Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions join two or more ideas together to form complex sentences. They link a dependent clause, or also known as a subordinate clause, and an independent clause together.  A dependent clause is not able to stand on its own, but the independent clause is a complete sentence by itself. 

Subordinating conjunctions can show a relationship between the clauses such as cause and effect, time, condition, or contrast. When you incorporate subordinating conjunctions in your writing, you can enhance depth, clarity, and sophistication.

What are the rules when using subordinating conjunctions? 

1. When using the subordinating conjunction in the middle, do not use a comma. (e.g. I do not use a comma because the subordinating conjunction comes in the middle.)
2. If the subordinating conjunction begins the sentence which puts the dependent clause in the beginning, use a comma after the first clause. (e.g. Because I use the subordinating conjunction in the beginning, I included a comma after the dependent clause.)