What is a subordinating conjunction?
Answer
A conjunction is a part of speech, or word, used to connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences.
There are two kinds of conjunctions: coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions. This FAQ will explain subordinating conjunctions.
While coordinating conjunctions join words, phrases, or clauses together, subordinating conjunctions always join clauses together.
A clause consists of a subject and a verb. All sentences are made of clauses.
Example: The FedEx driver (subject) could not find (verb) the apartment complex.
Because there are over 50 subordinating conjunctions, no one is expected to memorize them. Instead, we rely on sentence structure to identify subordinating conjunctions and the clauses they join together.
Example: While you were inside taking a nap, the dog got out of the backyard.
Example: The dog got out of the backyard while you were inside taking a nap.
In the above examples, the same idea is conveyed through two different sentence structures. Both are acceptable and considered correct. Note: If the subordinating conjunction begins the sentence, you must use a comma to separate the two clauses.
However, a clause that begins with a subordinating conjunction (like "while") is called the dependent clause. Meanwhile, a clause that does not begin with a subordinate conjunction is called the independent clause.
Joining two clauses together with a subordinating conjunction creates a complex sentence, like the ones in the above examples.
A clause in a complex sentence that does not begin with a subordinating conjunction is called an independent clause. It is independent because it can stand on its own, making it a complete sentence.
Example: The dog got out of the backyard.
Example: I will have a snack.
Example: He saw all of the film.
A clause that begins with a subordinating conjunction is called a dependent clause because it cannot stand on its own. It is dependent upon the independent clause to complete its meaning.
Example: While you were inside taking a nap.
Example: Because I'm hungry.
Example: Even though he arrived late.
Each of these dependent clauses has a subject and verb, but they are not complete sentences which can stand on their own because of the subordinating conjunction that begins each sentence. They must be joined with independent clauses to make them complete.
Example: While you were inside taking a nap, the dog got out of the backyard.
Example: I will have a snack because I'm hungry.
Example: Even though they arrived late, they saw all of the film.
Remember: Always use a comma to separate a dependent clause from an independent clause when the sentence begins with the dependent clause!
If you require further assistance with subordinating conjunctions, feel free to watch the video in the provided link.