What are Subordinators? List, Rules, Best 100+ Examples

Subordinators are used to connect clauses which are not of equal rank. Subordinators can appear either at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.

Following are some of the most common subordinators.

Apposition – that, why, how
Reason – as, because
Purpose – that, so that, in order that
Effect – that
Condition – if, provided
Contrast – though, although
Comparison – as, as much as, no less than
Manner – as, so far as
Time – before, after, when
Place – where, wherever

Sample Sentences Using Subordinators

Subordinators Type #1

Apposition (that, why, how)

We know that he is honest.
Tom told us that the train had left the station.
He’s so confident that he can accomplish anything he sets his mind to.
I wonder why she hasn’t responded to my email yet.
He explained why he was late for the appointment.
She told me how she managed to finish the project on time.
I’m impressed by how quickly she learned to play the guitar.
Tori made a promise that she would return soon.

Subordinators Type #2

Reason (as, because)

Rokul deserves the reward because she has worked hard.
He cannot go out because he is ill.
I didn’t go to the party because I was feeling tired.
Since he started working out regularly, he’s lost a lot of weight.
We’re going to the beach as it’s a beautiful day outside.
Since the store was closed, we had to find a different place to buy groceries.
We can’t go to the concert as we don’t have tickets.
Because it’s raining, we’re staying inside today.
As we have a lot of work to do, we need to start early.
Since she’s allergic to nuts, she can’t eat peanut butter.
As she was ill, she could not come to school.
As I am ill, I cannot go.
Since I am ill, I cannot go there.

Subordinators Type #3

Purpose (that, so that, in order that)

We work so that we may earn a living.
He turned up the volume so that he could hear the music better.
She saved up her money so that she could buy a new car.
We need to finish this project today so that we can meet the deadline.
The teacher gave us extra homework so that we could practice more.
In order that the food doesn’t spoil, we need to put it in the refrigerator.
I’m taking this course so that I can improve my writing skills.
We turned off the lights so that we could see the stars in the sky.
She started her own business so that she could be her own boss.
The doctor prescribed medication so that the patient could feel better.
In order that the baby could sleep, we rocked her gently.

Subordinators Type #4

Effect (that)

Tom talked so much that his voice became hoarse.
The car was so old that it broke down on the way to the destination.
The storm was so strong that it knocked down several trees.
The athlete trained so hard that he broke the world record.
The medicine was so effective that the patient felt better within hours.
The noise was so loud that it woke up the entire neighbourhood.
The food was so spicy that it made her eyes water.
The party was so much fun that she didn’t want it to end.

Subordinators Type #5

Condition (if, unless)

If it rains, we will stay indoors.
Unless you apologize, I won’t forgive you.
He won’t be able to attend the meeting if he doesn’t finish his work on time.
If we hurry, we can catch the last train.
Unless you start exercising, your health will suffer.
If he doesn’t wear a helmet, he could get seriously injured in a bike accident.
Unless we leave now, we’ll miss the beginning of the movie.
He will die if he takes poison.
You will fail unless you work hard.

Subordinators Type #6

Contrast (though, although)

Although she was ill, she did his duties.
Although he was tired, he decided to finish the work.
Though he was warned, he took the risk.
However, he is very talented, he lacks confidence in his abilities.
Although the restaurant was expensive, the food was not up to the mark.
Though he was young, he had a lot of responsibility.

Subordinators Type #7

Comparison (as, as much as, no less than)

This mango is not as sweet as honey.
She is as generous as she is kind.
He knows as much about history as he does about science.
She sings as beautifully as a songbird.
He loves action no less than fiction.
He is taller than my sister.
He eats chocolate as often as he drinks coffee.
She loves her job as much as she loves her family.
He is no less than a genius when it comes to math.
She dances as gracefully as a ballerina.
The earth is larger than the moon.

Subordinators Type #8

Degree of Manner (as, so far as)

Men will reap, as they sow.
It happened precisely as I told you.
This is not right, so far as I can find out.
This is not true, so far as I can see.

Subordinators Type #9

Time (before, after, when)

The patient had died before the doctor came.
He came after I had left the place.
He returned home after he had done office work.
Alisha came when I was getting ready to go out.
As soon as I wake up, I brush my teeth.
As long as the weather is nice, I enjoy taking walks outside.
Before we start the meeting, let’s take a few minutes to review the agenda.
Before I go to bed, I always read for at least 30 minutes.
After I finish this task, I will take a break.
Ramili came here while it was raining.
Make haste while the sun shines.
No one can harm us as long as we are united.
Stay as long as you like.

Subordinators Type #10

Place (where, wherever)

I’ll go wherever he goes.
You can stay wherever you like.
She’ll find her way wherever she is.
You can sit wherever you want in the theatre.
He’ll be happy living wherever he ends up.
You can park your car wherever there is a free spot.
She’ll always find a way to help wherever she can.
You can travel wherever your heart desires.
He’ll follow the music wherever it takes him.
You can live wherever suits your lifestyle.

Subordinators