GV

Subordinating Conjunctions

Joining dependent clauses: because, although, if, when, while, unless

intermediate

When to Use Subordinating Conjunctions

  • •Time: when, while, before, after, until, as soon as, since.
  • •Reason: because, since, as.
  • •Condition: if, unless, provided that, as long as.
  • •Contrast: although, though, even though, while, whereas.
  • •Purpose: so that, in order that.

How to Form Subordinating Conjunctions

Affirmative (+)

Main clause + subordinating conjunction + dependent clause (no comma). OR Subordinating conjunction + dependent clause, + main clause (comma).

Negative (-)

Same structure with negation

Question (?)

Same structure

💡 Comma when dependent clause comes first. No comma when it comes second.

Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions

✓Because it was raining, I stayed home.

✗Because it was raining I stayed home.

Comma after introductory dependent clause.

✓I stayed home because it was raining.

✗I stayed home, because it was raining.

No comma when dependent clause follows.

✓Although she's rich, she's unhappy.

✗Although she's rich but she's unhappy.

Don't use both although and but.

Common Mistakes with Subordinating Conjunctions

💡 Practice Tips for Subordinating Conjunctions

  • • Dependent clause first → comma. Dependent clause last → no comma.
  • • Time clauses: present tense for future (when I arrive, not when I will arrive).
  • • Don't combine although/though with but.
  • • Because answers 'why'; although shows contrast.
Quick Quiz
  1. 1.Which sentence is correct? 
  2. Question 2: Add a comma where needed: Because I was late I apologized. → Because I was lateblank I apologized.
    2.Add a comma where needed: Because I was late I apologized. → Because I was late I apologized.
  3. Question 3: I'll call you when I blank (arrive).
    3.I'll call you when I (arrive).
  4. Question 4: She'll come blank she's not too tired. (condition meaning 'on the condition that')
    4.She'll come she's not too tired. (condition meaning 'on the condition that')
  5. 5.I stayed home   it was raining.
  6. Question 6: Choose 'while' or 'because': She likes tea blank he prefers coffee. (contrast between two things)
    6.Choose 'while' or 'because': She likes tea he prefers coffee. (contrast between two things)
  7. Question 7: Punctuate correctly: I stayed home blank because it was raining. (no comma or comma?)
    7.Punctuate correctly: I stayed home because it was raining. (no comma or comma?)
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