Subordinating Conjunctions

A conjunction is a word that joins two parts of a sentence. Subordinating conjunctions establish relationships between two ideas and always come at the beginning of a subordinate or dependent clause.

In the sentences given below, until, after, than, because, as are subordinating conjunctions.

1. Carly played outside in the yard _until__ it was too dark to see.
2. We went to the diner __after_ the movie, then we went home.
3. This car is much larger _than__ the one we used to have.
4. I didn't go to school yesterday __because__ I was not feeling well.
5. The swimmers stayed close to shore_as__ the waves were very powerful.

These are some common subordinating conjunctions:

• After
• As
• Because
• Even though
• Now that
• Rather than
• So that
• That
• Until
• When
• While

Combining Sentences Using Subordinating Conjunctions:

Subordinating conjunctions can be used to combine two ideas. Take a look at the sentences given below and consider how we can combine the independent and dependent clauses into one sentence.

(A) Robert won't go to the party. His brother will go with him.
Robert won't go to the party unless his brother goes with him.

(B) Ellen was out of breath. Ellen ran a mile in record time.
After she ran the mile in record time Ellen was out of breath.

(C) Rooney watched TV. He also tried to do his homework.
Rooney tried to do his homework while he watched TV.

(D) The plane has stopped. The passengers will get off the plane.
Now that the plane has stopped, the passengers will get off.