Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating Conjunctions

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A subordinating conjunction is a conjunction that introduces a subordinate clause and connects it to a main clause to create a complex sentence.

• A subordinate clause is a sentence fragment that relies on the main clause of the sentence.

• Ex. Until spring arrives, we have to be prepared for more snow.

 A subordinating conjunction connects the two ideas and establishes an order of importance between the two clauses. It signals that the clause adds information to the main idea of the sentence, and shows a cause-and-effect relationship or a shift in time and place between the two clauses.

• If the subordinate clause comes first in the sentence, use a comma to separate the clauses. If the main clause comes first, there is no comma.

• Ex. When the bell rang, the students packed up and left the room.

• The students packed up and left the room when the bell rang.

Identify the subordinating conjuncation in each sentence.