GE L12 Unit 5 (subordinating conjunction)

Unit 5
subordinating conjunction

Global English Level 12

Because

• “What does because do in that sentence?”

• “Does it connect two ideas?”

Because

• Yes! Because joins a reason to a statement. That’s called a subordinating conjunction.

What Is a Subordinating Conjunction?

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What Is a Subordinating Conjunction?

A subordinating conjunction connects a dependent clause (incomplete idea) to an independent clause (complete idea).

Example:

• “I stayed home because it was raining.”
  → “because it was raining” can’t stand alone; it depends on the main idea.

What Is a Subordinating Conjunction?

👉 Read these two sentences and decide which one is complete:

1. I didn’t go out.

2. Because it was raining.

What Is a Subordinating Conjunction?

👉 Read these two sentences and decide which one is complete:

1. I didn’t go out.

2. Because it was raining.

Answer: Sentence 1 is complete; Sentence 2 needs more information.

Conclusion: Subordinating conjunctions help explain why, when, or how things happen.

Subordinating Conjunction

Type	Function	Examples
Cause/Reason	Why something happens	because, since, as
Time	When something happens	when, while, before, after, until
Contrast	Opposite ideas	although, even though, whereas
Condition	Under what condition	if, unless, provided that
Purpose/Result	To show goal or outcome	so that, in order that
Place	Where something happens	where, wherever

Multiple Choice

1. Which sentence uses a subordinating conjunction correctly?

• A. I like coffee, and I like tea.

• B. I stayed home because it was raining.

• C. I will call you or I will text you.

• D. She likes both pizza and pasta.

Multiple Choice

2. Which word is a subordinating conjunction?

• A. but

• B. or

• C. because

• D. and

Multiple Choice

3. What does a subordinating conjunction do?

• A. It connects two equal ideas.

• B. It connects a dependent clause to an independent clause.

• C. It starts a sentence.

• D. It adds a noun.

Multiple Choice

4. Choose the sentence that shows contrast.

• A. I went home because it was dark.

• B. Although I was tired, I finished my homework.

• C. I didn’t go out since it was raining.

• D. I’ll call you when I arrive.

Multiple Choice

5. Choose the best subordinating conjunction:

I will wait here ______ you finish your class.

• A. before

• B. unless

• C. although

• D. however

Multiple Choice

6. Which sentence shows a condition?

• A. If you study hard, you will pass the test.

• B. Although you are late, you can come in.

• C. Since you are tired, take a rest.

• D. When you arrive, call me.

Multiple Choice

7. What is the subordinating conjunction in this sentence?

“I always listen to music when I study.”

• A. always

• B. music

• C. when

• D. study

Multiple Choice

8. Choose the sentence that has the same meaning as “I won’t go unless you come.”

• A. I’ll go even if you don’t come.

• B. I’ll go when you come.

• C. I’ll only go if you come.

• D. I’ll go before you come.

Multiple Choice

9. Which of the following sentences uses “while” correctly?

• A. While I was cooking, the phone rang.

• B. I like pizza while I like pasta.

• C. While I like reading, I like sleeping too.

• D. While you don’t study, you can pass.

Multiple Choice

10. Complete the sentence with the correct conjunction:

You can sit ______ you like.

• A. however

• B. whenever

• C. wherever

• D. whoever

How Subordinating Conjunctions Work?

Main Clause + Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause

Example:

• “I’ll finish my homework before I go to bed.”

• “Although it was late, I kept working.”

Complete the sentence

Sentence Starter	Students Complete
I stayed home because…	it was raining heavily
I won’t go unless…	you come with me.
Although I was tired…	I still finished my work.

Workbook page 62

Students read the sentences:

1. Whatever people say, robots are here to stay.

2. CCTV cameras are watching you wherever you go.

3. However you try to justify your opinion, others will disagree with you.

4. Whenever we go out together, it’s always fun.

Group Task:
In pairs, underline the subordinating conjunctions and discuss what they do in each sentence.

Workbook page 62

• Whatever – means no matter what people say

• Wherever – means in any place you go

• However – means in any way you try

• Whenever – means at any time we go out