Subordinating conjunctions are parts of speech that join dependent clauses to independent clauses. Sometimes referred to as subordinators or subordinate conjunctions, these important words and phrases may also introduce adverb clauses.
There is only one rule to remember about using subordinate conjunctions:
A subordinate conjunction performs two functions within a sentence.
1. It illustrates the importance of the independent clause.
2. It provides a transition between two ideas in the same sentence. The transition always indicates a place, time, or cause and effect relationship.
after |
how |
Till |
although |
if |
unless |
as |
inasmuch |
until |
as if |
in order that |
when |
as long as |
lest |
whenever |
as much as |
now that |
where |
as soon as |
provided (that) |
wherever |
as though |
since |
while |
because |
so that |
|
before |
than |
|
even if |
that |
|
even though |
though |
Note: A subordinating conjunction always comes at the beginning of a subordinate clause. It "introduces" a subordinate clause. However, a subordinate clause can come after or before a main clause. Thus, two structures are possible:
Subordinating conjunctions are parts of speech that join dependent clauses to independent clauses. Sometimes referred to as subordinators or subordinate conjunctions, these important words and phrases may also introduce adverb clauses.
There is only one rule to remember about using subordinate conjunctions:
A subordinate conjunction performs two functions within a sentence.
1. It illustrates the importance of the independent clause.
2. It provides a transition between two ideas in the same sentence. The transition always indicates a place, time, or cause and effect relationship.
after |
how |
Till |
although |
if |
unless |
as |
inasmuch |
until |
as if |
in order that |
when |
as long as |
lest |
whenever |
as much as |
now that |
where |
as soon as |
provided (that) |
wherever |
as though |
since |
while |
because |
so that |
|
before |
than |
|
even if |
that |
|
even though |
though |
Note: A subordinating conjunction always comes at the beginning of a subordinate clause. It "introduces" a subordinate clause. However, a subordinate clause can come after or before a main clause. Thus, two structures are possible: