What Is A Subordinating Conjunction?
A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects an independent clause to a dependent
clause. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence. In other words, it does not need any
additional information to operate as a sentence. The sentence "The student failed the test" is an
example of an independent clause.
A dependent clause adds extra information to the main clause. These clauses cannot stand by
themselves and their meaning is dependent on the independent clause. They are not complete
sentences. For example, "because she didn't study" is not a complete sentence.
However, combine the two clauses, and we have "The student failed the test because she didn't
study." A complete idea has been expressed and enough information has been presented to fully
explain the thought. What joined the two clauses? The word “because.” And there we have our
first subordinating conjunction.
Subordinating Conjunctions List
In English, there are a lot of subordinating conjunctions. Let’s take a look at the most common
ones, along with a few examples from some classic songs in a list of subordinating conjunctions:
After - “Your heart will break like mine, and you’ll want only me after you’ve gone”
(Ella Fitzgerald)
Although - “Although I’ve been here before, he’s just too hard to ignore” (Amy
Winehouse)
As - “As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I take a look at my life and
realize there’s nothing left” (Coolio)
As long as - “I don’t care who you are, where you’re from or what you did as long
as you love me” (Backstreet Boys)
Because - “I’m everything I am because you loved me” (Celine Dion)
Before - “Just call me angel of the morning, angel. Just touch my cheek before you leave
me, baby” (Juice Newton)
Even if - “Even if the sky is falling down, you’ll be my only” (Jay Sean)
If - “If you leave me now, you’ll take away the biggest part of me” (Chicago)
Once - “Once in a blue moon, something good comes along.” (Van Morrison)
Now that - “Baby, now that I’ve found you, I won’t let you go” (Tony Macaulay/John
MacLeod)
Since - “I guess I’ll never be the same since I fell for you” (B.B. King)
Though - “Walk on through the rain though your dreams be tossed and blown” (Rodgers
and Hammerstein)
Unless - “We’re never going to survive unless we get a little crazy” (Seal)
Until - “I’ll keep on dreaming until my dreams come true.” (Charlie Louvin)
When - “When I see you smile, I can face the world” (Bad English)
Where - “There’s a light burning bright, showing me the way, but I know where I’ve
been” (Scott Wittman)
While - “I look at the world, and I notice it’s turning while my guitar gently weeps” (The
Beatles)
You’ll notice that when a dependent clause precedes an independent clause, there’s
a comma between the two, indicating the beginning of the independent clause. However, when
the independent clause comes first, there’s usually no need to separate the two clauses with a
comma.
Need more examples? You can familiarize yourself with 48 subordinating conjunctions using
our word list.
Using Subordinating Conjunctions
As with any grammatical device, using subordinating conjunctions too often becomes repetitive
and boring. Of course, certain types of writing require a bare-bones style without much flavor.
Still, subordinating conjunctions should only be used sparingly. Constantly using the same
device not only sounds rote, but also sounds like the work of an inexperienced writer.
Experienced writers know that subordinating conjunctions, and other tools, should only be used
when warranted.
