Use

Subordinating conjunctions are used when connecting a dependent, or subordinate, clause to an independent, or main, clause. A dependent clause does not make sense on its own, so it needs a subordinating conjunction to join with the independent clause to make a complete sentence.

Example:

I will go even though I want to stay at the hotel.

Explanation:

We use a subordinating conjunction here because one clause (‘even though I want to stay at the hotel) depends on the other clause (‘I will go’) to create a complete sentence.

How to build

Most commonly used subordinating conjunctions are: after, although, as, because, before, how, if, once, since, than, that, when, where, whether, while, until.

Subordinating conjunctions always come at the beginning of dependent clauses, but dependent clauses can come after or before an independent clause.

• We got home before it started snowing.

• John can’t go to the party because he’s sick.

• Kate and Tom started decorating the baby’s room once they found out he was a boy.

When the dependent clause comes before the independent clause - use a comma before the independent clause.

• Before it started snowing, we got home.

• Because he’s sick, John can’t go to the party.

• Once they found out he was a boy, Kate and Tom started decorating the baby’s room.