Subordinating conjunctions
- 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'
'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