3.Subordinating

3. Subordinatinating Conjunctions

Subordination joins clauses that are unequal in importance. So, subordinating conjunction is used to make one clause dependent on another. The dependent clause is subordinate to the independent clause.

The list of subordinating conjunctions is long; here are some of the more common ones.

Conjuction

Relationship

Examples

When

Whenever

After

Until

Before

After

Time

Whenever the afternoon bell rings, a teeming horde of children rush eagerly out of school.

- My uncle always calls after he watches the news

Where

Wherever

Place

- I know a place where blackberries grow wild all along the roadside

- Wherever you can find an empty spot, just drop your luggage there.

Because

Since

So that

Cause/effect

- Since you have to leave early, why don't you arrive a few days earlier?

- I didn't answer your messages because I was out of the country.

If

Unless

If only

Condition

- If my ticket does not arrive today, I will not be able to fly out tomorrow.

- He will not listen to you unless you make him turn off the radio.

Although

Eventhough

Though

Contrast

- Although I have called repeatedly, the credit card company has not corrected my account.

- He still brings her roses even though he knows she is allergic to them.