List of Subordinating Conjunctions
Are you searching for a list of subordinating conjunctions? If you are, perhaps you are trying to write a paper, and include some specifics or add flavor by using subordinating conjunctions. Maybe you are trying to understand what exactly a subordinating conjunction is, or you may have a test coming up in the subject area. Another reason why you could be searching for such a list is that you do not understand what a subordinate clause is, and a subordinate conjunction often begins a subordinate clause. In any case, studying some basic examples not only of subordinating conjunctions, but also of their usage will explain the exact purpose and function of such a word.
What Is A Subordinating Conjunction
A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a main clause to a subordinate clause. What do these terms mean you ask? Well, a main clause is an independent clause that can stand alone by itself as a sentence. In other words, a main clause does not need any additional information to operate as a sentence. For example, the sentence "The student failed the test" is an example of a main clause.
A subordinate clause is a dependent clause that adds some extra information to the main clause. These phrases cannot stand by themselves, and their meaning is dependent upon that of the independent clause. They are not sentences! For example, "because she didn't study" is not a complete idea worthy of being defined as a sentence. However, combine the two clauses, and we have "The student failed the test because she didn't study." A complete idea has been expressed, and enough information has been presented in order to fully explain the thought.
List of Subordinating Conjunctions
What follows is a list of common subordinating conjunctions used in the English language:
- after
- although
- as
- as if
- as long as
- as much as
- as soon as
- as though
- because
- before
- even
- even if
- even though
- if
- if only
- if when
- if then
- inasmuch
- in order that
- just as
- lest
- now
- now since
- now that
- now when
- once
- provided
- provided that
- rather than
- since
- so that
- supposing
- than
- that
- though
- til
- unless
- until
- when
- whenever
- where
- whereas
- where if
- wherever
- whether
- which
- while
- who
- whoever
- why
Importance of Subordinating Conjunctions
After reviewing the list of subordinating conjunctions, do you see why they are so important? How many times in a day do you use those very words in sentences in order to fully communicate ideas? In addition to listing the actual words, providing a number of examples concerning how subordinating conjunctions are used in context will certainly prove helpful to this study.
- After running five miles around the track, Henry was much too tired to go to basketball practice.
- Now that Maria has earned enough money, she can finally buy the concert tickets.
- He will be allowed to go to the zoo, provided that his homework is finished in time.
- You cannot watch television, unless you complete your chores.
- While Alex is a good tennis player, Samantha is better.
Considerations
As with any grammatical device, using the subordinating conjunction too much becomes repetitive and boring. Of course, certain types of writing require a bare-bones style without much comedy or flavorful tone. However, subordinating conjunctions should still be used only sparingly. Constantly using the same device does not only sound rote, but doing so also sounds like the work of an inexperienced writer. Experienced writers know that subordinating conjunctions, and other tools, should only be used when they are warranted. Writing style should never be forced, as forced writing is always painfully obvious!