Subordinating conjunctions are conjunctions that are used at the beginning of subordinate clauses.
Some examples of these conjunctions are; although, after, before, because, how, if, once, since, so that, until, unless, when etc.
Here are examples of their use;
Although—means "in spite of the fact that":
Although it was raining, I ran home.
He came to work, although he felt sick.
Although my mum told me to come home early, I stayed out late.
After—shows "subsequently to the time when":
Call me after you arrive at the station.
We couldn't see the film after the electricity went out.0
I always tell my daughter that she can have dessert after she eats her dinner.
Before—shows "earlier than the time that":
He had written a living will before he died.
Before he contacted me, I was going to call him.
I need to finish the report before the manager arrives from Paris.
Because—means "for the reason that":
He became rich because he was smart and worked hard.
They stopped building the house because it was raining hard.
I love kittens because they are so cute.
How—means "the way in which":
Tell me how you persuaded Danny to see that film.
He explained how he completed it in a few days.
Can you show me how to use the computer?
If—means "in the event that":
If it is sunny tomorrow, we can go to the park.
If I receive a promotion, you will be the first to know.
You can watch TV if you finish your homework.
Once—indicates "at the moment when":
Once you see him, you will recognize him.
Once the light came on, we all shouted with joy.
Call me once you start working.
Since—means "from the time when":
I've been a dancer since I was young.
Since he graduated, he has been doing nothing.
This shop has been refurbished three times since I lived here.
So that—means "in order to":
So that she could keep her job, she didn't complain at all.
He finished his work as fast as possible so that he could leave early.
He worked harder for a promotion so he could buy a new car.
Until—means "up to the time that":
Don't do anything until I come back.
She didn't know she was a talented singer until she sang in the school concert.
They won't allow us to start until everyone arrives.
Unless—means "except, on the condition":
You will not pass the exam unless you work harder.
I will not tell you anything unless you tell me what you know first.
Unless you ask her, you will never know.
When—means "at that time":
When I came in the room, everyone looked at me.
I woke up when my baby was crying.
I started looking for a place to stay when I decided I wanted to live here.
Lesson by Tristan, teacher at EC Malta English school
Now complete the following with the correct conjunction:
