What are Subordinators? List, Rules, Best 50+ 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

We know that he is honest.
He said that he would go.
Tom told us that the train had left the station.
Tori made a promise that she would return soon.
I don’t know why she has come.
I don’t know how she has done this work alone.

Subordinators Type #2

Reason

Rokul deserves the reward because she has worked hard.
He cannot go out because he is ill.
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

We work so that we may earn a living.
Men work that (so that) they may earn a living.
Shut the door so that the child may not go out.
I study hard so that I may pass the examination.
Amal took medicine in order that he might get well.

Subordinators Type #4

Effect

Tom talked so much that his voice became hoarse.
It rained so heavily that paddy could not grow.
You lie so often that nobody believes you.

Subordinators Type #5

Condition

If you come, we shall go there.
He will die if he takes poison.
You will fail unless you work hard.
Ask him whether he will come tomorrow.

Subordinators Type #6

Contrast

Though (Although) she was ill, she did his duties.
Though he is poor, he is honest.
Bishal finished first though he began late.
Although it was cold, the man did not light a fire.
Although it was hard, he did it.
Rich as he is, he is not happy.
The boy will never succeed, however hard he works.

Subordinators Type #7

Comparison

This ripe mango is as sweet as honey.
This mango is not so sweet as honey.
She is as clever as I (am).
She likes you as much as I (like you).
He loves action no less than fiction.
He is taller than my sister.
The earth is larger than the moon.

Subordinators Type #8

Degree of Manner

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

Subordinators Type #9

Time

I shall leave the room as soon as my father returns home.
She had worked hard before she succeeded.
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.
He came when I was there.
Rita came here while it was raining.
Make haste while the sun shines.
No one can harm us as long as (so long as) we are united.
Stay as long as you like.
Mini started as soon as I reached there.
Wait till the train stops.
Wait till the train arrives.
I shall read this book until my father comes back.
Do not detrain until the train stops.

Subordinators Type #10

Place

I shall go where he will go.
You may go where you like.
I shall find her out wherever she lies.

Subordinators