List of Subordinating Conjunctions

Fear not, fellow wordsmiths! While you might be familiar with workhorses like “and” and “but,” these little words pack a mighty punch when it comes to crafting captivating prose.

Imagine your sentences as roads. Coordinating conjunctions (like “and” or “or”) simply keep the traffic flowing smoothly from one lane to another. But subordinating conjunctions act like clever detours, introducing interesting side streets and hidden pathways that add depth and dimension to your writing.

Think about it: since you’re reading this, you’re probably curious about how these conjunctions work, right? Well, unlike a dead-end street, these detours lead you to a deeper understanding of the main idea. For instance, although some writers might simply say, “The movie was great,” a subordinating conjunction allows you to elaborate: “While the special effects were dazzling, it was the emotional performances that truly resonated with me.” See the difference?

Learn Conjunctions | Crafting Clear and Captivating Sentences

Subordinating Conjunctions by Category

Here’s a breakdown of subordinating conjunctions by category, along with their meanings and interesting sentences for each:

Time

• Meaning: These conjunctions introduce a time clause.
• Examples:
  • Since: Since the discovery of penicillin, countless lives have been saved. (Past time)
  • Before: Before the internet, information wasn’t as readily available. (Prior to something)
  • When: When the clock struck twelve, the entire town erupted in cheers. (Specific time)
  • As long as: As long as you keep practicing, you’ll achieve your goals. (Condition about time)
  • Until: The children played outside until the streetlights flickered on. (Up to a certain point)
  • Whenever: Whenever I visit my grandparents’ farm, I feel a sense of peace. (Recurring time)

Cause & Effect

• Meaning: These conjunctions express cause and effect.
• Examples:
  • Because: Because of the heavy rain, the outdoor concert was cancelled. (Cause)
  • Since: Since you finished your chores early, you can have some extra screen time. (Result)
  • So that: The chef seasoned the dish perfectly so that it would tantalize everyone’s taste buds. (Purpose)

Learn How to use conjunctions in sentences?

Contrast

• Meaning: These conjunctions express contrast or concession.
• Examples:
  • While: While the city was bustling with activity, the park remained a tranquil haven. (Contrast)
  • Although: Although she was terrified of heights, she bravely scaled the climbing wall. (Concession)
  • Whereas: Whereas some people prefer the comfort of routine, others crave adventure. (Formal contrast)

Condition

• Meaning: These conjunctions introduce a condition.
• Examples:
  • If: If you believe in yourself, you can overcome any obstacle. (Positive condition)
  • Unless: Unless you water the plants regularly, they will wilt. (Negative condition)
  • Provided that: Provided that you return the book on time, you can borrow another one. (Condition with emphasis)

Reason

• Meaning: These conjunctions introduce a reason.
• Examples:
  • As: As the years passed, their friendship only grew stronger. (Reason for change)
  • Since: Since you’re already here, why don’t you join us for dinner? (Reason for an offer)
  • Because of: Because of your hard work, you received a promotion. (Reason for an outcome)

Place

• • Meaning: These conjunctions introduce a location clause. (Less common)
  • Examples:
    • Wherever: Wherever life takes you, always remember the lessons you’ve learned. (Recurring location)
    • Where: Where there’s a will, there’s a way. (Proverbial location)

Learn Identifying Conjunctions with the Use of Exciting Stories