Notes On Subordinating Conjunctions - Usage - CBSE Class 10 English Grammar

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:

Summary

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:

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