Subordinating conjunctions

1. A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a main clause (clause that can be used by itself as a sentence) to a subordinate clause (clause that adds some extra information to the main clause). The most common subordinating conjunctions are:

'Although' means 'in spite of the fact that'

• We had a great time although it rained (main clause: "We had a great time" / subordinate clause: "it rained")

'After' indicates 'subsequently to the time when'

• Please text me after you arrive home

'Before' indicates 'earlier than the time that'

• I need to cook dinner before my wife gets home

'Because' means 'for the reason that'

• I bought this TV because it was cheap

'How' means 'the way in which'

• I wonder how you did it

'If' means 'in the event that'

• If it is sunny tomorrow, we can go to the beach

'Once' indicates 'at the moment when'

• Once you see him, you will recognize him

'Since' means 'from the time when'

• Since he graduated, he has been doing nothing

'So that' means 'in order to'

• We stopped talking so that we could hear the music

'Until' means 'up to the time that'

• Let's wait until it stops raining

'Unless' means 'except' or 'on the condition'

• I'll go to the beach unless it rains

'When' means 'at that time'

• When I entered the room, everyone looked at me

'While' means 'during the time'

• We met while we were working in Japan

'Where' indicates 'in the place'

• Please tell me where you are going

'Whether' means 'if it is true or not'

• I wonder whether Tom likes Mary