What Is a Subordinating Conjunction?

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What is a subordinating conjunction?

A subordinating conjunction is a word that introduces a dependent clause (which cannot stand alone as a complete sentence) and connects it to an independent clause, showing a relationship such as time, cause, or condition.

  • Subordinating conjunctions begin dependent clauses
  • Dependent clauses cannot stand alone as complete sentences
  • They show relationship like time, cause, and condition

FAQs About Subordinating Conjunctions

Find answers to frequently asked questions about subordinating conjunctions in this blog post. Learn about subordinating conjunctions and how they are different from coordinating conjunctions. Download a free list of subordinating conjunctions and worksheets from The Good and the Beautiful Level 5 Language Arts course. Then sing along with the illustrated “Subordinating Conjunctions Song” to help your child memorize 16 commonly used subordinating conjunctions.

  • “Subordinating Conjunctions Song” Lyrics

    Subordinating conjunctions,
    At the beginning of a dependent clause,
    That’s where they go.
    There are over 50.
    Here are some I know:

    after, as,
    before, if,
    until, since, although,
    while, when, unless, in case, so that,
    because, even though.

    Now, if you please,
    Listen to these
    Dependent clauses.

    As you will see,
    Each one starts
    With a subordinating conjunction:

    IF it rains,
    WHEN it rains,
    SINCE it rains,
    ONCE it rains,
    AS it rains,
    WHILE it rains.

  • Download “The Subordinating Conjunctions Song” lyrics and sample pages about subordinating conjunctions from the Level 5 Language Arts course and Quick Reference Guide Levels 4–8!

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Have fun memorizing subordinating conjunctions with this video of “Subordinating Conjunctions Song” taught in The Good and the Beautiful Level 5 Language Arts course.

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  • What are subordinating conjunctions?

    Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect dependent clauses to independent clauses. These words are at the beginning of the dependent clause and show the relationship to the independent clause, such as time, cause, or condition.

  • Time subordinating conjunctions

    • after
    • before
    • when
    • while 
    • until 

  • Examples: 

    After we went on our hike, we toured Sigmaringen Castle.

    We took a guidedtour before we explored Stonehenge on our own.

  • Cause subordinating conjunctions

    • because
    • since

  • Examples: 

    Because Sigmaringen Castle is so old, visitors come to learn about its history.

    Visitors should wear layers since Stonehenge is on an exposed plain.

  • Condition subordinating conjunctions

    • if
    • unless
    • though
    • although

  • Examples: 

    Stop by Sigmaringen Castle if you ever visit the Black Forest.

    If you ever visit Stonehenge, stop by the Salisbury Museum.

What are some common subordinating conjunctions?

    • after
    • although
    • as long as
    • as soon as
    • because 
    • before 
    • by the time 
    • even though 
    • everywhere
    • if
    • in case 
    • in contrast 
    • in order that 
    • in order to 
    • just as 
    • lest
    • once
    • only if
    • since 
    • so that
    • though
    • till
    • unless
    • until
    • when
    • whenever 
    • whereas 
    • wherever
    • while

What is a dependent clause?

A dependent clause has a subject and a verb, but it is not a full sentence because it is not a complete thought and it indicates more to come. Dependent clauses often start with a subordinating conjunction, like “because,” “although,” “when,” “before,” and “if.”

What is an independent clause?

A sentence has to have an independent clause, and an independent clause needs a subject, a verb, and a complete thought. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence.

Examples of independent clauses

  • A tree is tall.
  • The leaves blow.

What is the difference between subordinating conjunctions and coordinating conjunctions?

Subordinating conjunctions link a dependent clause to an independent clause.

Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses. The most common coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so (FANBOYS).

What is a complex sentence?

A complex sentence is made of an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses (a clause that has a subject and a verb but cannot function on its own as a sentence because it indicates more to come). A dependent clause starts with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun.

Examples of complex sentences

Dependent clauses can be at the beginning of a complex sentence or at the end of a complex sentence.

While it has always been beautiful, Sigmaringen Castle is also popular for its rich history.
(While is the subordinating conjunction that begins the dependent clause, underlined.)

You should hike the beautiful trails when you visit the Black Forest.
(When is the subordinating conjunction that begins the dependent clause, underlined.)

What is the difference between simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences?

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  • A simple sentence is made of one independent clause (a clause that can act as a sentence on its own). 

    Yesterday, Amy Watson won first place in the competition. 

    A compound sentence is made of two or more independent clauses joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction or by a semicolon.

    Amy Watson won first place in the competition, and she was presented with a blue ribbon.

    A complex sentence is made of an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses (a clause that has a subject and a verb but cannot function on its own as a sentence because it indicates more to come).

    When Amy won first place, she was presented with a blue ribbon.

    A compound-complex sentence is made of two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

    When Amy won first place in the competition, she was presented with a blue ribbon, and the crowd cheered.

Do subordinating conjunctions always come at the beginning of a sentence?

No. Subordinating conjunctions begin dependent clauses, but a dependent clause can appear at the beginning or the end of a sentence. 

How are commas used with dependent clauses?

When a dependent clause begins a sentence, use a comma after the dependent clause.

Examples of dependent clause placement in sentences

Complex sentences that begin with a dependent clause Complex sentences that end with a dependent clause

If it rains today, they will cancel the game.

After you finish mowing the lawn, you may go to the movies.

They will cancel the game if it rains today.

You may go to the movies after you finish mowing the lawn.

Video Lesson About Subordinating Conjunctions

Watch this lesson video about subordinating conjunctions from The Good and the Beautiful Level 5 Language Arts course. Then download the free sample pages.

    • Download “The Subordinating Conjunctions Song” lyrics and sample pages about subordinating conjunctions from the Level 5 Language Arts course and Quick Reference Guide Levels 4–8!

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    Learn more about subordinating conjunctions and other grammar principles and writing skills in The Good and the Beautiful Level 5 Language Arts.

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    • Level 5 Language Arts

      This language arts course for fifth grade not only covers grammar and writing, but it also incorporates reading, spelling, vocabulary, literature, art, and geography as well. Weaving subjects together into one course makes learning more meaningful.

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      Learn More

    Find quick answers to common grammar, word usage, and other writing questions in the Language Arts & Literature Quick Reference Guide for grades 4–8.

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    • Quick Reference Guide

      The Quick Reference Guide Levels 4–8 includes reminders for grammar concepts and other helpful references, such as word lists, steps to sentence diagramming, sentence structure, and more.

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