Subordinating Conjunction

Definition with Examples

A subordinating Conjunction is a conjunction that links a dependent clause (also called subordinate clause) to an independent clause. Consider the following sentence-

• Everyone stayed in the house because it was raining outside.

In the above sentence ‘because’ links two clauses- ‘Everyone stayed in the house’ and ‘because it was raining outside’. It is evident that the second clause –‘because it was raining outside’ is a subordinating or dependent clause because alone it has no meaning.

Go through the sentences given below and try to identify the subordinating conjunctions used.

• I will go to market after I have finished my homework.
• We should reach home before it starts raining.
• I will be there to help you whenever you are in trouble.
• Don’t leave the room until you are finished.
• His secretary told me that he is out of town.

The Subordinating Conjunctions in the above sentences are- after, before, whenever, until and that.

List/Examples/Words

After, though, unless, when, because, except, since, albeit, although, as, before, once, if, except, that, until, whenever, where, whether, while, as if, as much as, as well as, even though, even if, as far as, as long as, that, in order to, such that, so that etc.

MCQ Exercises with Answers

Choose appropriate Subordinating Conjunction for the sentences from the choices given below-

• I had no idea ________ the results were declared or not.
  1. as if
  2. whether
  3. such that
  4. where
• He was qualified __________ suitable for the job.
  1. as well as
  2. as much as
  3. in order to
  4. such that

• You will be given a fair chance ________ you are late.
  1. whenever
  2. before
  3. since
  4. even if
• Teachers were present _______ the students remained quiet.
  1. so that
  2. while
  3. as if
  4. in as much
• He returned all the books _________ the one he liked very much.
  1. whenever
  2. until
  3. where
  4. except
• The government issued an advisory __________ keep the situation under control.
  1. although
  2. before
  3. in order to
  4. once
• You are not allowed to leave ___________ you are done.
  1. where
  2. unless
  3. when
  4. because
• The riot broke out _________ the authorities could have sensed it.
  1. after
  2. as if
  3. before
  4. although

• The judge was convinced _______ the convict was guilty.
  1. that
  2. for
  3. such that
  4. as far as
• He was not selected ________ he tried hard.
  1. after
  2. since
  3. even though
  4. for
• The sailors will go __________ their ships sail.
  1. as long as
  2. as far as
  3. although
  4. after
• He was so happy ______he was watching his favorite movie.
  1. since
  2. as far as
  3. because
  4. as if
• He was fined _________ he was not wearing a helmet.
  1. because
  2. as long as
  3. for
  4. though
• The function was cultural _______ boring.
  1. where
  2. as
  3. albeit
  4. as far as
• The security of the citizens is important ___________ the security of ministers.
  1. as long as
  2. although
  3. once
  4. as much as
• The program started only _________ the chief guest arrived.
  1. though
  2. where
  3. after
  4. until
• The rivers swell up ________ it rains.
  1. while
  2. such that
  3. whenever
  4. until
• Teach him in a way _________ he never forgets.
  1. such that
  2. as long as
  3. as far as
  4. unless
• Politicians will be _________ the voters are.
  1. whether
  2. while
  3. where
  4. as if
• He will stay in the class _________ the lecture continues.
  1. as far as
  2. as long as
  3. whether
  4. because
• Kindly greet your teacher ________ you see him.
  1. until
  2. unless
  3. as far as
  4. when
• Rajeev will join arts college ________ he is out of school.
  1. if
  2. whether
  3. because
  4. once
• You will be allowed onboard ________ you have a valid passport.
  1. whether
  2. only if
  3. as long as
  4. where
• The teacher asked him to do the work ________ on vacations.
  1. if
  2. if only
  3. until
  4. while
• He didn’t speak up __________ he was persuaded.
  1. although
  2. while
  3. as if
  4. if only
• He remains silent _______ his best friend left school.
  1. though
  2. for
  3. since
  4. as far as
• He was worried ________ smiling.
  1. therefore
  2. as if
  3. while
  4. though

Answers- 1)b, 2)a, 3)d, 4)a, 5)d, 6)c, 7)b, 8)c, 9)a, 10)c, 11)b, 12)d, 13)a, 14)c, 15)d, 16)c, 17)c, 18)a, 19)c, 20)b, 21)d, 22)d, 23)b, 24)d, 25)a, 26)c, 27)d