What is a Subordinating Conjunction? A Complete Guide

Ever struggled to connect your ideas in a sentence? Wondering why some words seem to join clauses while others don’t? The answer lies in understanding What is a Subordinating Conjunction? These linguistic connectors play a crucial role in forming complex sentences and expressing nuanced thoughts.  

This comprehensive blog will explore What is a Subordinating Conjunction, explaining their function, types, and how to use them effectively. We’ll provide you with the knowledge needed to master these essential grammatical connectors, whether you're a student, a writer, or simply looking to enhance your grammar skills. Let’s dive in and enhance your grammar skills! 

Table of Contents 

1) What are Subordinating Conjunctions?  

2) How to Construct a Subordinate Clause?  

3) Categories of Subordinating Conjunctions  

4) Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions  

5) What is the Full Form of Fanboys?

6) What are the 12 Subordinating Conjunctions?

7) How Do you Identify a Subordinating Conjunction?

8) Conclusion

What are Subordinating Conjunctions?

Subordinating Conjunctions link a subordinate clause to a main clause, enhancing sentence clarity and flow. Examples include although, because, if, and when. For instance, He was annoyed because the train had stopped connects cause and effect. These conjunctions express relationships like time, reason, or condition, making sentences more cohesive and meaningful.
 

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How to Construct a Subordinate Clause? 

A subordinate clause starts with a Subordinating Conjunction followed by a subject and a verb. The clause provides additional information to the main clause but cannot stand alone as a complete thought. Here’s how to construct a subordinate clause:

a) Start with a Subordinating Conjunction: Choose a Subordinating Conjunction that fits the relationship you want to express. 

b) Add a Subject: Identify the subject of the clause. 

c) Add a Verb: Include the verb to complete the clause. 

For example: 

Because (Subordinating Conjunction) she was tired (subject + verb), she went to bed early. 

In this sentence, "because she was tired" is the subordinate clause providing a reason for the action in the main clause, "she went to bed early." 

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Categories of Subordinating Conjunctions 

Subordinating Conjunctions can be categorised based on the relationship they express between the dependent and independent clauses. Here are the main categories: 

1) Time

Time-related conjunctions specify when the main clause occurs, such as after, before, until, when, and while.

Example: "I will do the dishes after everyone leaves."

2) Concession

Concession conjunctions indicate actions that occurred despite challenges, using although, even though, and as though.

Example: "Eliza wrote the report even though it was assigned to someone else."

3) Comparison

Comparison conjunctions like just as, whereas, and in contrast establish relationships through contrast.

Example: "Ellen vlogged about the meeting, whereas her rival only blogged."

4) Cause

Cause conjunctions explain why actions occur, including because, since, and so that.

Example: "Grant dreamed about cheese because he ate before bed."

5) Condition

Condition conjunctions set rules for actions, such as if, unless, and provided that.

Example: "If he’s attending, I’m not attending the party."

6) Place

Place conjunctions define where actions happen, using where and wherever.

Example: "I will place my book wherever I find space."

Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions 

Here are more examples of sentences using Subordinating Conjunctions in different contexts: 

a) When she called, I was watching TV. (Time) 

b) Even though he was tired, he finished his work. (Concession) 

c) She is smarter than her classmates. (Comparison) 

d) As it was getting late, we decided to leave. (Cause) 

e) Unless you hurry, we will miss the bus. (Condition) 

f) They built a house where the old one used to be. (Place) 

What is the Full Form of Fanboys?

The full form of FANBOYS represents the seven coordinating conjunctions in English:

1) F – For

2) A – And

3) N – Nor

4) B – But

5) O – Or

6) Y – Yet

7) S – So

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What are the 12 Subordinating Conjunctions?

The 12 commonly used Subordinating Conjunctions are after, although, as, because, before, if, since, though, unless, until, when, and while. These words connect dependent clauses to main clauses, adding context and meaning.

How Do you Identify a Subordinating Conjunction?

A Subordinating Conjunction bridges a dependent clause to the main clause, providing context like time, cause, or condition. To identify one, look for words like because, although, if, or when that link additional information to the main clause.

Conclusion 

Understanding What is a Subordinating Conjunction is essential for creating complex sentences that add depth and clarity to writing. By linking dependent clauses to independent clauses, they help express various relationships, such as time, cause, condition, concession, comparison, and place. Understanding how to use Subordinating Conjunctions effectively can improve your writing, making it more precise and engaging. 

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