Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating Conjunctions

1. Although—means "in spite of the fact that":

• Although it was raining, I ran home.
• She showed up, although she felt sick.
• Although my mom told me to come home early, I stayed out late.

2. After—indicates "subsequently to the time when":

• Please text me after you arrive at the shopping mall.
• We were forced to stop watching TV after the electricity went out.
• I always tell my daughter that she can have dessert after she eats her dinner.

3. Before—indicates "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 dishes before my wife gets home.

4. Because—means "for the reason that":

• Because he was smart and worked hard, he was able to make a lot of money.
• They stopped building the house because it was pouring.
• I love dogs because they are so cute.

5. How—means "the way in which":

• I wonder how you did it.
• He explained how he completed it in a few days.
• Can you show me how you fixed the computer?

6. If—means "in the event that":

• If it is sunny tomorrow, we can go to the beach.
• If I receive a promotion, you will be the first to know.
• You can watch TV if you finish your homework.

7. 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 having contractions.

8. Since—means "from the time when":

• I’ve been a singer since I was young.
• Since he graduated, he has been doing nothing.
• This building has been remodeled three times since I lived here.

9. So that—means "in order to":

• So that she could keep her position, 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 raise so he could buy a nice car.

10. Until—means "up to the time that":

• Don’t go anywhere until I come back.
• She didn’t realize her talent in painting until her teacher mentioned it.
• They won’t allow us to sit until everyone arrives.

11. Unless—means "except, on the condition":

• You will not pass the exam unless you get a score of 80 or higher.
• I will not tell you anything unless you tell me what you know first.
• Unless you ask her, you will never know.

12. 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 gas station when my gas light went on.

13. While—means "during the time":

• Someone called you while you were at the meeting.
• We met while we were working at the University.
• My dog started barking while I was talking on the phone.

14. Where—indicates "in the place":

• This is where I came from.
• Please tell me where you are going.
• I need to know where John hid the present.

15. Whether—means "if it is true or not":

• We will have a picnic whether it rains or not.
• It is time to decide whether we should take action.
• You need to decide whether or not you are hungry.

[Quiz 26.1]

Fill in the blanks with an appropriate conjunction.

1) Could you email me                      you receive the offer?
2) I want to buy it                     it is expensive or not.
3) Don’t do that                      I allow it.
4)                     you are confident with it, you should go for it.
5) I didn’t enroll this semester                      I could go backpacking in Europe.
6) My neighbor’s cat has been missing                      last Friday.
7)                      I own a house, I am required to pay property taxes.

View Answers

[26.1]
1) when
2) whether
3) unless
4) If
5) so that
6) since
7) Because