What Are Conjunctions?

• Conjunctions are words that connect other words, phrases, or sentences.
• They help us join ideas and make our writing clearer.

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What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?

• Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause (a part of a sentence that cannot stand alone) to an independent clause (a complete thought).
• They show a relationship between the two clauses, often indicating time, reason, condition, or contrast.

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Common Subordinating Conjunctions

Here are some common subordinating conjunctions:

• Although
• Because
• Since
• If
• When
• While
• Unless
• Before
• After

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How to Use Subordinating Conjunctions

A dependent clause begins with a subordinating conjunction and provides additional information.

The dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Example:

• “Because it was raining, we stayed inside.”
• “Because it was raining” is the dependent clause.
• “We stayed inside” is the independent clause.

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Identifying Subordinating Conjunctions

Look for the subordinating conjunctions in a sentence that introduces a dependent clause.

If the clause cannot stand alone, it is dependent.

Example: “Although she was tired, she finished her homework.”

• “Although” introduces the dependent clause “Although she was tired.”

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Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions in Sentences

• “I will play outside if it stops raining.”
• “Although it was late, we decided to watch a movie.”
• “She went to bed early because she was tired.”
• “We will eat dinner after we finish our homework.”

Let’s practice!🖊️