Subordinating Conjunctions
B1 · IntermediateConjunctions & Linking WordsWhen it rains, I stay inside. I stay inside when it rains. Same meaning, different comma rule depending on the order.
What you'll learn
- A subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause — one that can't stand alone as a sentence
- Time conjunctions: when, while, before, after, as soon as, until
- Condition conjunctions: if, unless
- For cause/reason conjunctions (because, since, as), see Cause and Reason
Introducing a dependent clause
A subordinating conjunction attaches a dependent clause to an independent one — the dependent clause can't stand alone. Unlike coordinating conjunctions, which join two equal, independent clauses, subordinating conjunctions create a clause that depends on the main clause for its meaning.
Time: when, while, before, after, as soon as, until
These conjunctions place one event in time relative to another. While is used for an ongoing action happening at the same time as another.
Condition: if, unless
If introduces a condition. Unless means 'if not' — it introduces the one exception that would stop something from happening.
The comma rule
When the subordinate clause comes first, put a comma after it, before the main clause. When the subordinate clause comes after the main clause, no comma is needed.
Real English
Watch out
When the subordinate clause comes first, a comma follows it before the main clause.
When the subordinate clause comes after the main clause, no comma is needed.
'Unless' already means 'if not' — combining it with a separate negative creates an awkward double negative; use 'unless' with a positive verb instead.
Real life — Making weekend plans
"Are we still going hiking on Saturday?"
"Yes, unless it rains — if the forecast changes, I'll let you know."
"Sounds good. Text me before you leave the house."
"Will do — I'll message you as soon as I'm ready."
Practice
Exercise 1 · Choose the correctly punctuated sentence
Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.
Exercise 2 · Choose the correctly punctuated sentence
Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.
Exercise 3 · Choose the correct word
Choose the correct word: '___ you finish your homework, you can watch TV.'
Exercise 4 · Choose the correct word
Choose the correct word: 'Call me ___ you arrive.'
Exercise 5 · Choose the correct word
Choose the correct word: 'Wait here ___ I come back.'
Exercise 6 · Choose the correct word
Choose the correct word: 'We won't leave ___ everyone is ready.'
Exercise 7 · Choose the correct word
Choose the correct word: '___ she was cooking, he set the table.'
Exercise 8 · Choose the subordinating conjunction
Which is a subordinating conjunction, not a coordinating one?
Exercise 9 · Join with 'before'
Join using 'before': 'We ate dinner. We watched a movie.' (dinner first)
Exercise 10 · Rewrite starting with 'If'
Rewrite starting with 'If': 'You study hard. You will pass the exam.'
Exercise 11 · Sort into groups
0 / 8 sorted
Quick challenge
Five quick questions to check what stuck.
Question 1 / 5
Score: 0/0
Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.
You learned
- A subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause that can't stand alone.
- Time: when, while, before, after, as soon as, until. Condition: if, unless.
- Comma after the subordinate clause when it comes first; no comma when it comes last.
- Cause/reason conjunctions (because, since, as) are covered in Cause and Reason.
Related grammar lessons
Linking Words
Learn linking adverbs like however, therefore, moreover, and for example that connect separate sentences — and the punctuation that sets them apart from conjunctions.
Result
Learn the connectors for expressing result — so (a coordinating conjunction, comma only) versus therefore/as a result/consequently/thus (linking adverbs, needing a period or semicolon).
Purpose
Learn to express purpose with to, in order to, so as to, so that, and for + -ing — and how to tell purpose apart from result.
Contrast and Concession
Learn to express contrast and concession across three grammatical patterns: although/even though/though + clause, despite/in spite of + noun or -ing, and however/nevertheless as linking adverbs.