Definition

Noun: A subordinate conjunction is a type of conjunction that connects a dependent (subordinate) clause to an independent (main) clause. It introduces the dependent clause and shows the relationship between the two clauses, such as cause, time, condition, or contrast.

Usage

A subordinate conjunction is used at the beginning of a dependent clause to link it to the main idea of the sentence. The clause it introduces cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Examples

• (The subordinate conjunction "when" introduces the dependent clause "when I arrive," showing a time relationship.)
• (The subordinate conjunction "because" introduces the dependent clause "because she was feeling ill," showing a cause-and-effect relationship.)
• (The subordinate conjunction "if" introduces the dependent clause "if it stops raining," showing a condition.)

Advanced Usage

• Elliptical Clauses: Sometimes, words in the dependent clause are omitted but understood. The subordinate conjunction still signals the relationship.
  • While [he was] reading, he fell asleep. (The subordinate conjunction "while" introduces the reduced clause "while reading," showing a time relationship.)
• Multiple Functions: Some words can function as either a subordinate conjunction or a different part of speech (like a preposition or an adverb). Their role is determined by whether they introduce a clause with a subject and a verb.
  • Conjunction: I haven't seen him since he left. ("Since" introduces the clause "he left.")
  • Preposition: I haven't seen him since Tuesday. ("Since" is followed by a noun, not a full clause.)

Variants and Related Words

• Subordinating Conjunction: This is a more common and precise full term for "subordinate conjunction."
• Subordinator: A less formal synonym for subordinate conjunction.
• Dependent Clause: The clause introduced by a subordinate conjunction. Also called a subordinate clause.

Synonyms

• Subordinator

Related Phrases

• Common Subordinate Conjunctions: This is not a phrasal verb but a key list of words that perform this function. Common examples include: after, although, as, because, before, if, since, that, though, unless, until, when, where, whether, while.

Noun

1. a conjunction (like `since' or `that' or `who') that introduces a dependent clause