Subordinating Conjunctions and Clauses Lesson

Subordinating Conjunctions

What are they, what do they do, and how do we use them?

Introduces a dependent clause

What do they do?

A word or phrase that links a dependent clause to an independent clause

What are they?

Subordinating Conjunctions

• Take a look at the list of subordinating conjunctions

• Tip: Remember SWABI (since, when, although, because, if)

List of Subordinating Conjunctions

Using Subordinating Conjunctions

• Place subordinating conjunctions at the beginning of dependent clauses.

• If the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, place a comma after the dependent clause.

• Examples:

  • We can’t go to the mall because our car broke down.

  • Whenever I’m in Philadelphia, I always get a cheesesteak.

Let's review and practice!

Choose the best answer for each question.

Multiple Choice

Which of these is NOT a subordinating conjunction?

• while

• if

• and

• until

Multiple Choice

Which subordinating conjunction goes in the blank:

"I don't want to go to the movies _____ I hate the smell of popcorn."

• although

• whenever

• because

• so that

Multiple Choice

A subordinating conjunction...

• connects two independent clauses together

• connects two or more words together

• introduces a quote

• introduces a dependent clause

Multiple Choice

Which subordinating conjunction goes in the blank:

"________ spring arrives, we have to be prepared for more snow."

• Because

• Until

• Although

• Now that

Multiple Choice

What acronym do we use for subordinating conjunctions?

• FANBOYS

• SWABI

• WASABI

• BOY FANS

Multiple Choice

Which subordinating conjunction goes in the blank:

"_______ the basement flooded, we spent all day cleaning up."

• After

• Although

• Before

• Even if