Subordinating Conjunctions

You already know how to use because, when, while, before, after, if and although to join a main clause to a subordinate clause. Now you will learn more subordinating conjunctions and practise building longer, more interesting sentences.

What You'll Learn

How to use new subordinating conjunctions: since, until, as soon as, even though, so that, whenever and unless
How to identify the main clause and the subordinate clause in longer sentences
How to choose the right conjunction to show time, reason, contrast, condition, or purpose
How to combine clauses smoothly using correct punctuation

When to Use

Showing a reason (another way): "We stayed indoors since the haze was bad that day."
Telling how long something lasts: "Please wait here until your mother arrives."
Showing something happens right away: "As soon as the rain stopped, the children rushed to the playground."
Giving a stronger surprise or contrast: "Even though the test was difficult, Mei Ling scored full marks."
Explaining a purpose: "She studied hard so that she could pass her exam."

How to Form

Joining a Main Clause and a Subordinate Clause

Every sentence with a subordinating conjunction has two parts:

Part	What it is	Can it stand alone?
Main clause	The main idea of the sentence	Yes
Subordinate clause	Extra information (reason, time, condition, contrast, purpose)	No

The subordinating conjunction always sits at the start of the subordinate clause.

New Conjunctions and Their Purposes

Purpose	Conjunction	Example
Reason	since	I brought extra water since the weather was hot.
Time (how long)	until	Keep practising until you get it right.
Time (immediately after)	as soon as	As soon as the bell rang, the pupils lined up.
Contrast (strong)	even though	Even though he was tired, he finished his homework.
Condition	unless	You cannot go out unless you finish your chores.
Purpose	so that	She spoke loudly so that everyone could hear her.
Time (every time)	whenever	Whenever it rains, the streets get flooded.

Two Positions for the Subordinate Clause

You learned in Primary 3 that the subordinate clause can go in the middle or at the start. Here is a reminder with the new conjunctions:

Position	Sentence	Comma?
Middle (no comma)	The team kept playing until the referee blew the whistle.	No
Start (comma needed)	Until the referee blew the whistle, the team kept playing.	Yes
Middle (no comma)	We left the house early so that we would not miss the bus.	No
Start (comma needed)	As soon as the gates opened, the crowd rushed in.	Yes

Key Rules

"Since" can mean "because": When "since" gives a reason, it works like "because". "Since you are here, let us start the lesson." Do not confuse this with "since" meaning "from that time", which you will learn more about later.
"Until" marks an end point: The action in the main clause continues up to the moment described in the subordinate clause. "I will read my book until dinner is ready."
"Unless" means "if not": Replace "unless" with "if not" to check whether your sentence makes sense. "You will be late unless you hurry." (= You will be late if you do not hurry.)
"Even though" is stronger than "although": Both show contrast, but "even though" adds emphasis. "Even though it was pouring, he cycled to school." (This is more surprising than using "although".)
"So that" shows purpose: It tells why someone does something -- the goal or aim. "Father drove slowly so that we could enjoy the scenery."
Do not mix two conjunctions for the same job: Just like you should not write "although... but", do not write "even though... but" or "since... so". Choose one conjunction for each idea.

Common Mistakes

Wrong	Right	Why
Even though it was cold but she still went swimming.	Even though it was cold, she still went swimming.	Do not pair "even though" with "but" -- they do the same job
Unless you don't finish your work, you cannot play.	Unless you finish your work, you cannot play.	"Unless" already means "if not", so adding "don't" makes a double negative
He waited since the bus came.	He waited until the bus came.	"Since" gives a reason; use "until" to mark an end point in time
As soon as I reached home.	As soon as I reached home, I called my mother.	A subordinate clause cannot stand alone -- add a main clause
She studied hard, so that she could pass.	She studied hard so that she could pass.	No comma before "so that" when it comes in the middle
Until you will finish your homework, you cannot play.	Until you finish your homework, you cannot play.	Do not use "will" in the subordinate clause after "until" -- use the simple present

Clue Words

Reason

because, since

Time

when, while, before, after, until, as soon as, whenever

Condition

if, unless

Contrast / Surprise

although, even though

Purpose

so that

Tip: To pick the right conjunction, ask yourself: Why? (because, since) When? (when, before, after, until, as soon as, whenever, while) What if? (if, unless) Surprising? (although, even though) What for? (so that). The question tells you which group to choose from.

Practice Tips

The swap trick: Try placing the subordinate clause at the start, then in the middle. If both versions make sense and mean the same thing, you have chosen the right conjunction.
The "if not" check for "unless": Whenever you write "unless", replace it with "if ... not" in your head. "You cannot play unless you tidy your room." becomes "You cannot play if you do not tidy your room." If it makes sense, your sentence is correct.
The purpose question for "so that": After writing a sentence with "so that", ask "What is the goal?" The answer should be in the subordinate clause. "He practised every day so that he could win the race." Goal: to win the race.
Watch for double conjunctions: After writing your sentence, check that you have not used two conjunctions that do the same job (e.g., "even though... but" or "since... therefore"). Remove the extra one.

Quick Reference

Conjunction	Purpose	Example
because	reason	I stayed home because I was ill.
since	reason	Since it was late, we took a taxi.
when	point in time	She laughed when she heard the joke.
while	at the same time	He read while she cooked dinner.
before	earlier action	Pack your bag before you go to bed.
after	later action	We had ice cream after the concert ended.
until	up to a point	Wait here until I come back.
as soon as	immediately after	As soon as the light turned green, the cars moved.
whenever	every time	Whenever I visit Grandma, she makes chicken rice.
if	condition	I will lend you my book if you return it tomorrow.
unless	condition (if not)	You will miss the MRT unless you walk faster.
although	contrast	Although he was nervous, he gave a good speech.
even though	strong contrast	Even though she fell, she got up and continued running.
so that	purpose	He saved his allowance so that he could buy a new book.

Subordinating Conjunctions (P4) (Primary 4)