Definition

Noun: A subordinating 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. The subordinating conjunction makes the clause it introduces grammatically dependent on the main clause.

Usage

A subordinating conjunction is used at the beginning of a dependent clause to link it to an independent clause, forming a complex sentence. The dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Examples

• (The subordinating conjunction "after" introduces the dependent clause "you arrive," showing a time relationship.)
• (The subordinating conjunction "because" introduces the dependent clause "she was ill," showing a cause-and-effect relationship.)
• (The subordinating conjunction "if" introduces the dependent clause "he will come," showing a condition.)
• (The subordinating conjunction "although" introduces the dependent clause "he studied hard," showing a contrast.)

Advanced Usage

• Elliptical Clauses: Sometimes, parts of the dependent clause can be omitted after the subordinating conjunction if they are understood from context.
  • While [he was] reading, he fell asleep.
• Initial Position: When a sentence begins with a dependent clause introduced by a subordinating conjunction, a comma is usually placed after that clause.
  • Since it's raining, the picnic is canceled.

Variants and Related Words

• Subordinator: A less common, but synonymous, term for a subordinating conjunction.
• Subordinate Clause: The clause introduced by a subordinating conjunction. It is also called a dependent clause.
• Coordinating Conjunction: A different type of conjunction (e.g., ) that joins words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal grammatical rank.

Synonyms

• Subordinator

Related Phrases / Concepts

• Complex Sentence: A sentence structure containing one independent clause and at least one dependent clause joined by a subordinating conjunction.
• Adverbial Clause: A common type of dependent clause introduced by a subordinating conjunction that functions as an adverb to modify the verb of the main clause (e.g., clauses of time, place, reason).
• Nominal Clause: A dependent clause that functions as a noun, often introduced by subordinating conjunctions like .

Noun

1. a conjunction (like `since' or `that' or `who') that introduces a dependent clause
2. the subordination that occurs when a conjunction makes one linguistic unit a constituent of another