busy.
We turned back because the road was flooded.
The dependent clauses complete the meaning of the sentences, so no comma is needed.
A comma may sometimes appear before a following dependent clause when the clause is nonessential, strongly contrasting, or separated for clarity. However, the usual beginner rule is simple:
- dependent clause first: use a comma
- dependent clause second: usually no comma
Dependent Clause Interrupting the Main Clause
Use paired commas when an interrupting clause adds nonessential information.
The proposal, although it needed revision, received strong support.
The main sentence remains complete without the interrupting clause:
The proposal received strong support.
Do Not Place a Comma Immediately After the Conjunction
A comma should not separate the subordinating conjunction from the clause it introduces.
Incorrect: Although, the route was long, we continued walking.
Correct: Although the route was long, we continued walking.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions That Are Easily Confused
Because vs. Because Of
Use because before a clause.
We cancelled the picnic because it was raining.
Use because of before a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase.
We cancelled the picnic because of the rain.
Incorrect: We cancelled the picnic because of it was raining.
Correct: We cancelled the picnic because it was raining.
If vs. In Case
If introduces a condition.
Take an umbrella if it rains.
The action depends on whether rain occurs.
In case introduces a precaution.
Take an umbrella in case it rains.
You take the umbrella before knowing whether rain will occur.
Although vs. Despite
Use although before a clause.
Although the road was narrow, the driver remained calm.
Use despite before a noun, pronoun, or gerund phrase.
Despite the narrow road, the driver remained calm.
Despite feeling nervous, the driver remained calm.
Incorrect: Despite the road was narrow, the driver remained calm.
Correct: Although the road was narrow, the driver remained calm.
So vs. So That
So is a coordinating conjunction that commonly shows a result.
The road was closed, so we turned back.
So that introduces a dependent clause of purpose.
We turned back so that we could find another route.
The two forms are not interchangeable.
Subordinating vs. Coordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating and coordinating conjunctions connect ideas in different ways.
| Feature | Subordinating conjunctions | Coordinating conjunctions |
|---|---|---|
| Relationship | Connect unequal clauses | Connect equal words, phrases, or clauses |
| Effect on a clause | Make one clause dependent | Do not make either clause dependent |
| Common sentence type | Complex sentence | Compound sentence |
| Examples | because, although, if, when | and, but, or, so |
Compare these sentences:
Mia stayed home because she was unwell.
Because introduces a dependent clause that explains the reason.
Mia was unwell, so she stayed home.
So joins two independent clauses and shows the result.
A subordinating conjunction makes one idea dependent on another. A coordinating conjunction joins elements of equal grammatical importance.
Common Errors With Subordinating Conjunctions
Leaving a Dependent Clause as a Fragment
A dependent clause cannot normally stand alone as a complete sentence.
Incorrect: Because the final bus had already left.
Correct: We called a taxi because the final bus had already left.
The corrected sentence adds an independent clause.
Using Although With But
Although and but both show contrast. Do not use them together to connect the same two clauses.
Incorrect: Although the hotel was expensive, but we booked a room.
Correct: Although the hotel was expensive, we booked a room.
You may also write:
The hotel was expensive, but we booked a room.
Using Because With So
Because introduces a reason. So introduces a result. Do not use both to connect the same two clauses in a standard sentence.
Incorrect: Because the printer was broken, so we used another one.
Correct: Because the printer was broken, we used another one.
Or:
The printer was broken, so we used another one.
Choosing a Conjunction That Expresses the Wrong Relationship
Choose the conjunction that matches the meaning.
Incorrect: We will cancel the match because it rains tomorrow.
This sentence treats a possible future event as an established reason.
Correct: We will cancel the match if it rains tomorrow.
If correctly introduces a condition.
Words Often Mistaken for Subordinating Conjunctions
Not every word that connects ideas is a subordinating conjunction.
- however is usually a conjunctive adverb
- and, but, or, yet, so are coordinating conjunctions
- who, whom, whose, which are commonly relative pronouns when they introduce relative clauses
- despite is a preposition
- because of is a prepositional expression
Compare:
Although the task was difficult, we completed it.
Although introduces a clause.
Despite the difficulty, we completed the task.
Despite introduces a noun phrase.
These expressions may communicate similar meanings, but they require different grammatical structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are 10 common subordinating conjunctions?
Ten common subordinating conjunctions are:
after, although, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, and while.
What does AAAWWUBBIS stand for?
AAAWWUBBIS is a classroom mnemonic for ten common subordinating conjunctions:
After
Although
As
When
While
Until
Because
Before
If
Since
The mnemonic is useful, but it does not include every subordinating conjunction.
Can a sentence start with because?
Yes. A sentence may begin with because when the dependent clause is followed by a main clause.
Example: Because the road was flooded, we took another route.
Do you put a comma before a subordinating conjunction?
Usually not when the dependent clause follows the main clause.
Example: We stayed indoors because the wind was strong.
When the dependent clause comes first, place a comma after it.
Example: Because the wind was strong, we stayed indoors.
Is however a subordinating conjunction?
Is that a subordinating conjunction?
The classification of that depends on the grammar system being used.
In a sentence such as: I know that the office is closed.
Traditional grammar may call that a subordinating conjunction. Other grammar systems call it a subordinator or complementizer. It introduces a content clause, but it does not express time, reason, condition, or contrast in the same way as when, because, if, or although.
The First English Grade Editorial Team creates simple English grammar, vocabulary, and language guides for students, beginners, and everyday learners.
