Subordinating Conjunctions

1. Although—means "in spite of the fact that":

Although it was raining, I ran home.
She showed up, although she felt sick.
Although my mom told me to come home early, I stayed out late.

2. After—indicates "subsequently to the time when":

Please text me after you arrive at the shopping mall.
We were forced to stop watching TV after the electricity went out.
I always tell my daughter that she can have dessert after she eats her dinner.

3. Before—indicates "earlier than the time that":

He had written a living will before he died.
Before he contacted me, I was going to call him.
I need to finish the dishes before my wife gets home.

4. Because—means "for the reason that":

Because he was smart and worked hard, he was able to make a lot of money.
They stopped building the house because it was pouring.
I love dogs because they are so cute.

5. How—means "the way in which":

I wonder how you did it.
He explained how he completed it in a few days.
Can you show me how you fixed the computer?

6. If—means "in the event that":

If it is sunny tomorrow, we can go to the beach.
If I receive a promotion, you will be the first to know.
You can watch TV if you finish your homework.

7. Once—indicates "at the moment when":

Once you see him, you will recognize him.
Once the light came on, we all shouted with joy.
Call me once you start having contractions.

8. Since—means "from the time when":

I’ve been a singer since I was young.
Since he graduated, he has been doing nothing.
This building has been remodeled three times since I lived here.

9. So that—means "in order to":

So that she could keep her position, she didn’t complain at all.
He finished his work as fast as possible so that he could leave early.
He worked harder for a raise so he could buy a nice car.

10. Until—means "up to the time that":

Don’t go anywhere until I come back.
She didn’t realize her talent in painting until her teacher mentioned it.
They won’t allow us to sit until everyone arrives.

11. Unless—means "except, on the condition":

You will not pass the exam unless you get a score of 80 or higher.
I will not tell you anything unless you tell me what you know first.
Unless you ask her, you will never know.

12. When—means "at that time":

When I came in the room, everyone looked at me.
I woke up when my baby was crying.
I started looking for a gas station when my gas light went on.

13. While—means "during the time":

Someone called you while you were at the meeting.
We met while we were working at the University.
My dog started barking while I was talking on the phone.

14. Where—indicates "in the place":

This is where I came from.
Please tell me where you are going.
I need to know where John hid the present.

15. Whether—means "if it is true or not":

We will have a picnic whether it rains or not.
It is time to decide whether we should take action.
You need to decide whether or not you are hungry.

[Quiz 26.1]

Fill in the blanks with an appropriate conjunction.

1) Could you email me                      you receive the offer?
2) I want to buy it                      it is expensive or not.
3) Don’t do that                      I allow it.
4)                      you are confident with it, you should go for it.
5) I didn’t enroll this semester                      I could go backpacking in Europe.
6) My neighbor’s cat has been missing                      last Friday.
7)                      I own a house, I am required to pay property taxes.

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