Subordinate Conjunction Examples

Introduction

Subordinate conjunctions allow writers to connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. There are many subordinate conjunctions, so it is important to choose the conjunction that best fits the sentence and the information being communicated. 

Definition

A subordinate conjunction joins a dependent clause to an independent clause.

Before learning about subordinate conjunctions, it’s important to first understand the definition of a dependent clause and an independent clause. 

An independent clause has a subject and a verb and shares a complete thought. 

     Example: The leaves changed colors and fell to the ground. 

A dependent clause has a subject and a verb, but does not make a complete thought. 

     Example: After the leaves changed color and fell to the ground…

In this sample, the subordinating conjunction “after” leaves the sentence incomplete. Therefore, an independent clause needs to be placed after it to complete the thought. 

Locating a subordinating conjunction requires a careful review since subordinating conjunctions can be used in different places in a sentence. 

Examples

For instance, let’s review subordinating conjunctions that are located at different points within these sentences.

   “Although I’m hungry, I want to finish my homework before I eat.”

The word “Although,” which functions as a subordinating conjunction, begins the sentence. “Although I’m hungry,” is a dependent clause. It contains a subject and verb, but the thought is incomplete. It adds the independent clause, “I want to finish my homework before I eat,” which completes the entire sentence. 

   “I want to finish my homework, though I am very hungry.”

The word “though” is a subordinating conjunction that is placed in the middle of the sentence. “I want to finish my homework” is an independent clause which could stand on its own as a complete thought. However, the writer continues the sentence by adding “though I am very hungry,” which is a dependent clause that is not a complete thought on its own. 

Here are more sample sentences that contain subordinating conjunctions: 

   “Unless I can complete my chores, Mom will not let me play outside.”

Unless” is a subordinating conjunction. The first clause that begins with “Unless” is dependent and needs to be completed with the use of the independent clause “Mom will not let me play outside.”

   “I’d prefer to play outside today, rather than wait until tomorrow.”

Rather” is a subordinating conjunction. The first clause is independent and is connected to the dependent clause that begins with “rather” in order to make a complete thought. 

   “Because I want to have fun on a nice day, I’ll need to do my chores.” 

Because” is a subordinating conjunction that begins the dependent clause that starts the sentence. The dependent clause is joined by the independent clause, “I’ll need to do my chores.” 

   “I can probably stay out late, within the limits of my curfew.”

Within” is the subordinating conjunction, which concludes the sentence with a dependent clause. The dependent clause is preceded by the independent clause, “I can probably stay out late.” 

   “Whenever I play with my friends, we always have a good time.”

In this sample, “Whenever” is the subordinating conjunction. The dependent clause, “Whenever I play with my friends,” requires the independent clause, “we always have a good time” in order to make a complete thought. 

   “It’s sunny outside, though I will have to wear a jacket.”

The subordinating conjunction in this sentence is “though.” “It’s sunny outside” is an independent clause and it is joined by the dependent clause “though I will have to wear a jacket.” This subordinating clause expresses more detail about that sunny day and completes the sentence. 

Here is a list of subordinating conjunctions. It’s important to note that there are many, so always use a list as a reference point rather than trying to memorize them all!

After, Although, As, Because, Before, Besides, Even though , If, Provided , Rather than , So that , Though, Unless, Until, While, While, Within, Without …and more!

Remember that when you see these, it means that one portion of the sentence will contain a dependent clause– the section with the subordinate conjunction– and it will need to connect to an independent clause.

Conclusion

Using and identifying subordinating conjunctions is one way that writers can extend the complexity of their sentences and ideas. By joining ideas, they can vary sentence structures and promote engagement, clarity, as well as highlight their writing skills.