English Language Arts
Grade 5
15 min
Use subordinating conjunctions
Use subordinating conjunctions
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify subordinating conjunctions in sentences.
Define and identify independent and dependent clauses.
Combine two simple sentences into one complex sentence using a subordinating conjunction.
Explain the relationship (e.g., cause/effect, time, contrast) that a subordinating conjunction creates between clauses.
Correctly punctuate complex sentences, especially when a dependent clause begins the sentence.
Use a variety of subordinating conjunctions to add detail and flow to their own writing.
Have you ever wanted to connect two ideas, like 'I love pizza' and 'It was Friday night,' into one super-sentence? 🤔 Let's learn the secret!
Subordinating conjunctions are special connecting words that join ideas together to make your writ...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Subordinating ConjunctionA connecting word that starts a dependent clause and joins it to an independent clause. Common examples are: because, since, after, although, when, if, while, until.In the sentence 'I will play outside *after* I finish my homework,' the word 'after' is the subordinating conjunction.
ClauseA group of words that has both a subject (who or what the sentence is about) and a verb (the action).'the dog barked' is a clause.
Independent ClauseA clause that expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. It's a 'strong' clause.'We went to the park.' This is a complete sentence on its own.
Dependent ClauseA clause that starts with a subordinating conjunction and does NOT express a c...
3
Key Rules & Conventions
The 'Front Comma' Rule
Dependent Clause + , + Independent Clause
When a sentence STARTS with a dependent clause (and its subordinating conjunction), you MUST place a comma after it before the independent clause begins.
The 'Back No-Comma' Rule
Independent Clause + Dependent Clause
When the dependent clause comes AFTER the independent clause, you do NOT need a comma to separate them.
The 'Relationship' Rule
Choose the conjunction that shows the correct relationship.
The conjunction you pick tells the reader how the two ideas are connected. 'Because' shows a reason, 'when' shows time, and 'although' shows a contrast or surprise.
4 more steps in this tutorial
Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.
Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
A student wrote: 'You can have dessert after you finish your vegetables.' How can this sentence be rewritten to start with the dependent clause while remaining grammatically correct?
A.After you finish your vegetables you can have dessert.
B.After you finish your vegetables, you can have dessert.
C.You can have, after you finish your vegetables, dessert.
D.After, you finish your vegetables, you can have dessert.
Challenging
A writer wants to combine three ideas: 'The storm was getting worse. The power went out. We lit candles.' Which option uses subordinating conjunctions most effectively to create one flowing sentence?
A.The storm was getting worse, the power went out, we lit candles.
B.Because the storm was getting worse, the power went out, and we lit candles.
C.The storm was getting worse, so the power went out, because we lit candles.
D.When the power went out because the storm was getting worse, we lit candles.
Challenging
Read the short paragraph. Which sentence contains an error in its use of a subordinating conjunction? '(A) The class was excited for the field trip. (B) Although it was raining, they knew they would still have fun. (C) They boarded the bus while the teachers took attendance. (D) If the museum was fun, they would write about it later.'
A.Sentence A
B.Sentence B
C.Sentence C
D.Sentence D
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing Free