Subordinating Conjunctions For Intermediate learners
What Are Subordinating Conjunctions in French?
Subordinating conjunctions (conjonctions de subordination) introduce a subordinate clause, meaning a clause that depends on a main clause.
Unlike coordinating conjunctions, they create a hierarchy between clauses:
main clause = independent
subordinate clause = dependent
Je reste parce qu'il pleut.
The second clause cannot stand alone naturally.
Main Functions of Subordinating Conjunctions
They express different logical relationships:
cause
time
condition
purpose
concession
consequence
Conjunctions of Cause
They explain why something happens.
Common conjunctions:
parce que — because (most common)
puisque — since, as (known reason)
comme — since (at beginning of sentence)
Je pars parce qu'il est tard.
I leave because it is late.
Puisque tu sais, explique-le.
Since you know, explain it.
Comme il pleut, nous restons.
Since it's raining, we stay.
"Comme" is usually placed at the beginning.
Conjunctions of Time
They indicate when an action happens.
Common ones:
quand — when
lorsque — when (more formal)
pendant que — while
dès que — as soon as
avant que — before
après que — after
Quand il pleut, je lis.
When it rains, I read.
Je pars dès que tu arrives.
I leave as soon as you arrive.
Elle mange pendant que je travaille.
She eats while I work.
Avant que tu partes, ferme la porte.
Before you leave, close the door.
"avant que" requires the subjunctive.
Conjunctions of Condition
They express if / hypothesis.
Main ones:
si — if
à condition que — on the condition that
à moins que — unless
Si tu viens, je suis content.
If you come, I'm happy.
only "si" does not need subjunctive.
Je partirai à condition que tu viennes.
I will leave on the condition that you come.
Nous sortons à moins qu'il pleuve.
We'll go out unless it rains.
Conjunctions of Purpose
They express why something is done (intention). They are always followed by subjunctive.
Common ones:
pour que — so that
afin que — so that (formal)
Je parle lentement pour que tu comprennes.
I speak slowly so that you understand.
Elle chuchote afin que personne n'entende.
She whispers so that nobody hears.
Conjunctions of Concession (contrast)
They express opposition despite something.
Common ones:
bien que — although
quoique — although (formal)
même si — even if
Bien qu'il soit fatigué, il continue.
Although he is tired, he continues.
bien que → subjunctive
Même si tu refuses, j'essaie.
Even if you refuse, I try.
même si → indicative
Conjunctions of Consequence
They express outcomes.
Common ones:
si… que — so…that
tellement… que — so…that
de sorte que — so that (result)
Elle parle si vite que je ne comprends pas.
She speaks so fast that I don't understand.
Il est tellement fatigué qu'il dort.
He is so tired that he sleeps.
Subjunctive Triggers
Many subordinating conjunctions require the subjunctive mood.
Common ones that trigger subjunctive:
pour que
afin que
bien que
avant que
à moins que
Je pars avant que tu arrives. (subjunctive)
I leave before you arrive.
Je pars parce qu'il pleut. (indicative)
I'm leaving because it's raining.
Word Order and Punctuation
In French, the position of a subordinate clause affects punctuation. If the subordinate clause comes before the main clause, it is usually followed by a comma to separate the two parts. If the subordinate clause comes after the main clause, a comma is generally not needed, unless it adds clarity or emphasizes a contrast.
Subordinate clause first → comma
Quand il pleut, je lis.
When it rains, I read.
Subordinate clause after → no comma
Je lis quand il pleut.
I read when it rains.
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