From the name, you can guess that conjunctions connect things (con=with, junction=to join). We had previously discussed Coordinating Conjunctions, and we’ll take on Correlative Conjunctions later, but for now we’ll focus on just Subordinating Conjunctions. As with coordinating conjunctions, the name says it all, but in this case the connection is between ideas that are unequal in importance or focus, one idea is above and the other below (sub=below, ordinate=put in order), so in making the connection one of the ideas is put into a lower priority. You’ll see examples of that to follow.
There are different ways to connect ideas (or in this case clauses) depending on the reason for the connection. Linguists group those ways into a variety of categories, and, as with much in the way of language, you’ll find all kinds of differences in the lists depending on who makes them.
Subordinating conjunction examples:
- Time:
- after, as, as long as, as soon as, before, ere, now that, once, since, still, until, when, whenever, while
- Amy will sit and read until Bill gets here.
- It is more important that we know that Amy will be reading and less important that she’s waiting for Bill.
- Place
- whence, where, whereto, wherever, whither, whithersoever
- Wherever you go in the world, you’ll always find someone who speaks English.
- The fact that there are English speakers all over is more important than where you’ll travel.
- Reason
- as, because, in order that, seeing as, since, so, so that, that, whereas
- The team lost because they had a beer party last night.
- Why they lost isn’t as important as the fact that they did.
- Condition
- although even if, except, if, in case, on condition that, provided that, so, though, unless
- Even if you have already paid for your lunch, you will still need to wait for them to cook it.
- Waiting for the cook is more important and is going to happen—with or without payment.
- Concession
- although, as though, even though, in contrast to, just as, though, whereas
- Though it was raining, she went out.
- The rain was a minor point and irrelevant to her going out.
- Comparison
- as much as, as, rather than, than, whereas, whether
- Dave is tall, dark, and handsome whereas his friend is short, pale, and ugly.
- Dave’s friend isn’t important except as a comparison object.
- Manner
- as, as if, as though, how, however, howsoever
- They talk as though they’re heading for divorce.
- The fact that they talk is important…and indicates a possible future.
One point to remember: if the Main Clause comes first, then you don’t need any punctuation as the conjunction serves to separate the two clauses—but if the Subordinate clause comes first, then you need a comma to show where it ends and the second clause begins.
As you can see, using conjunctions to connect ideas improves the flow, one idea leading into another with a specific relationship.