Unlock Fluent Writing with English Subordinating Conjunctions

English grammar might feel like a challenging puzzle at first, but it becomes much simpler once you grasp the basics. One key piece of this puzzle is subordinating conjunctions. In this article, we’ll dive into what subordinating conjunctions are, their significance in writing, and how mastering them can enhance your English skills.

Understanding subordinating conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are essential words that link independent clauses—complete sentences that can stand on their own—with dependent clauses, which cannot function independently and require the main clause for context. These conjunctions clarify the relationship between the clauses, highlighting aspects like time, cause and effect, and contrast, enriching the meaning of the sentence.

Examples of common subordinating conjunctions

• Time: after, before, when, while, since, until
• Cause and effect: because, since, as, so that
• Contrast: although, though, even though, whereas
• Condition: if, unless, provided that
• Purpose: so that, in order to

Using “that” and “because”

Conjunctions serve as the vital links that unite words, clauses, or entire sentences. Among them, subordinating conjunctions play a key role by connecting a dependent clause—often referred to as a subordinating clause—to a main clause, or independent clause. This relationship helps to create more complex and nuanced statements in our communication.

• subordinating conjunction + dependent (subordinating) clause, + main clause
• main clause + subordinating conjunction + dependent (subordinating) clause

Examples

• She hopes that she can finish it soon because she wants to go home.
• He’ll never admit that he was wrong.
• She said she’d go even though she dislikes big parties.
• Once we begin, we will work until we are done.

Common mistakes

A subordinating conjunction connects an independent and a dependent clause.

• Incorrect: She says she likes pizza, but she doesn’t.
• Correct: She says she likes pizza although she doesn’t.

Using “before” and “while”

A subordinating conjunction connects a dependent (or subordinating) clause to the main clause, which is an independent clause.

• main clause + subordinating conjunction + dependent (subordinating) clause

Examples

• Before we went to bed, we brushed our teeth.
• We decided to study in the park because it was a beautiful day.
• Because she explains things clearly, Salli loves her professor.
• Since it was raining, we ran to the library.
• While we were there, I saw one of my professors.
• She said she’d call as soon as she got home.

Common mistakes

A subordinating conjunction connects an independent and dependent clause.

• Incorrect: Before we went to bed.
• Correct: Before we went to bed, we brushed our teeth.

Using “unless” and “despite”

A subordinating conjunction links a dependent clause to a main clause, also known as an independent clause. Common examples of subordinating conjunctions are: although, though, in spite of, despite, whereas, unless, whenever, and wherever. These words help to establish relationships between ideas, enriching the complexity of sentences.

• subordinating conjunction + dependent (subordinating) clause, + main clause
• main clause + subordinating conjunction + dependent (subordinating) clause

Examples

• Users are hesitant to invest in new games and apps unless they can access compatible software on their current devices.
• Despite the fact that we have multiple gadgets, most people still reach for their favorite one.
• I plan to write a hotel review on their website to inform future guests before they make a booking.
• Alice will listen to her mother’s advice although she won’t like it.
• Though she prefers tea, today she’s drinking coffee.

Common mistakes

A comma is not used after a subordinating conjunction.

• Users are less likely to invest in new games and apps unless they can access the latest software on their current devices.
• Correct: Users are unlikely to invest in new games and apps unless they can access new software on their current devices.

Using “so that” to express purpose

A subordinating conjunction links a dependent clause to an independent clause, creating a complex sentence. For instance, the phrase “so that” is often used to indicate purpose, helping to clarify the intention behind the action in the main clause.

• subordinating conjunction + dependent (subordinating) clause, + main clause
• main clause + subordinating conjunction + dependent (subordinating) clause

Examples

• In order to give his brain a boost, Joey goes to the gym.
• She’s been trying to hit the gym a few times a week in order to get fit.
• She’s been trying to hit the gym a few times a week so that she can get fit.
• She’s been trying to hit the gym a few times a week so as to get fit.

Common mistakes

When using “so that” to express purpose, it must be followed by a clause.

• Incorrect: She’s been trying to hit the gym a few times a week so that to get fit.
• Correct: She’s been trying to hit the gym a few times a week so that she can get fit.

Using “so…that” and “such…that” to show cause and effect

A subordinating conjunction links a dependent clause to an independent clause, creating a relationship between them. Phrases like “so… that” and “such… that” serve to illustrate cause and effect, helping to clarify how one idea leads to another.

• “so” + adjective + “that” + clause
• “such” + adjective + noun + “that”+ clause

Examples

• The hotel was so run-down that nothing worked properly.
• The waterfall was so beautiful that I was left speechless.
• Salli is such a good friend that I can turn to her in any situation.
• It was such terrible weather that we couldn’t go outside.

Common mistakes

The subordinating conjunction “such” precedes a noun phrase.

• Incorrect: It was such terrible that we couldn’t go outside.
• Correct: It was such terrible weather that we couldn’t go outside.

Why are subordinating conjunctions important?

Incorporating subordinating conjunctions into your writing elevates your sentence structure, making it not only more captivating but also enabling you to convey intricate ideas with clarity and precision. Here are several compelling reasons to master the use of subordinating conjunctions:

1. Improved clarity: They help clarify the relationship between ideas in a sentence.
2. Enhanced coherence: They contribute to the logical flow of your writing.
3. Variety in sentence structure: They allow you to vary sentence length and complexity, making your writing more engaging.

How to use subordinating conjunctions

Mastering the use of subordinating conjunctions begins with grasping the structure of complex sentences. These sentences blend an independent clause with a dependent clause, linked together by a subordinating conjunction. Follow this straightforward guide to learn how to construct complex sentences effectively:

1. Identify the main idea: Start with your main idea, which will be your independent clause.
2. Add the subordinating conjunction: Choose a subordinating conjunction that fits the relationship you want to express.
3. Attach the dependent clause: Add the dependent clause after the subordinating conjunction to complete the thought.

Example sentences

• Time: “I will call you after I finish my homework.”
• Cause and effect: “She was late because she missed the bus.”
• Contrast: “He went for a run although it was raining.”
• Condition: “We can go to the beach if the weather is nice.”

Tips for mastering subordinating conjunctions

1. Practice regularly: The more you practice using subordinating conjunctions, the more natural they will become in your writing.
2. Read widely: Pay attention to how authors use subordinating conjunctions in books, articles, and other written materials.
3. Write your own sentences: Create your examples using different subordinating conjunctions to reinforce your understanding.

Final thoughts

Subordinating conjunctions play a crucial role in English grammar, elevating the quality of your writing. By grasping their purpose and practicing their application, you can craft more intricate and captivating sentences. Begin with basic statements, then seamlessly introduce subordinating conjunctions to convey richer, more nuanced thoughts.

For tailored support in your English learning journey, explore the benefits of one-on-one tutoring. Additionally, boost your understanding of conditional sentences by checking out our article on the “5 Types of Conditional Sentences in English.”