Basic Subordinating Conjunctions

Introduction

A subordinating conjunction is a word which joins together a dependent clause and an independent clause. This page will explain the most common subordinating conjunctions and how to use them.

1. What is a dependent clause?

A clause is a unit which contains a subject and a verb. For example, “It was raining” is a clause; the subject is “it”, and the verb is “was raining”. A dependent clause is a clause which cannot exist on its own; it needs a main (or independent) clause to go with it. For example:

Because it was raining, I took my umbrella.

This sentence contains two clauses, “Because it was raining” and “I took my umbrella”. The first clause does not mean anything on its own. If you say “Because it was raining”, and nothing else, people will not be able to understand what you mean. However, “I took my umbrella” is an independent clause — we can understand what it means even if it is alone.

2. Joining clauses together with subordinating conjunctions

Examine the example sentence one more time:

Because it was raining, I took my umbrella.

The important word here is “because”. This is a subordinating conjunction. It is used to show the relationship between the two clauses. A subordinating conjunction usually comes at the beginning of the dependent clause, but the dependent clause itself can be before the main clause (usually followed by a comma) or after it (usually without a comma):

Although it was hot, he was wearing a coat.

He was wearing a coat although it was hot.

3. Important subordinating conjunctions

Some of the most important subordinating conjunctions fall into two groups: contrast, and cause and effect.

Conjunction	Function	Example
although (even) though whereas while	express contrast between ideas	Although she's small, she's very strong. John is short, whereas Mary is tall.
because as since	show a cause/effect relationship between ideas	I lost my job because I was often late. Since I have no money, I can't go to the movie.

When you are sure that you understand the lesson, you can continue with the exercises.

Basic Subordinating Conjunctions 1

Choose the best conjunction for each sentence.

I will be late today ________ my car has broken down.

1. 1.   though
   2.   because
2. ________ Mei Li doesn't speak English, she can't go to university in Canada.
   1.   Whereas
   2.   Since
3. I don't drink coffee ________ it makes me nervous.
   1.   although
   2.   as
4. ________ my wife likes to travel abroad, I prefer to stay at home for my vacations.
   1.   Whereas
   2.   Since
5. Paula got the job ________ she had no experience.
   1.   as
   2.   even though
6. Jun couldn't buy any Christmas presents ________ he didn't have any money.
   1.   because
   2.   even though
7. Jerry passed the exam first time ________ I had to retake it three times.
   1.   as
   2.   while
8. ________ it was raining, I didn't get wet.
   1.   Although
   2.   Because

Basic Subordinating Conjunctions 2

Combine the sentences using the subordinating conjunction at the end of the sentence. For example: "I put my coat on. It was cold. (because)" becomes" I put my coat on because it was cold."

For each question, type your answer in the box, and then click on "Check". If you need help, click "Show a letter". 1 / 6

1. The boat could not move. There was no wind. (since)
   
   
   
2. Some apples are red. Others are green. (while)
   
   
   
3. Deer are cute. They eat all your flowers. (although)
   
   
   
4. Surfing is fun. It can be dangerous. (though)
   
   
   
5. You should stay away from bears. They are dangerous. (because)
   
   
   
6. I took my umbrella. It was raining. (as)