What is a subordinating conjunction?
A subordinating conjunction is a connecting word that introduces a dependent clause.
Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions
Let’s look at some subordinating conjunctions examples: because, although, since, while, if, as, after
As the cake baked in the oven, Will mixed the frosting.
Since I started eating breakfast every day, I have had much more energy.
I am going to bed early because my flight leaves at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow.
The outdoor concert was so much fun even though it was raining.
I cannot watch the new episode until I catch up on the first season.
When You Should Use Subordinating Conjunctions in Your Writing
Subordinating conjunctions are used to connect ideas within a sentence and particularly when one idea plays a lesser, or subordinate, role. Subordinating conjunctions begin dependent clauses (the lesser of the two ideas) which can be connected to an independent clause (the higher-ranked idea) to form a complete a sentence.
And just to help you connect the dots, when you have at least one of these dependent clauses and one independent clause, you have a complex sentence. Just remember, if the dependent clause is not connected to an independent clause to form a complete thought, you’ll be left with a sentence fragment.
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