Conjunctions: Subordinating Conjunctions for Sentence Building Mastery

Subordinating conjunctions are one of the most powerful tools in English sentence building. They help create complex sentences that express relationships such as cause, time, condition, contrast, and purpose. Understanding how to use them makes your writing smoother, more connected, and far more expressive.

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What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?

A subordinating conjunction connects an independent clause (a complete sentence) with a dependent clause (an incomplete idea). The dependent clause usually cannot stand alone—it depends on the main clause to form a complete thought.

Example:
I went home early because I was feeling tired.

Here, the subordinating conjunction because links the reason (dependent idea) to the main action.

Why Subordinating Conjunctions Matter

They connect ideas logically and clearly.
They help show cause, contrast, or time relationships between events.
They make your writing more professional and fluent.
They help avoid choppy or repetitive short sentences.

Common Subordinating Conjunctions by Type

Purpose	Conjunctions	Example
Cause / Reason	because, since, as	I stayed inside because it was raining.
Time	after, before, when, while, until, since	After you finish your work, we’ll go out.
Condition	if, unless, provided that, as long as	You can join us if you complete your homework.
Contrast	although, though, whereas, even though	Although he was late, he apologized sincerely.
Purpose	so that, in order that	He speaks slowly so that everyone can understand.

Sentence Building with Subordinating Conjunctions

A subordinating conjunction joins two clauses in a specific order. It can appear at the beginning, middle, or end, but the meaning and punctuation may vary.

1. At the Beginning of the Sentence

When the dependent clause comes first, use a comma before the main clause.

Example: Although it was raining, we decided to go hiking.

2. In the Middle of the Sentence

When the main clause comes first, usually no comma is needed.

Example: We decided to go hiking although it was raining.

Interactive Tip: Practice Sentence Connection

Try this: Choose two sentences and combine them using a subordinating conjunction.

1. She studied all night. She wanted to pass the exam.
→ She studied all night because she wanted to pass the exam.

You can try others like:

He didn’t go out. It was snowing. → He didn’t go out because it was snowing.
We’ll start. You arrive. → We’ll start when you arrive.

Placement and Punctuation Rules

When a dependent clause begins a sentence, add a comma.
When it follows the main clause, no comma is usually needed.
Avoid fragment sentences — every dependent clause must connect to a main clause.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Writers often misuse subordinating conjunctions or forget to complete a dependent clause. Here are a few frequent issues:

Fragment error: “Because I was late.” (needs a main clause)
Comma misuse: “I was late, because traffic was heavy.” (comma unnecessary here)
Wrong conjunction: “Although the rain stopped, but we stayed inside.” (avoid using both although and but)

Advanced Usage: Varying Sentence Rhythm

Mixing the position of your dependent clauses changes the rhythm of your writing. Try alternating sentence openings with different conjunctions to keep the reader’s interest.

Quick Reference Chart

Relationship	Connector	Example
Time	before, after, when	We’ll leave after lunch.
Reason	because, since	She stayed quiet because she knew the answer.
Contrast	though, although	Although tired, he kept working.
Purpose	so that	He works hard so that his parents are proud.
Condition	if, unless	We’ll win if we practice daily.

In Summary

Subordinating conjunctions transform simple ideas into well-connected, meaningful sentences. They help writers build logical flow, express complex thoughts, and show precise relationships between events or conditions.

Keep a list of common conjunctions handy, practice combining short sentences, and read your sentences aloud to check flow and balance. Within weeks, your English writing will become smoother and more natural.

Next in the CodeLucky English Learning Series: Coordinating Conjunctions and Parallel Sentence Harmony