Practice
Subordinating conjunctions: types and examples
The meeting continued although the projector stopped working. Although tells the reader that two ideas are connected in an unexpected way: the equipment failed, but the meeting still continued.
Choose a subordinating conjunction that shows the intended relationship between a dependent clause and a main clause, then punctuate the sentence clearly.
Read and practice
Read the examples and try the written questions in this guide. Listening recordings are not available for this lesson yet.
Try the written questions
although the meeting continued /ɔːlˈðoʊ ðə ˈmiːtɪŋ kənˈtɪnjuːd/
The short answer
Use a subordinating conjunction to show how one clause relates to another. Choose the word by meaning: because gives a reason, if gives a condition, although gives a contrast, and when gives a time relationship.
Because the road was closed, we took the train.
Why it works: Because introduces the reason for taking the train, so the first clause depends on the main clause.
5 more examples
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If you save the receipt, you can return the item later.
If introduces a condition. Returning the item later depends on saving the receipt.
Not this:
Becauseyou saved the receipt, the store accepted the return. What changes: Because gives the reason for the store's action, not a condition. -
Although Nia was tired, she finished the presentation.
Although introduces a contrast between being tired and finishing the work.
Not this:Nia finished the presentation
becausethe deadline was close. What changes: Because explains a reason for finishing the presentation. -
When the library opens, I will print the forms.
When places the printing after a future time event.
Not this:I will print the forms
afterthe library opens. What changes: After expresses a similar time relationship, but the dependent clause follows the main clause. -
We left early so that we could avoid traffic.
So that introduces the purpose of leaving early.
Not this:We left early
becausethe traffic report warned us. What changes: Because gives an existing reason, while so that gives an intended purpose. -
Unless the client replies today, we will send a reminder tomorrow.
Unless means if not. The reminder will be sent if the client does not reply today.
Not this:
Ifthe client replies today, we will update the file. What changes: If states the positive condition directly.
Read the full guide
Start by finding the two ideas in the sentence. Then ask what relationship you need to express. Is one idea a reason, a condition, a time, a contrast, or a purpose? The answer points to a useful conjunction. Finally, check whether the dependent clause comes first. A dependent clause at the beginning usually takes a comma before the main clause.
Find the dependent clause and the main clause
A dependent clause often starts with a subordinating conjunction. It has a subject and a verb, but it needs a main clause to finish the idea. Read the two parts together before choosing punctuation.
Because the printer was busy, Omar waited.
Because the printer was busy is dependent. Omar waited can stand alone as a main clause.
Which part can stand alone: although the room was small, or the guests stayed?
The guests stayed can stand alone. Although the room was small needs the main clause.
Choose a conjunction for the relationship
The conjunction tells the reader how the ideas fit together. Because answers why. If states a possible condition. Although shows a contrast. When and after place events in time.
If the package arrives before noon, we can send it today.
The sending is possible only under the condition that the package arrives early.
Choose the relationship: The route changed because the bridge was unsafe.
Because gives the reason for changing the route.
Use a comma after an opening dependent clause
When the dependent clause comes first, put a comma before the main clause. The comma helps readers see where the opening condition, reason, or time phrase ends.
When the class ends, I will call you.
The main clause is I will call you, so the comma comes before it.
Add the comma: If you need help call the office.
Write: If you need help, call the office.
Check the order without changing the meaning
You can often move a dependent clause after the main clause. Keep the same relationship and check the punctuation again. A final if clause often does not need a comma.
We will call the office if we need help.
The condition follows the main clause, so there is no comma before if in this sentence.
Move the opening clause: Although it was late, the team continued working.
Write: The team continued working although it was late.
Avoid common pairing errors
Use one connector for one relationship. Although already shows contrast, so do not add but to the same sentence. Unless already means if not, so avoid another negative that reverses the meaning.
Although the store was crowded, we found what we needed.
Do not write Although the store was crowded, but we found what we needed. Although supplies the contrast.
Choose the correct sentence: Unless you hurry, you will miss the bus. Or: Unless you do not hurry, you will miss the bus.
Choose Unless you hurry, you will miss the bus. Unless already includes the negative idea.
Before you go
Remember this
Use a subordinating conjunction to connect a dependent clause to a main clause. Choose the conjunction by the relationship you mean, then use a comma after an opening dependent clause. A clause beginning with because, if, although, or when needs a main clause to complete the sentence.
Practice with the written examples
You can practice with the written questions in the Learn tab. Each answer includes an explanation.
Try the written questionsListening test not available yet
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Try the written questionsQuestions about "Subordinating conjunctions: types and examples"
What is a subordinating conjunction?
A subordinating conjunction is a word or phrase that begins a dependent clause and connects it to a main clause. It shows a relationship such as reason, time, condition, contrast, or purpose. Common examples include because, if, although, when, and so that.
If you save the receipt, you can return the item later.
How do I choose a subordinating conjunction?
First decide how the two ideas are related. Use because for a reason, if for a condition, although for contrast, when or after for time, and so that for purpose. The meaning of the full sentence should decide the connector.
Because you saved the receipt, the store accepted the return.
Do I need a comma with a subordinating conjunction?
Use a comma when a dependent clause comes before the main clause, as in If you save the receipt, you can return the item later. When the main clause comes first, a comma is often unnecessary: You can return the item later if you save the receipt.
Although Nia was tired, she finished the presentation.
Can although and but appear in the same sentence?
In standard English, use one of them for the same contrast. Write Although Nia was tired, she finished the presentation, or Nia was tired, but she finished the presentation. Do not combine although with but in that pattern.
Nia finished the presentation because the deadline was close.
What is the difference between unless and if?
Unless means if not. Unless the client replies today means the reminder will be sent if the client does not reply. Use if when you want to state the condition directly, including a positive condition such as If the client replies today.
When the library opens, I will print the forms.