Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause (incomplete thought) to an independent clause (complete thought). They show the relationship between the two ideas.
Because (Cause / Reason)
"Because" gives the reason for an action or situation.
- I stayed home because I was sick.
- Because it was raining, we cancelled the picnic.
- She passed because she studied hard.
Although / Though (Concession / Contrast)
"Although" and "though" introduce an unexpected or contrasting fact.
- Although she was tired, she kept working.
- He went to work although he felt terrible.
- Though the food was expensive, it was delicious.
"Though" is more common in spoken English and can go at the end of a sentence.
- She is nice. I don't trust her, though.
Since (Reason or Time)
"Since" can mean "because" or "from a time in the past."
- Since you are here, let's start. (reason)
- Since it is late, I should go. (reason)
- I have been waiting since the meeting started. (time)
Because vs. Since
| Because (strong, direct reason) | Since (softer, known reason) | | ---------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ | | I left because I was angry. (direct cause) | Since you already know, I won't explain. (assumed) |
Position in a Sentence
When the dependent clause comes first, use a comma. When it comes second, no comma is needed.
-
Although it was cold, we went outside. (comma)
-
We went outside although it was cold. (no comma)
-
Because I was tired, I went to bed. (comma)
-
I went to bed because I was tired. (no comma)
Common Subordinating Conjunctions by Function
| Function | Conjunctions | | --------------------- | --------------------------------------------- | | Cause / Reason | because, since, as | | Contrast / Concession | although, though, even though, whereas | | Time | when, while, before, after, until, as soon as | | Condition | if, unless, provided that | | Purpose | so that, in order that |