Subordinating Conjunctions Worksheet

For clarification on these concepts, please refer to the Subordinating Conjunctions handout.

Practice Identifying Subordinate Clauses:

In the following sentences, underline the subordinate clause. Hint: find the subordinate
conjunctions, then underline the clause that contains the subordinate conjunction.

Example: Since the train was on time, passengers were able to board quickly.

1. As soon as I have enough money and time off from work, I would like to travel through
Europe.
2. Working is pleasant even though I would rather be on vacation.
3. Whenever I want to play a game, I call my friend Sue.
4. Getting homework done for school is a challenge wherever you decide to do it.
5. The stranger was mysterious as if she had something that she would rather keep to herself.

Practice Editing with Subordinate Clauses:

In the following sentences, identify the subordinate clause and fix the comma error if
necessary. Remember, you will only need a comma at the end of the subordinate clause if the
subordinating conjunction comes first. Note: There is one correct sentence!

(Use the chart on the back for assistance finding the subordinating conjunction.)

Example: After working so hard during the school year, I was very excited for summer.

6. Taking summer classes can be a good idea, in order that you can graduate sooner.
7. While moving into the dorm room on campus we were distracted by the music from a frat
party across the street.
8. I got a better grade in my English class, because I decided to go to the Writing Center to get
help on writing my papers.
9. Since graduating from high school, I decided that going to college would be a good idea so I
can get a better job.
10. Though I spend a lot of time with my family and working I still manage to find time to get
good grades at college.

cwidaho.cc/writingcenter writing@cwidaho.cc
 Subordinating
Purpose Example
conjunctions
Before While They remodeled the library while school was out.
When As soon as To show When I study, I do well on my tests.
After Whenever time She mailed the letter as soon as she could.
Until As long as Before the tornado hit, grandma called to warn us.
Because To show
Since the tutoring lab opened up, he’s been doing
Since cause and
better with math.
So that effect or
She can’t wait for snow because she loves to ski.
In order that purpose
If
To show a The crickets begin chirping whenever night falls.
Unless
condition If you need help, you only need to ask.
Whenever
Though
Although To show The flower bloomed even though it was winter.
Even though contrast Though I don’t get to ride, I still love horses.
Whereas
As though To show
He spoke as if he knew the topic well.
As if similarity
Where To show
Wherever Mary went, the lamb followed.
Wherever place
Solutions:
1. As soon as I am able, I would like to travel to Europe. (There is a comma because the
subordinating clause comes first.)
2. Working is pleasant even though I would rather be on vacation. (There is no comma
because the subordinating clause comes last.)
3. Whenever I want to play a game, I call my friend Sue.
4. Getting homework done for school is a challenge wherever you decide to do it.
5. The stranger was mysterious as if she had something that she would rather keep to herself.
6. Taking summer classes can be a good idea in order that you can graduate sooner. (Removed
comma.)
7. While moving into the dorm room on campus, we were distracted by the music from a frat
party across the street. (Added comma.)
8. I got a better grade in my English class because I decided to go to the Writing Center to get
help on writing my papers. (Removed comma.)
9. Since graduating from high school, I decided that going to college would be a good idea so I
can get a better job. (No correction.)
10. Though I spend a lot of time with my family and working, I still manage to find time to get
good grades at college. (Added comma.)

cwidaho.cc/writingcenter writing@cwidaho.cc