What are subordinating conjunctions?

What Are Subordinating Conjunctions? (with Examples)

A subordinating conjunction is used to link a subordinate clause (also known as a dependent clause) to the main clause (also known as an independent clause).  In each example below, the main clause is in bold, and the subordinating conjunction is shaded. ·         She left early because Mike arrived with his new girlfriend. ·         Keep your hand on the wound until the nurse asks you to take it off. A List of Common Subordinating Conjunctions Here is a list of common subordinating conjunctions: after although as as soon as because before by the time even if even though every time if in case in order that in the event that just in case now that once only if provided that rather than since so that than that though until when whenever where whereas wherever whether whether or not while why The Function of a Subordinating Conjunction When a sentence has an independent clause (main clause) and at least one dependent clause, it is known as a complex sentence. In a complex sentence, the role of the subordinating conjunction and the dependent clause is to establish a time, a place, a reason, a condition, a concession, or a comparison for the main clause. The subordinating conjunction provides the bridge between the main clause and the dependent clause. Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions Below are some common subordinating conjunctions in sentences: Subordinating Conjunction Category Example as reason As it's raining, I'm staying in. because reason I'm staying in because it's raining. in order that reason In order that I don't miss the postman, I'm staying in. since reason Since you're going out, I'm staying in. so that reason I'm staying in so that I don't miss the postman. although concession and comparison I'm staying in although I'd rather go out. as concession and comparison I'm staying in as you should. even though concession and comparison I'm staying in even though the sun is out. just as concession and comparison I'm staying in just as you should. though concession and comparison I'm staying in though I wish I weren't. whereas concession and comparison I'm staying in whereas you are going out. while concession and comparison I'm staying in while you are going out. even if condition Even if it rains, I'm going out. if condition If it rains, I'm staying in. in case condition I'm staying in in case it rains. provided that condition Provided it doesn't rain, I'm going out. unless condition I'm going out unless it rains. where place I fish where the waves start to form. wherever place I will live wherever the weather is good. after time I'm going out after the football. as soon as time I'm going out as soon as the football has finished. as long as time I'm staying out as long as the weather stays good. before time I'm going out before the football. once time I'm going out once the football has finished. till time I'm staying out till the weather turns bad. until time I'm staying out until the weather turns bad. when time I'm going out when the weather improves. whenever time I go out whenever the weather is good. while time I'll stay out while the weather is good. Subordinating Conjunctions and Commas When a subordinate clause starts a sentence, it is normal to separate it from the main clause with a comma. For example: ·         If you shoot at mimes, should you use a silencer? (Steven Wright) When a subordinate clause ends a sentence, you should drop the comma. ·         Youth would be an ideal state if it came a little later in life. (Herbert Henry Asquith, 1852-1928) A subordinate clause usually gives essential information for the main clause. Therefore, it should not be separated from it with a comma. However, when a subordinate clause is at the start of a sentence, a comma is used because it helps readers by letting them know where the main clause starts. Exceptions to the Comma Rule There are a couple of quirks with this ruling: Quirk 1: You Can Use a Comma for a Deliberate Pause You should try to resist the temptation to use a comma before a subordinating conjunction. However, if a pause is needed for effect, a comma can be used before the subordinating conjunction. For example: ·         Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons. (Woody Allen) Quirk 2: You Can Use a Comma before Because If the Main Clause is a Negative idea To eliminate ambiguity, it is a good practice to use a comma before because if the main clause expresses a negative idea. For example: ·         I am not going, because it's raining. (This means: As it is raining, I am not going. There is no ambiguity. The comma is acceptable.) ·         I am not going because it's raining. (Without the comma, this could mean: The rain is not the reason I am not going. The example below expands on the idea.) ·         I am not going because it's raining. I am not going because I dislike the host. The comma helps to separate the reason offered by the "because" clause from the word not.