Question

What is a subordinating conjunction

Answer 1

A subordinating conjunction is a word (or short phrase) that introduces a subordinate (dependent) clause and links it to an independent clause. It shows the relationship between the clauses — for example time, cause, condition, contrast, or purpose — and makes the clause it introduces unable to stand alone as a sentence.

Common subordinating conjunctions
- because, since, as (cause)
- if, unless (condition)
- when, while, after, before, until, once, whenever (time)
- although, though, even though, whereas (contrast)
- so that, in order that (purpose)
- where, wherever (place)
- whether (choice/indirect question)

Examples
- Because it was raining, we stayed inside. (dependent clause first → comma)
- We stayed inside because it was raining. (independent clause first → usually no comma)
- If you finish early, call me. / Call me if you finish early.
- Although she was tired, she finished the report.

Key points
- A subordinate clause introduced by a subordinating conjunction cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
- Use a comma when the subordinate clause comes before the main clause; usually no comma when it follows the main clause.
- Subordinating conjunctions differ from coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), which typically join two independent clauses.