Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinators are words that join dependent clauses to independent clauses. They show the relationship between the two clauses and make the sentence more complex.
A dependent clause is a part of a sentence that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. An independent clause is a part of a sentence that can stand alone as a complete sentence. For example:
Although—shows “despite the fact that”:
I ran home, although it was raining.
He felt sick, but he came to work anyway. - Compound because of "but"
He came to work anyway although he felt sick.
I stayed out late although my mom told me to come home early.
After—indicates “following the time when”:
Let me know after you arrive to the station.
The electricity went out and we couldn’t see the film after that. - at as a preposition
She can have dessert after she eats her dinner.
Before—shows “sooner than the time that”:
He died, but he had written a living will before that. -before as a preposition
Before we go to the store, we should get ready.
Because—shows “the reason why”:
It was raining hard and they stopped building the house because it was difficult to work.
I went to the store because I wanted to buy chips.
If—shows “on the condition that”:
We can go to the park if it is sunny tomorrow.
You will be the first to know if I receive a promotion.
You finish your homework and then you can watch TV if you want. #4 compound-complex
Once—shows “at the time when”:
You will recognize him once you see him.
We all shouted with joy once the light came on.
You start working and call me once you do.
Since—shows “from the time when”:
I was young and I’ve been a dancer since then. - Preposition
He has been doing nothing since he graduated.
Since I enjoy the beach, I will go this weekend.
So that—shows “for the purpose of”:
She didn’t complain at all so that she could keep her job.
He finished his work as fast as possible so that he could go home.
Until—shows “up to the time that”:
I came back home and didn't do anything until Peter called me.
Until I practice spoken English, I wont improve.
You wont know the truth until you call Peter.
Unless—shows “except if”:
You will not pass the exam unless you do that.
Unless you speak English, you wont improve.
You will never know unless you ask her.
When—shows “at the time that”:
Everyone looked at me when I came in the room.
My baby was crying and I woke up when I heard him.
When she called me, she was crying.