Subordinating conjunctions are a common grammar point in both IELTS Writing and Speaking. These conjunctions help connect ideas clearly, especially when writing complex sentences. Since there are many types of subordinating conjunctions, understanding their structure and usage is essential for scoring higher in IELTS and improving everyday English communication.
In this article, IDP will help you understand what subordinating conjunctions are, how they work, and how to use them properly in English sentences. Don’t forget to test your knowledge with the exercises at the end!
1. What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are words or phrases that connect an independent clause with a dependent clause. A dependent clause cannot stand alone and must be connected to a main clause to make sense. The subordinating conjunction always appears at the beginning of the dependent clause.
Examples:
This suitcase will not lock because it is too full.
While there is life, there is hope.
Drink whenever you feel thirsty during exercise.
2. Benefits of Using Subordinating Conjunctions
Build complex sentences easily: Subordinating conjunctions serve as bridges between ideas, allowing you to write more complex and varied sentence structures—something highly valued in the IELTS Writing test.
Show clear cause-and-effect relationships: These conjunctions help you express the link between reasons and results effectively.
Improve communication and writing skills: When used correctly, subordinating conjunctions enhance both spoken and written English, helping you express ideas clearly and logically.
3. Types of Subordinating Conjunctions in English
a. Time and Place Conjunctions
Conjunction | Usage | Example |
after / before | Shows when something happens | Minnie went to bed after she did her homework. |
when | Refers to a specific time | Hoist your sail when the wind is fair. |
where | Refers to a place | The moon is not seen where the sun shines. |
wherever | Refers to any place | I will follow you wherever you go. |
once / as soon as | Refers to an exact time | As soon as the teacher arrived, the students stood up. |
until | Refers to time, often with negatives | We know not what is good until we lose it. |
b. Cause Conjunctions
Conjunction | Usage | Example |
since / because | Expresses a reason | Because he wanted to become a singer, he practiced all the time. |
now that / in that / seeing that | Reason based on current time | Now that we are in Europe, we should visit the Netherlands. |
because of / due to / on account of + noun/verb-ing | Reason with noun or gerund | All flights were canceled because of fog. |
c. Purpose Conjunctions
Conjunction | Usage | Example |
so that / in order that | Shows purpose | I stepped aside so that she could enter. |
to / in order to / so as to + verb | Purpose using infinitive | He leaned forward so as to hear more clearly. |
d. Condition Conjunctions
Conjunction | Usage | Example |
if | Conditional statement | If it rains, we will stay indoors. |
unless | Negative condition | Do not call me unless it is an emergency. |
provided that / providing that | Condition with a requirement | I will go provided that I finish my work. |
as long as | While or only if | I will support you as long as you are honest. |
e. Comparison Conjunctions
Conjunction | Example |
as ... as | Even Achilles was only as strong as his heel. |
than | The heart sees further than the head. |
like | There is no place like home. |
4. Punctuation Rules for Subordinating Conjunctions
Correct punctuation improves clarity in complex sentences:
If the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, use a comma after it. Example: If you cannot be good, be careful.
If the dependent clause comes after the independent clause, no comma is needed. Example: A dog will not howl if you beat him with a bone.
5. Subordinating Conjunctions Exercises with Answers
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with unless, because, if, or when
Linda often visits her mother ________ she comes back from Singapore.
Lona cannot hear me ________ I speak louder.
My cat ran away ________ the door was left open.
We will have a picnic ________ it does not rain tomorrow.
My boyfriend will buy a new car ________ he saves enough money.
Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences using the given subordinating conjunctions
Kovan wants to watch films. He finished his homework. (after)
Clara will come to her birthday party. She has time. (if)
My family cannot go camping. It is raining. (because)
Heidi is studying hard. She wants to pass the exam. (so that)
Kelvin went to bed. He was very exhausted. (because)
Answers:
Exercise 1:
when
unless
because
if
if / when
Exercise 2:
Kovan wants to watch films after he finishes his homework.
Clara will come to her birthday party if she has time.
My family cannot go camping because it is raining.
Heidi is studying hard so that she can pass the exam.
Kelvin went to bed because he was very exhausted.
Master Subordinating Conjunctions with IDP IELTS Preparation
Understanding subordinating conjunctions, their types, and how to use them effectively is a key step toward success in the IELTS test. With IDP, you can access personalized study resources, IELTS workshops, and practice tests tailored to your current level.
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