- Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are used to connect a main clause to a less important clause in a complex sentence.
A subordinating conjunction at the beginning of a clause indicates that the clause is not the main, or most important, idea in the sentence. Instead, it provides supporting, contrasting, conditional, or some other extra information that the author feels is useful, but less important than the main clause.
Subordinating Conjunctions Examples
although
because
if
when
before
until
while
whenever
since
unless
though
|
The subordinating conjunction, while, begins the clause, "Candace ate the freshly grated cheese from the bowl."
It indicates that this action occurred at the same time as the action in the main clause, "Grandma busily prepared homemade pizzas for the entire family."
The subordinating conjunction, Although, begins the first clause of the sentence, "Luis wondered where Sue was."
It means even though, or in spite of the fact that.
It shows a contrast with the idea in the main clause, "he continued working on his own throughout the evening."