Subordinating Conjunctions Examples and Sentence Guide

Most complex sentences combine dependent and independent (main) clauses, which are two unequal ideas. For the sentence to make sense, we need to seamlessly connect these two ideas, which is exactly where subordinating conjunctions come in. These words make it possible to create a clear, linear sentence that really makes sense. Without them, it would be impossible to show how two ideas are connected. 

There are several types, each serving a specific purpose:

• Time (when, before, after)
• Place (where, wherever)
• Cause and Effect (because, since)
• Condition (if, unless)
• Contrast (although, while)
• Concession (even though, though)

This article walks through the most common types, explains how each one works, and gives clear subordinating conjunctions examples sentences you can use. 

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What Is a Subordinating Conjunction?

A subordinating conjunction connects two thoughts that aren’t equal. One is the main idea, the part that makes sense on its own. The other needs support. The latter adds meaning, but it can’t stand alone as a distinct sentence. 

Let’s look at this sentence: ‘I stayed home because it was raining.’ 

That second part, ‘because it was raining,’ doesn’t mean much by itself. It leans on the first part to feel complete. And the word because is the bridge.  

To help you better understand the significance of subordinate conjunctions, let’s see how our brains work: When we think, we don’t do it in neat lines. There’s chaos. One thought leads to five more. Memories, emotions, and observations all come at once. 

And how does language work? Well, to put it short, linearly. Language has rules. Everything has to come out one word at a time in the right order. And that’s what subordinating conjunctions are for. They translate chaotic thoughts into readable sentences. Pretty amazing, right? 

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Subordinating Conjunctions of Time

Our minds think in moments, in times. We know something happened, then followed another thing, all while something else entirely was going on. With conjunctions of time, we put these moments in a line so that it makes sense for the reader, just like it does for us. Did something happen after another event? While something else was going on? Before it even started? 

Here’s how they work:

Subordinating Conjunctions of Place

We need to know where the story happened. Place gives context. Place conjunctions help us tie two sentences together by showing location or movement. With them, we guide the reader through space. 

Here’s what that looks like in action:

Subordinating Conjunctions of Cause and Effect

We need to explain why something happened, not just what happened. That’s where these types of subordinating conjunctions come in. They link two ideas by showing the reason something happened or the result that followed.

We use them all the time without even thinking, because our minds naturally look for connections. One thing leads to another, and these words help us put that into writing. They’re perfect when you want to show the ‘why’ behind the action.

Here’s how they look in everyday sentences:

Subordinating Conjunctions of Condition

Our understanding of the world is built upon conditional thinking. Our minds are always scanning possibilities, making guesses, planning next steps based on ‘what if.’ Language reflects that instinct with subordinating conjunctions of condition.

These words introduce a situation that may or may not happen, and then explain what depends on it. They connect a dependent clause (the condition) to a main clause (the result). Again, the condition as a dependent clause can’t stand alone, it only makes sense when you tie it to what it affects. 

Here’s how they work:

Subordinating Conjunctions of Contrast

Subordinating conjunctions of contrast come in when two things can be true at the same time, especially when these two don’t match. They help us show the push and pull between what we expect and what actually happens. 

These words connect two ideas that don’t completely agree. One part sets something up, and the other challenges it. It’s how we say, ‘Although this was true, that still happened.’ 

Here are a few in action:

Subordinating Conjunctions of Concession

Things still happen even when the odds are against them. And this is exactly what subordinating conjunctions of concession are for. They show how something happens when it shouldn’t. 

These conjunctions are used for connecting two seemingly disagreeing ideas that are both still true. One clause admits a limitation, obstacle, or opposing fact. The other shows that it didn’t stop what happened next. It’s how we say, ‘Yes, this was true, but even so…’

Here’s how they work in real sentences:

Using Commas with Subordinating Conjunctions

Using commas with subordinating conjunctions is pretty straightforward. There’s one rule: it depends on where the dependent clause shows up. If the sentence starts with a dependent clause, we use a comma. If it ends with a dependent clause, we don’t use a comma. 

Example: 

✅ Although the dog was barking, the baby stayed asleep.

✅ The baby stayed asleep although the dog was barking.

And this is what doesn’t work: 

❌ Although, the dog was barking, the baby stayed asleep.

❌ The baby stayed asleep, although the dog was barking.

Doesn’t matter if you're writing a sentence or an entire research proposal, making sure your ideas connect clearly is a must. 

Meanwhile, read our article to better understand the writing process with a research proposal example.

Subordinating Conjunctions Examples List

For you to better understand the logic of subordinate conjunctions, we’ve put together a list consisting of 60 examples. Let’s have a look:

Just like understanding the context behind a rhetorical situation helps strengthen an argument, subordinating conjunctions show how one idea supports or depends on another. Our article here will help you explain a situation clearly and logically with a rhetorical situation example.

Final Thoughts

Often overlooked, these small words contribute significantly to making writing clearer. We couldn’t show two ideas connected with each other without subordinating conjunctions. Here’s what to take away with you: 

• They link dependent and independent clauses
• Every type demonstrates a different relationship between ideas
• We use a comma when the sentence starts with a dependent clause
• Common ones include because, if, while, and although

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