A subordinating conjunction is a word that starts a subordinate clause. Here are some of the most often-used subordinating conjunctions: if, when, while, since, before, after, because, unless, until
We use a subordinating conjunction to begin a subordinate clause in a complex sentence. When you begin with a subordinating conjunction, you are automatically writing a subordinate clause. Here are some examples of a subordinate clause:
If you finish your homework
When it stops raining
While I do the dishes
Since today is a holiday
Before you go to bed
After we eat dinner
Each of these clauses needs an independent clause to finish the thought. A subordinate clause cannot stand on its own. We join a subordinate clause to an independent clause, and that makes a complex sentence. Look at these complex sentence examples:
If you finish your homework, we can watch television.
When it stops raining, we will take a walk.
While I do the dishes, you can take out the garbage.
Since today is a holiday, I have no school.
Before you go to bed, be sure to brush your teeth.
After we eat dinner, we will go to the store.
Use a subordinating conjunction to begin a subordinate clause. Join a subordinate clause to an independent clause to make a complex sentence.
▶It’s your turn. Add an independent clause to this subordinate clause and make a complex sentence: After school is over, _____. What will you do? Did you think of a way to end the sentence? Did you write an independent clause telling what you will do? Good for you.