A subordinating conjunction is a type of conjunction that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, forming a complex sentence. These conjunctions are also known as subordinators or subordinate conjunctions. They play two key roles in a sentence: first, they emphasize the importance of the independent clause, and second, they provide a transition between two ideas in the same sentence, often indicating a place, time, or cause and effect relationship. Examples of subordinating conjunctions include "because," "while," "although," and "when".
Subordinating conjunctions are essential for creating complex sentences and are crucial for expressing relationships between different parts of a sentence. Understanding subordinating conjunctions is important for constructing clear and coherent writing.