Subordinating Conjunctions List|Explained With Examples

Subordinating conjunctions are important words that help join an independent clause (a complete sentence) with a dependent clause (an incomplete sentence that cannot stand alone) to form complex sentences. These conjunctions play a key role in establishing relationships between various parts of speech while conveying precise meanings or conditions.

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of subordinating conjunctions along with explanations and examples. This list of subordinating conjunctions with explanations and examples will show you how they work, making it easier for you to use them correctly.

What are subordinate conjunctions?

Subordinating conjunctions are words that link an independent clause (a complete sentence) with a dependent clause (an incomplete sentence that cannot stand alone). They establish relationships between the two clauses, indicating time, reason, condition, contrast, and other relationships.

These conjunctions are essential for creating complex sentences and adding depth to writing. By connecting different parts of a sentence, they help clarify the relationship between ideas and actions. For example, the conjunction “although” can introduce a contrast, while “because” provides a reason. Understanding how to use subordinating conjunctions effectively can greatly improve both written and spoken communication.

Subordinating Conjunctions List

Here’s a comprehensive list of subordinating conjunctions in English:

After,

Although,

As,

As if,

As long as,

As soon as,

As much as,

Because,

Before,

Even if,

Even though,

If,

In order that,

In case,

Insofar as,

Now that,

Once,

Provided that,

Since,

So that,

So long as,

Supposing,

Than,

That,

Though,

Till,

Unless,

Until,

When,

Whenever,

Where,

Whereas,

While,

Whichever,

Who,

Whoever,

Whose,

Whomever,

Why,

Whether.

Subordinating Conjunctions List: Explained with Examples

Here are explanations and example sentences for each subordinating conjunction:

After: Describes an action that occurs later than another action or event.

Example: After I finish my homework, I will watch TV.

Usage: Use “after” to show that one action happens subsequently to another.

Although: Indicates a contrast or unexpected situation.

Example: Although it’s raining, we will go for a walk.

Usage: Use “although” to present a contradiction or a surprising fact compared to what’s expected.

As: Indicates a reason or a simultaneous action.

Example: She sang as she walked home.

Usage: Use “as” to show the reason behind an action or to describe two actions happening together.

As if: Describes something that appears true but might not be.

Example: She looked as if she had seen a ghost.

Usage: Use “as if” to describe an appearance or behavior that suggests a certain situation, even if it might not be true.

As long as: Specifies a condition that must be fulfilled.

Example: You can go out as long as you finish your chores.

Usage: Use “as long as” to set a condition that needs to be met for something else to happen.

As soon as: Describes something happening immediately after something else.

Example: I’ll call you as soon as I arrive.

Usage: Use “as soon as” to indicate that an action will happen immediately after another action is completed.

As much as: Indicates the degree of likeness or comparison.

Example: I like you as much as I like her.

Usage: Use “as much as” to compare things and show an equal degree of preference, likeness, or quantity.

Because: Gives a reason or an explanation for something.

Example: I am happy because I passed my test.

Usage: Use “because” to introduce the cause or reason behind an action or a feeling.

Before: Describes an action happening earlier than another event.

Example: I will eat breakfast before I leave for work.

Usage: Use “before” to indicate that one action occurs prior to another action or event.

Even if: Indicates a hypothetical situation or a possibility.

Example: Even if it rains, we will have a picnic.

Usage: Use “even if” to express that something will happen or be true despite other circumstances.

Even though: Indicates a contrast or opposition to what might be expected.

Example: Even though it’s cold, I’ll go outside.

Usage: Use “even though” to introduce a statement that goes against what might be expected in a situation.

If: Describes a condition that must be met for something else to happen.

Example: If it’s sunny, we’ll go to the beach.

Usage: Use “if” to present a condition that needs to be fulfilled for an action to take place.

In order that: Expresses purpose or intention.

Example: She studied hard in order that she could pass the exam.

Usage: Use “in order that” to explain the purpose or intention behind an action.

In case: Describes something done as a precaution.

Example: Take an umbrella in case it rains.

Usage: Use “in case” to prepare for a possible situation or eventuality.

Insofar as: Indicates the extent to which something is true.

Example: I’ll help insofar as I can.

Usage: Use “insofar as” to express the limit or extent to which something is applicable or true.

Now that: Indicates something happening because of a present situation.

Example: Now that she’s here, we can start.

Usage: Use “now that” to show that one action or situation causes another to occur.

Once: Describes an action happening after a particular time or event.

Example: Once you finish your work, you can go play.Usage: Use “once” to indicate that an action will happen after a specific event or time.

Provided that: Specifies a condition that must be met for something else to happen.

Example: You can go, provided that you finish your homework.

Usage: Use “provided that” to set a condition that needs to be fulfilled for another action to occur.

Since: Indicates a reason or a specific point in time.

Example: Since it’s late, we should go home.

Usage: Use “since” to introduce the reason behind an action or to refer to a specific time in the past.

So that: Expresses purpose or intention.

Example: She studies hard so that she can get good grades.

Usage: Use “so that” to explain the reason or purpose behind an action.

So long as: Indicates a condition that must be met.

Example: You can use my car so long as you bring it back by 5.

Usage: Use “so long as” to specify a condition that needs to be fulfilled for something else to happen.

Supposing: Indicates a hypothetical situation.

Example: Supposing it snows, what will we do?

Usage: Use “supposing” to introduce a hypothetical scenario or situation.

Than: Indicates comparison between things or actions.

Example: He is taller than his brother.

Usage: Use “than” to compare and show a difference in degree between two things or actions.

That: Often introduces clauses, connecting ideas or thoughts.

Example: I know that she’s coming.

Usage: Use “that” to introduce clauses or thoughts related to the main statement.

Though: Indicates a contrast, similar to “although”.

Example: Though it’s hot, she wears a sweater.

Usage: Use “though” to introduce a contrasting idea or situation.

Till: Describes something happening up to a specific time.

Example: Wait here till I come back.

Usage: Use “till” to indicate the duration of an action until a specific time or event occurs.

Unless: Indicates a condition that, if not met, has consequences.

Example: You can’t go unless you finish your homework.

Usage: Use “unless” to express a condition that needs to be met; otherwise, there will be consequences.

Until: Describes something happening up to a specific time.

Example: I’ll wait here until you come.

Usage: Use “until” to indicate the duration of an action until a specific time or event occurs.

When: Describes a specific time or situation.

Example: I will call you when I reach home.

Usage: Use “when” to indicate a specific time or situation in which an action will happen.

Whenever: Describes any time or situation.

Example: Whenever he is sad, he listens to music.

Usage: Use “whenever” to indicate any time or situation in which a particular action or event occurs.

Where: Describes a place or situation.

Example: This is where I used to live.

Usage: Use “where” to refer to a specific place or situation in which something occurs or occurred.

Whereas: Indicates a contrast between two things.

Example: She likes tea, whereas he prefers coffee.

Usage: Use “whereas” to show a contrast or difference between two things or ideas.

While: Indicates a contrast or something happening at the same time.

Example: She reads while he watches TV.

Usage: Use “while” to show a contrast between two actions or to describe actions happening simultaneously.

Whichever: Indicates a choice between alternatives.

Example: Choose whichever dress you like.

Usage: Use “whichever” to present a choice between two or more alternatives.

Who: Refers to a person.

Example: The person who called left a message.

Usage: Use “who” to refer to a person or people in a sentence.

Whoever: Refers to any person, no matter who.

Example: Whoever wants to join can come along.

Usage: Use “whoever” to refer to any person, without specifying a particular individual.

Whose: Indicates possession by a person.

Example: The girl whose bag was lost is upset.

Usage: Use “whose” to show possession or ownership by a person.

Whomever: Refers to any person, as an object.

Example: Give the book to whomever you like.

Usage: Use “whomever” when referring to any person as the object of an action.

Why: Indicates a reason for something.

Example: I don’t know why she’s upset.

Usage: Use “why” to inquire about or explain the reason behind something.

Whether: Indicates a choice between alternatives or if something is true.

Example: I don’t know whether I should go or stay.

Usage: Use “whether” to introduce a choice between options or to express doubt about two possibilities.

Lest: Indicates a precaution or fear of something happening.

Example: He studied hard lest he should fail.

Usage: Use “lest” to express a precaution taken to avoid a negative outcome.

No matter how: Indicates that a condition or situation does not affect the outcome.

Example: No matter how hard he tries, he can’t beat his brother.

Usage: Use “no matter how” to show that an effort or condition does not change the result.

Now: Indicates the time is present or that an action is immediately following.

Example: Now that you’re here, we can start the meeting.

Usage: Use “now” to show the present time or immediate occurrence.

Whether or not: Indicates that the outcome is the same regardless of the condition.

Example: Whether or not it rains, we will have the event outdoors.

Usage: Use “whether or not” to show that an action or decision will happen regardless of a condition.

In the event that: Indicates a possibility of something happening.

Example: In the event that you cannot attend, please let us know.

Usage: Use “in the event that” to prepare for a possible situation or occurrence.

Seeing that: Indicates a reason based on a known fact.

Example: Seeing that it is late, we should leave now.

Usage: Use “seeing that” to show that a known fact is the reason for an action.

Even when: Indicates a situation that occurs despite certain conditions.

Example: Even when he is tired, he goes for a run.

Usage: Use “even when” to show that an action happens regardless of a condition.

Inasmuch as: Indicates the extent or degree to which something is true.

Example: She deserves praise inasmuch as she has worked very hard.

Usage: Use “inasmuch as” to show the extent to which something is true or applicable.

Unless and until: Indicates a condition that must continue to be true for a situation to remain the same.

Example: Unless and until you apologize, we cannot be friends.

Usage: Use “unless and until” to show a continuous condition that must be met for a situation to persist.

Rather than: Indicates a preference for one thing over another.

Example: She chose to stay home rather than go out.

Usage: Use “rather than” to show a preference for one option over another.

FAQs

How many subordinating conjunctions are there in total?

There are many subordinating conjunctions in English, but the exact number can vary depending on the source. Common lists often include around 50 subordinating conjunctions. These conjunctions help in creating complex sentences by linking dependent clauses to independent clauses.

What are the subordinating conjunctions of time?

Subordinating conjunctions of time are used to indicate when something happens. They include:

• After: She went to bed after she finished her homework.
• Before: I will call you before I leave.
• When: Call me when you arrive.
• While: She read a book while waiting for the bus.
• Until: Wait here until I come back.
• Since: We have been friends since we were children.
• As soon as: I’ll let you know as soon as I find out.
• Once: Once you finish your meal, you can have dessert.
• Whenever: You can visit us whenever you want.
• By the time: By the time we arrived, the show had already started.

Are there only 7 conjunctions?

No, there are many more than 7 conjunctions. While there are seven coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), subordinating conjunctions are more numerous and varied. Subordinating conjunctions include words like because, although, since, if, when, and many others that help link dependent clauses to independent clauses.

Why is “but” not a subordinating conjunction?

“But” is not a subordinating conjunction because it is a coordinating conjunction. Coordinating conjunctions connect two independent clauses of equal importance. For example: I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining. Subordinating conjunctions, on the other hand, connect a dependent clause with an independent clause, showing a relationship such as time, cause, or condition.

What are the subordinating conjunctions “by the time”?

“By the time” is a subordinating conjunction that indicates a specific point in time when something happens or will happen. It suggests that one event will be completed before another starts. For example:

• By the time you arrive, we will have started dinner.
• By the time he finished, everyone else had left.
• This conjunction helps to show the timing relationship between two events.

What are the 5 common subordinating conjunctions?

The 5 common subordinating conjunctions are:

• Because: Indicates reason. I am late because I missed the bus.
• Although: Indicates contrast. Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
• Since: Indicates time or reason. We have been friends since we were kids. / Since you’re here, we can start.
• If: Indicates condition. If it rains, we will stay inside.
• When: Indicates time. Call me when you get home.

Conclusion

In conclusion, subordinating conjunctions are essential tools in English grammar that help link an independent clause with a dependent clause, creating complex and nuanced sentences. These conjunctions establish relationships of time, reason, condition, contrast, and more between the clauses. 

With a variety of subordinating conjunctions available, such as because, although, since, if, and when, writers can effectively convey detailed and precise meanings. Understanding and using these conjunctions correctly enhances both written and spoken communication, making ideas clearer and more interconnected. By mastering subordinating conjunctions, one can significantly improve the quality and complexity of their language skills.