English GCSE: Subordinating Conjunctions
Helping you with your sentences.
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
A subordinating conjunction is a word that joins two parts of a sentence together. It helps to show how one part of the sentence is connected to another. Usually, it links a main idea with another idea that is dependent on it.
Think of it like a bridge connecting a strong, main part of the sentence to another part that gives more details.
How They Work
Subordinating conjunctions are words like:
because
when
if
although
after
Example:
Main idea: I was late.
Extra detail: Because I missed the bus.
When we put them together with a subordinating conjunction, it looks like this:
I was late because I missed the bus.
Here, because is the subordinating conjunction. It connects the main idea (I was late) with the reason why it happened (I missed the bus).
We can also turn it around and say.
Because I was late, I missed the bus!
More Examples:
When it rains, we stay indoors.
I will go to the party if I finish my homework.
Although I was tired, I finished the project.
Subordinating conjunctions tell us when, why, or under what conditions things happen.
Fun Way to Remember:
Subordinating conjunctions make sentences more interesting by adding extra information or explaining why something happened!