Subordinating Conjunctions — because, although, while

Subordinating conjunctions join a dependent (subordinate) clause to a main clause. They express relationships such as reason, contrast, time, and condition. Common examples are because, although, while, when, if, and unless.

What is a Subordinating Conjunction?

A subordinating conjunction introduces a subordinate clause — a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It joins that clause to a main clause.

Main clause: She stayed inside. Subordinate clause: because it was raining. Complete sentence: She stayed inside because it was raining.

The subordinate clause depends on the main clause to make complete sense.

Common Subordinating Conjunctions by Meaning

Meaning	Conjunctions	Example
Reason	because, since, as	I left because* I was tired.*
Contrast	although, even though, though	Although it rained, we had fun.
Time	when, while, before, after, until	Call me when* you arrive.*
Condition	if, unless, provided that	I'll help if you ask.
Purpose	so that, in order that	She studied hard so that* she could pass.*

Word Order — Flexible!

The subordinate clause can come before or after the main clause.

She cried because she was sad. (subordinate clause at end — no comma needed)
Because she was sad, she cried. (subordinate clause at start — comma required)

Tip

If the subordinate clause comes first, put a comma after it.

Although vs. But vs. However

Word	Type	Example
although	subordinating conjunction	Although it rained, we went out.
but	coordinating conjunction	It rained, but we went out.
however	adverb (not a conjunction)	It rained. However, we went out.

Real world: school rules notice

Students may use the library until the bell rings at 4 pm. Although mobile phones are not allowed in class, you may use them after lessons.

Real world: informal text message

I can't make it tonight because my train was cancelled. I'll come as soon as I can rebook. Let me know if you want to reschedule so that we can find a better time.

Tip Subordinating conjunctions let you build complex, natural-sounding sentences. You will find them in school rules ("you may leave when the bell rings"), text messages ("I'll call when I arrive"), news articles ("the event was cancelled because of heavy rain"), and academic essays ("although results improved, challenges remain").

Practice Problems

Join the sentences: 'She was tired. She continued working.' Use 'although'.

Show answer

'Although she was tired, she continued working.' OR 'She continued working although she was tired.'

Identify the subordinating conjunction: 'We waited until the rain stopped.'

Show answer

'until' — it introduces the subordinate clause 'the rain stopped'.

Add a comma if needed: 'I will text you when I arrive home.'

Show answer

No comma needed — the subordinate clause is at the end.