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Using conjunctions that introduce subordinate clauses.
Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses and show how those clauses relate to a main clause.
Common relationships include time, cause, condition, contrast, concession, purpose, and comparison.
A clause introduced by a subordinating conjunction normally depends on another clause to form a complete sentence.
For example, because she was tired is dependent, while She went home because she was tired is complete.
Because introduces a subordinate clause giving the reason for an action, event, or state.
For example, We stayed home because it was raining.
Although introduces a subordinate clause that contrasts with the main clause.
For example, Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
Though can introduce a contrast clause and is generally less formal or more conversational than although.
For example, Though it was late, we continued working.
Even though introduces a stronger contrast or concession than ordinary although or though.
For example, Even though he was tired, he continued working.
If introduces a condition on which the main clause depends.
For example, If it rains, we will stay home.
Unless introduces a negative condition and is often equivalent to if ... not.
For example, Unless you hurry, you will be late.
When introduces a clause describing the time at which an event or situation occurs.
For example, Call me when you arrive.
While can introduce a clause describing simultaneous time or contrast.
For example, She listened while I was speaking and While I prefer tea, my brother prefers coffee.
Before introduces a clause describing an action or event that occurs earlier than the main clause event.
For example, Wash your hands before you eat.
After introduces a clause describing an action or event that occurs later than the subordinate-clause event.
For example, We went home after the meeting ended.
Until introduces the point in time up to which an action or state continues.
For example, Wait here until I come back.
Since can introduce either a starting point in time or a reason, depending on context.
For example, I have lived here since I graduated expresses time, while Since you are here, we can begin expresses reason.
As can introduce subordinate clauses expressing time, reason, or manner.
For example, As I was leaving, he called; As it was late, we went home; and Do it as I showed you.
Once introduces a condition or time relationship meaning after or when a particular condition has been fulfilled.
For example, Once the work is finished, we can go home.
As soon as introduces an event that occurs immediately or very shortly after another event.
For example, Call me as soon as you arrive.
Whenever introduces a repeated or indefinite time relationship meaning at any time when.
For example, Call me whenever you need help.
Wherever introduces an indefinite place relationship meaning in or to any place where.
For example, Wherever you go, I will support you.
As long as introduces a condition that must continue or be satisfied for the main clause to apply.
For example, You can stay as long as you are quiet.
Provided that and providing that introduce conditions under which something is allowed or considered possible.
For example, You can borrow the car provided that you return it before midnight.
In case introduces a precaution describing a possible future situation against which action is taken.
For example, Take an umbrella in case it rains.
So that introduces a subordinate clause expressing purpose or intended result.
For example, I left early so that I could catch the train.
In order that introduces a formal purpose clause.
For example, The system was redesigned in order that users could access the service more easily.
Whereas introduces a subordinate clause that contrasts one situation with another.
For example, John prefers working alone, whereas Mary enjoys teamwork.
Even if introduces a condition that does not change the result expressed by the main clause.
For example, Even if it rains, we will go ahead with the event.
As if and as though introduce clauses describing an appearance or comparison that may be hypothetical or unreal.
For example, He talks as if he knew everything and She looked as though she had seen a ghost.
Supposing can introduce a hypothetical condition or imagined situation.
For example, Supposing you lost your passport, what would you do?
Lest introduces a clause expressing a negative purpose or precaution and is mainly found in formal or literary English.
For example, He spoke quietly lest anyone should hear him.
A subordinate clause can come before the main clause, and a comma is commonly used after it when it establishes the context for the main clause.
For example, Because it was raining, we stayed home.
A subordinate clause can follow the main clause, often without a comma when it forms an integrated part of the sentence.
For example, We stayed home because it was raining.
Many subordinating expressions can be followed by finite clauses, while some related expressions require nouns or gerunds instead.
For example, because he was late contrasts with because of his lateness, and although it was raining contrasts with despite the rain.
Some words function as subordinating conjunctions before clauses but as prepositions or other structures in related expressions.
For example, before we leave contains a clause, while before lunch is followed by a noun phrase.
Different subordinating conjunctions vary in frequency and formality.
Because, if, when, and although are common across registers, while lest and in order that are more formal.
Use the subordinating conjunction that expresses the intended relationship and attach the resulting dependent clause correctly.
Common mistakes include creating sentence fragments, confusing unless with if, using because with an already complete noun phrase, confusing since as time or reason, and using in case as a direct equivalent of if.