Which sentence correctly uses a subordinating conjunction to explain an idea?

I stayed inside because it was raining.

Which sentence uses a subordinating conjunction correctly?

She read her book when she finished her homework.

Which sentence correctly uses a subordinating conjunction to add detail?

We played outside although it was cold.

Which sentence uses a subordinating conjunction to explain a condition?

You can go outside if you finish your chores.

Which sentence correctly uses a subordinating conjunction to explain time?

He washed his hands before he ate dinner.

Which sentence correctly uses a subordinating conjunction to explain a reason?

The dog barked loudly because it heard a noise.

Which sentence correctly uses a subordinating conjunction to show time?

She brushed her teeth after she finished her snack.

Which sentence correctly uses a subordinating conjunction to show contrast?

The movie was long although we enjoyed it.

Which sentence correctly uses a subordinating conjunction to show a condition?

You will pass the test if you study carefully.

Which sentence correctly uses a subordinating conjunction to explain cause and effect?

The class was quiet because the teacher spoke.

Which sentence correctly uses a subordinating conjunction to explain a reason?

The plants grew tall because they got sunlight.

Which sentence correctly uses a subordinating conjunction to show contrast?

He felt tired although he finished the race.

Which sentence correctly uses a subordinating conjunction to show time?

We cleaned up before we left the room.

Which sentence correctly uses a subordinating conjunction to show a condition?

You can play outside if it stops raining.

Which sentence correctly uses a subordinating conjunction to explain cause and effect?

The baby cried because it was hungry.

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AA.3 Use subordinating conjunctions to explain ideas

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What are subordinating conjunctions?

Subordinating conjunctions are words that join a dependent clause to an independent clause. They help explain when, why, or how something happens.

Examples:

I stayed inside because it was raining.
When the bell rang, the class lined up.
She smiled after she finished her work.

Note

A subordinating conjunction gives more information, but it cannot make a complete sentence by itself.

Independent and dependent clauses

An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. A dependent clause needs more information to make sense.

Examples:

Independent clause: I finished my homework.
Dependent clause: because I worked carefully
Combined sentence: I finished my homework because I worked carefully.

Note

The subordinating conjunction connects the two clauses and shows their relationship.

Common subordinating conjunctions

Some subordinating conjunctions are used often in writing to explain ideas clearly.

Common words:

because – explains why
when – tells about time
after – shows what happens next
before – shows what happens first
if – explains a condition

Note

Choosing the right conjunction helps your reader understand your ideas.

Using subordinating conjunctions in sentences

Subordinating conjunctions help writers add details and explain their thinking in longer sentences.

Examples:

I wore a jacket because it was cold.
If you listen carefully, you will understand the directions.
After we ate lunch, we went outside to play.

Note

If a sentence begins with a dependent clause, remember to use a comma after it.

Why writers use subordinating conjunctions

Writers use subordinating conjunctions to explain ideas, add details, and make their writing more interesting.

Examples:

Simple: I was happy.
Expanded: I was happy because I helped a friend.

Note

Adding a dependent clause can help show your reasons and thoughts more clearly.

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