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Subordinating Conjunctions
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Subordinating conjunctions join two separate ideas, making one idea dependent on the other. The connecting word or phrase introduces an idea that cannot stand on its own as a complete sentence, but that adds information about the main idea of the sentence.
*You can recognize subordinating conjunctions because they connect extra information about things like time, place, condition, manner or reason. They might introduce a comparison or show how one thing is relative to another or show cause and effect.
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Comparison: connects an idea that shows how or to what degree something is alike or different
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than
rather than
as much as
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She is richer than I am.
I will have cake rather than cookies.
Mom enjoys shopping as much as cooking.
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Relative Adjective: connects an idea that tells which one or what kind
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that
whatever
which
whichever
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My aunt bought the car that she’d always wanted.
It’s a good idea to take notes on whatever the teacher says.
I can’t wait to find out which movie wins Best Picture.
Maria will wear whichever dress is clean.
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Time: connects an idea that tells when
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after
as soon as
as long as
before
by the time
now that
once
since
until
when
whenever
while
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Tom will get groceries after he picks up the dry cleaning.
As soon as I finish my homework, I can play video games.
The ceremony will last as long as it takes to read every name.
Stacey will take a gap year before she goes to college.
By the time the meal arrived at the table, it was already cold.
I can’t wait to go to school now that I’m feeling better.
Once you learn conjunctions, sentences are easier to write.
Mom hasn’t gone shopping since her credit card was denied.
The candidate will not concede until all the votes are counted.
Make your birthday wish when you blow out the candle.
My family comes together whenever one of us is in need.
While we wait, let’s play a game.
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Concession: connects an idea that admits something contradictory is also true
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though
although
even though
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Though he felt scared, he knew it was worth the risk.
Although the house was new, it was not well built.
She wanted to go to the party even though she was grounded.
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Relative Pronoun: connects an idea that tells who
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who
whoever
whom
whomever
whose
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The person who made the mess cleans it up.
I have a request for whoever makes the schedule.
Mark is the man whom I met on the cruise.
She is free to hire whomever she chooses.
The student whose project wins first place gets an A.
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Place: connects an idea that tells where
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where
wherever
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This is the playground where I met my best friend.
I will follow wherever you lead.
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Condition: connects an idea that shows cause and effect or establishes that one thing must be true in order for the other to also be true
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if
only if
unless
provided that
assuming that
even if
in case
lest
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If you study, you will pass the test.
Your boss will give you the raise only if you earn it.
You won’t get better unless you practice.
Provided that everyone is on time, we’ll begin at 9:00.
Don said he’d go assuming that his mother gives permission.
I cannot forgive him, even if he apologizes.
In case you forgot, Mom and Dad’s anniversary is next week.
Lest we forget, I’ve written it in three separate calendars.
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Manner: connects an idea that tells how
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how
as though
as if
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My uncle taught me how to parallel park.
He looks as though he’s destined for greatness.
The grey sky and wind make it feel as if a storm is coming.
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Reason: connects an idea that tells why
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because
since
so that
in order
(that or to)
as
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I love Twain’s writing because he embraces the absurd.
Since we have some time, let’s play one more round.
Margie decided to stay home so that she’d have time to study.
Eat more vegetables in order to get healthy.
Grandma invited us all over, as she didn’t feel up to traveling.
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