English Grammar Understanding the Basics - Evelyn P. Altenberg, Robert M. Vago 2010
Lesson 19: Subordinating conjunctions
Unit 6: Conjuctions
Part I: Kinds of words
Another kind of conjunction is called a subordinating conjunction. Here are some examples of sentences with subordinating conjunctions. The subordinating conjunctions are underlined.
1. She continued arguing until everyone finally agreed with her.
2. They live down south when the weather gets cold.
3. Jack willbuy a house once he gets a job.
4. She listened to his comments politely, even though they sounded silly.
5. They stopped talking when it was Eleanor’s turn.
Subordinating conjunctions connect sentences; however, the two parts that are connected are not of equal value in terms of the meaning of the whole sentence. There is a main sentence with a subpart; the subordinating conjunction connects the subpart to the main sentence. Here are sentences 1 through 5 again, but this time with the main sentences in bold.
6. She continued arguing until everyone finally agreed with her.
7. They live down south when the weather gets cold.
8. Jack will buy a house once he gets a job.
9. She listened to his comments politely, even though they sounded silly.
10. They stopped talking when it was Eleanor’s turn.
Quick tip 19.1
Subordinating conjunctions connect a sentence with another sentence, which is a subpart of it. The subpart sentence is called a dependent clause (or subordinate clause). In the following sentence, the subordinating conjunction is underlined and the dependent clause is in italics: Nick decided to try to escape, although he knew his chances were slim.
The common subordinating conjunctions are listed below.
You can see that sometimes a subordinating conjunction consists of more than one word.
Test yourself 19.1
Underline the subordinating conjunctions in the sentences below. Use the list above to help you.
Sample: She was so tired that she didn’t bother brushing her teeth.
Getting started (answers on p. 79)
1. I’ll leave the note here because I’m in a hurry.
2. Nick had coached him thoroughly, even though they hadn’t had much time.
3. He could see the faint glow of a pipe that Dr. Walters had lit.
4. You should stay here since they obviously need you.
5. She hasn’t called here although she’d said she would.
More practice (answers on the website)
6. Jake would be free once he reached the fence.
7. You were behaving as if you were the boss.
8. They were determined to go for a walk, unless it was going to rain.
9. Kevin should think twice before he speaks.
10. I am going to finish this job even if it takes hours.
Here are the same sentences we saw earlier, but this time with the dependent clauses in italics; the subordinating conjunctions are still underlined.
11. She continued arguing until everyone finally agreed with her.
12. They live down south when the weather gets cold.
13. Jack willbuy a house once he gets a job.
14. She listened to his comments politely, even though they sounded silly.
15. They stopped talking when it was Eleanor’s turn.
Notice that the subordinating conjunction is always the first word of the dependent clause.
Quick tip 19.2
The subordinating conjunction is always the first word of the dependent clause.
In all of the examples we’ve looked at so far, the dependent clause has come after the main sentence. But sometimes the dependent clause comes before the main sentence. In the following examples, the subordinating conjunctions are underlined, and the main sentences are in bold:
16. If he knew the truth, her father would throw the doll away.
17. When I brought my first paycheck home, I wanted to frame it.
18. Once he gets a job, Jack will buy a house.
19. When it was Eleanor’s turn, they stopped talking.
Notice that sentences 18 and 19 are the same as sentences 13 and 15, except that in sentences 18 and 19 the subordinating conjunction and the rest of the dependent clause come before the main sentence rather than after it.
Test yourself 19.2
Underline the subordinating conjunction in each of the sentences below. In each of these sentences, the dependent clause comes before the main sentence.
Sample: Although he was not happily married, he remained faithful to his wife.
Getting started (answers on p. 80)
1. Even though he calmed down, he did not go back to the table immediately.
2. While I enjoy being in the yard, I hate mowing the lawn.
3. Unless there’s a heavy downpour, I’m going on that trip.
4. Why anyone would swim in ice cold water, I just don’t understand.
5. Whether you are right or wrong, I will support you.
More practice (answers on the website)
6. Wherever we travel, we always have fun together.
7. As I was looking for my keys, I noticed a package in front of the door.
8. Just after they crossed the river, the drawbridge opened up.
9. Before anyone could shout a warning, the tree fell.
10. Since you think you are so smart, tell me the capital of Ghana!
Test yourself 19.3
Underline the subordinating conjunction in each of the sentences below. In some of them, the dependent clause will be after the main sentence; in others, it will come before the main sentence. Again, use the list of subordinating conjunctions to help you.
Sample: Even if you get angry, I will still be there for you.
Getting started (answers on p. 80)
1. Sally spent a lot of time with the babysitter, because her mother had to work.
2. Since you’re always busy, I decided to go to the movies without you.
3. After he read the article, he decided not to argue any further.
4. We will move to Seattle, unless you can convince me not to.
5. As if speaking Igbo wasn’t enough, this professor speaks Yoruba as well.
More practice (answers on the website)
6. I always get anxious when I am in the doctor’s o/ce.
7. Though Tatiana passed the bar exam, she won’t be practicing law until next year.
8. Did you ever wonder how children learn language?
9. Once he finishes college, he will look for a job.
10. I took the express train so that I could arrive on time.
Test yourself 19.4 - Grand finale
In each of the sentences below, underline the coordinating or subordinating conjunction. Also, write C if it’s a coordinating conjunction and S if it’s a subordinating conjunction.
Sample: I work at the mall when I’m home for the holidays. (S)
Getting started (answers on p. 80)
1. I’m the owner and editor of the local newspaper.
2. Before Megan helped him, George would have to prove his loyalty.
3. There’s more than one career that he’s interested in.
4. They painted her house while she was at work.
5. I arrived early but I still wasn’t the first in line.
More practice (answers on the website)
6. If you can understand this, you are a genius!
7. Because you are a dear friend, I will share this with you.
8. Some people are aggressive yet polite.
9. Her administrative assistant will work on that project until it is completed.
10. I rely on Joe to fix my computer, for he is an electronics expert.
To enhance your understanding
Don’t confuse conjunctions with prepositions. Some words may function as either:
20a. I’ve been working hard, for I hope to be promoted. (Coordinating conjunction: connects two sentences.)
20b. I’ve been working hard for IBM. (Preposition: introduces a noun.)
21a. John left before they served dinner. (Subordinating conjunction: connects two sentences.)
21b. John left before dinner. (Preposition: introduces a noun.)