7.2 Coordination and Subordination
Subordinating Conjunctions
A subordinating conjunction is a word that joins a subordinate (dependent) clause to a main (independent) clause. Review the following chart of some common subordinating conjunctions and examples of how they are used:
| Function | Subordinating Conjunction
(notice lack of commas) |
Example |
| Concession | although while though whereas
even though |
Sarah completed her report even though she had to stay late to get it done. |
| Condition | if unless until | Until we know what is causing the problem, we will not be able to fix it. |
| Manner | as if as though | Everyone in the conference room stopped talking at once, as though they had been stunned into silence. |
| Place | where wherever | Rita is in San Jose where she has several important client meetings. |
| Reason | because since so that
in order that |
Because the air conditioning was turned up so high, everyone in the office wore sweaters. |
| Time | after before while
once when |
After the meeting had finished, we all went to lunch. |
