Subordinating Conjunctions in English Grammar

Main Idea

A subordinating conjunction connects a dependent clause to an independent clause. A dependent clause cannot form a complete sentence on its own. For example, “after we go to the mall” is incomplete until it is joined to a main clause:

Before we go to the mall, we should study.

The video groups subordinating words and phrases by the relationships they express. These examples show how they connect ideas within a sentence.

Categories and Examples

• Comparison, contrast, and alternatives: than, rather than, as much as, whereas, and whether … or

  Elliot is tall and blonde, whereas his brother is short.

• Relative clauses: that, which, whatever, whichever, who, whoever, whom, whomever, and whose

  The person who made the mess needs to clean it.

• Time: after, as soon as, as long as, before, by the time, now that, once, since, till, until, when, whenever, and while

  You can go and play now that you have finished your homework.

• Concession: though, although, and even though

  Although the kitchen is small, it is well designed.

• Place: where and wherever

  This is the park where we played.

• Condition: if, only if, unless, provided that, assuming that, even if, in case, and lest

  You won’t succeed unless you work hard.

• Manner: how, as though, and as if

  She taught him how to play the piano.

• Reason and purpose: because, since, as, so that, and in order that

  Because he uses color so brilliantly … I’ll go by car so that I can take more luggage.

The closing lesson is that there are many subordinating conjunctions, but understanding the basic idea—linking a dependent clause to a main clause—makes them easier to learn and use.

Speakers and Source

• Speaker: One narrator/presenter; no other speakers are featured.
• Source: 7ESL Learning English video.