Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating Conjunction

Subordinating Conjunctions usually include a variety of conjunctions, which is unlike coordinating conjunctions. Subordinating conjunction refers to the word which connects an independent clause and a dependent clause in the formation of a sentence.

What are  Subordinating Conjunctions?

It is a word or phrase that links an independent clause to a dependent clause. It helps in forming complex sentences. To function as a sentence, an independent clause does not need any additional information as it can stand alone in a sentence. Example:- The student excelled in the test.

Extra information is added to the main clause by a dependent clause. Such clauses can not exist by themselves & their meaning is dependent on the independent clause. It is not a complete sentence.

Example: – because she did study hard is not a complete sentence. However, when we  combine the two clauses, we have “The student excelled in the test because she did study hard.” A complete idea was expressed & enough information has been presented to explain the thought. What joined the two clauses? The word “because“. And now here, we have our first subordinating conjunction.

Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions

• I was not able to attend the wedding because it started raining.
• I will keep on working hard until I qualify for the exams.
• If you leave now, you will be able to make it to the airport.
• Though she was tired, she agreed to help me out.
• While I was walking across the street, I saw an ambulance.
• As soon as you reach home, leave me a text.

List of Subordinating Conjunctions for Everyday Use

• After 
• When 
• Before
• As soon as 
• Because
• As
• Since 
• Though 
• Although
• Even though 
• If 
• Unless
• Until 
• As long as

Subordinating Conjunctions vs Relative Pronouns

There is another group of words that introduce themselves as dependent clauses. These are called relative pronouns. They look & act very similar to coordinating conjunctions, but they’re quite different. True relative pronouns are “that,” “who” and “which.” They differ from subordinating conjunctions because they act as the subject of a dependent clause. 

Subordinating conjunctions do not, as they are followed by the subject of their clause. Let us have a look at some examples:

Relative pronoun: Esha is the girl who came over for lunch last weekend.

We have two clauses here. “Esha is the girl” is the independent clause (that could stand alone), and “who came over for lunch last weekend ” is the dependent clause (providing us with more information). The word “who” is a relative pronoun (acting as the subject of the dependent clause).

Subordinating conjunction: We talked about music & theatre while we ate.

Here, “We talked about music & theatre “ is the independent clause (that could stand alone), and “while we ate” is the dependent clause (providing us with more information). In this example, both clauses have the subject “we.” The word “while” does not act as the subject of the dependent clause.

Categories of Subordinating Conjunction

By meaning

1. Time: When the main clause is performed or is out to be performed, the time-related conjunctions establish a period. Example:-As soon as, once, before, still, whenever.
2. Concession: By providing additional information, the concession conjunctions help to redefine the meaning of the main clause. The action that has happened in the hindrance or obstacle is brought into focus by concession. Example:- although, even though, as though.
3. Comparison helps in forming the connection between words by providing a correlation. It includes just as, whereas, in contrast to, though.
4. Cause tells us the reason why the main clause was performed. Example:- because, since, so that.
5. Condition: The rules under which the main clause works are provided by the condition. Example:-in case, even if, unless.
6. Place means where a particular action or activity occurs. Example:-wherever, whereas.

Preceded by Comma Placement

It is observed that there is no comma before the subordinate conjunction. This is actually the opposite of what is usually done when conjunctions or words are adjusted. When the whole sentence is followed by a comma we know that the subordinate clause begins the sentence.

Difference between the Coordinating Junction and Subordinate Junction

Coordinating junctions usually refer to linking words that connect nouns & verbs or even adjectives, independent clauses, or even sentences. This also connects two units that have a similar grammatical type. The main clauses are given equal importance by this. There are mainly even coordinating conjunctions & which also represent the change between the ideas in terms of time and place.

In case the Subordinate Needs a Subject.

This is an independent clause that has a subject & a verb but even though it is independent it cannot be represented as a sentence. Words & short phrases are found at the beginning of the subordinate clause.

Conclusion- Subordinating Conjunctions

As per the meaning of the subordinating conjunction, the construction of complex sentences is difficult without subordinating conjunctions. They need to be split into simple sentences. While placing the comma, one should be very careful when subordinating conjunctions are used. The conjunctions that usually appear in the middle of the sentence are not preceded by the comma. In case the subordinate clause appears at the start of the sentence then the whole sentence is followed by a comma.

Practice Questions on Subordinating Conjunctions

With the help of the most appropriate conjunction in the list given below, fill in the blanks in the following sentences. 

( even though, after, before, while, unless, though, once, as soon as )

1. This place will never feel the same ever again _______ they demolish the museum.

2.  __________ Priya reached the office, she called to let me know.

3. __________ he had paid all the bills, and the system showed that he had some due payments to be done.

4. __________ leaving for office, just give me a call.

5.  __________ she was tired, but she agreed to help me out.

6. _________ she finishes the task given, she cannot go home.

7. _________ he was walking across the street, and he saw that the banks were closed.

8. Priya knew that there was a nationwide lockdown today only _____ he told her about it.

Solutions

1. This place will never feel the same ever again once they demolish the museum.

2. As soon as Priya reached home, she called to let me know.

3.  Even though he had paid all the bills, the system showed that he had some due payments to be done.

4. Before leaving for the office, just give me a call.

5. Though she was tired, she agreed to help me out.

6. Unless she finishes the task given, she cannot go home.

7. While he was walking across the street, he saw that the banks were closed.

8. Priya knew that there was a nationwide lockdown today only after he told her about it.

Frequently Asked Questions on Subordinating Conjunctions

Question 1: What are Subordinating Conjunctions?

Answer:

Subordinating conjunction is a word used to combine an independent clause & a dependent clause in a sentence. They help in forming complex sentences.

Question 2: What are the types of Subordinating Conjunctions?

Answer:

Three Different Types of Conjunctions:

1. Coordinating conjunctions
2. Correlative conjunctions
3. Subordinating conjunctions 

The subordinating conjunctions can connect an independent clause to a dependent clause in different terms. And are categorized by meaning as,

Subordinating Conjunction of Time links a dependent clause to an independent one by showing a time relation. That means it tells the time of the action in the main clause, and the subordinate clause brings in the time relation. Example: after, as soon as, before, while, since, by the time, etc.

1. He will leave after he completes his work.
2. We will walk as soon as the teachers signal us.

Subordinating Conjunction of Place talks about where the action in the main clause takes place. Meaning they connect the dependent clause to the independent one and establish a place relation. Example: wherever, where, everywhere

1. You can sit and study wherever you feel like.
2. She is staying where her friends live.

Subordinating Conjunctions of Reason are the type that shows a cause-and-effect relationship between two clauses. It tells us why an action occurred in the main clause. Example: because, since, so that, in order that, etc.

1. Rekha couldn’t join us because her parents didn’t allow her.
2. Since she was late, the teacher was unhappy.

Subordinating Conjunctions of Manner basically tries to introduce a dependent clause that tells in what manner the main clause takes place. Example: as, as though, like, as if, etc.

1. Esha orders me as if she is my boss.
2. They were walking like monkeys.

Subordinating Conjunctions of Condition is basically the type that tries to indicate the condition of the occurrence of the independent clause.

Example: if, only if, assuming, provided that, etc.

1. I will get a laptop if I secure good marks.
2. The professor will treat us provided that we perform well in the exam.

Subordinating conjunctions of concession try to introduce a subordinate clause with the intention to show that an action in the main clause happens in spite of something else, like an obstacle or hindrance. Example: although, even though, though

1. Although he was tired, he went to the class.
2. The professor was screaming though the class was silent.

Subordinating Conjunction of Comparison links an independent clause to a dependent clause and compares one with the other. Example: as…as, then, just as

1. Sneha is not as good as you at dancing.
2. I know him better than you do.

Question 3: How to find Subordinating Conjunctions in a sentence? 

Answer:

By placing subordinating conjunctions at the beginning of the dependent clause. In case the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, put a comma at the end of the dependent clause.

Question 4: Write some examples of Subordinating Conjunctions in a sentence.

Answer:

1. Because he wouldn’t wear a helmet.
2. Neha is not as good as you at singing.

Question 5: Can subordinating conjunctions start a sentence?

Answer:

Whenever the dependent clause comes first, subordinating conjunctions often start a sentence.