8.4 subordinating conjunctions

When you are adding a clause in order to develop some aspect of what you are saying, you use a subordinating conjunction.

• The cat jumped onto my father's lap while he was reading his letters.
• The wound was healing although he would never be able to speak again.
• When the jar was full, he turned the water off.

A clause which begins with a subordinating conjunction is called a subordinate clause.

• When an atom is split, it releases neutrons.
• If he had had a gun, he would have killed the man.
• The house was called Elm View, although there were no elms anywhere in sight.

Subordinate clauses can also be added to questions and imperative clauses.

• How long is it since you've actually taught?
• Know what fibre you are dyeing before you start.

Sentences containing a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses are often called complex sentences.

There are three main kinds of subordinate clause:

Adverbial clauses are dealt with in paragraphs 8.6 to 8.82.

Relative clauses are dealt with in paragraphs 8.83 to 8.116.