subordinating conjunction: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium (C1+)Formal, Academic, Linguistic
Quick answer
What does “subordinating conjunction” mean?
A conjunction that links a dependent (subordinate) clause to an independent clause.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A conjunction that links a dependent (subordinate) clause to an independent clause.
A grammatical particle that introduces adverbial clauses (e.g., time, reason, condition) or nominal clauses, establishing a relationship of dependence where one clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in grammatical definition or core usage.
Connotations
Slightly more common in formal British educational contexts (e.g., 'subordinating conjunction') versus the simpler American label 'subordinator' in some linguistic texts.
Frequency
Equally frequent in academic and pedagogical contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “subordinating conjunction” in a Sentence
[Independent Clause] + [Subordinating Conjunction] + [Dependent Clause][Subordinating Conjunction] + [Dependent Clause] + , + [Independent Clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “subordinating conjunction” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The subordinating function of the word was clear.
American English
- We studied subordinating conjunction words.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in formal report writing or training materials on clear communication.
Academic
Common in linguistics, grammar textbooks, and language teaching materials.
Everyday
Very rare; the concept is used, but the term itself is not typical in casual conversation.
Technical
Standard term in grammatical analysis and computational linguistics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “subordinating conjunction”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “subordinating conjunction”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “subordinating conjunction”
- Using a comma before a subordinating conjunction when it introduces a clause at the end of a sentence (e.g., 'I left because it was late.' NOT 'I left, because it was late.').
- Confusing 'because' (subordinating) with 'so' (coordinating).
- Starting a sentence with a subordinating conjunction without a main clause attached (fragment error).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but only if the dependent clause is followed by a comma and then the main independent clause (e.g., 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk').
A subordinating conjunction links a dependent clause to an independent one, creating a hierarchy. A coordinating conjunction (e.g., and, but, or) links grammatically equal elements (words, phrases, independent clauses).
No. 'That' is a subordinating conjunction when it introduces a noun clause (e.g., 'I know that you're right'). It can also be a demonstrative adjective ('that book') or pronoun ('that is mine').
There is a limited but not fixed set (around 50-60 common ones), including: after, although, as, because, before, if, since, though, unless, until, when, whereas, while. New compound forms (e.g., 'in order that') can also function as subordinators.
A conjunction that links a dependent (subordinate) clause to an independent clause.
Subordinating conjunction is usually formal, academic, linguistic in register.
Subordinating conjunction: in British English it is pronounced /səˌbɔː.dɪ.neɪ.tɪŋ kənˈdʒʌŋk.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˌbɔːr.dɪ.neɪ.t̬ɪŋ kənˈdʒʌŋk.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SUBordinating conjunctions make a clause SUBordinate, meaning it cannot stand alone (like a submarine is under the water).
Conceptual Metaphor
A HIERARCHY or CHAIN OF COMMAND (the subordinate clause serves the main clause).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a subordinating conjunction?