(Basic) Subordinating Conjunctions Expressing Cause, Purpose, or Intention Relationships
Showing Cause-Effect Relationships
As, because, and sometimes since are subordinating conjunctions that show a cause-effect or causal relationship. They add causal information or an explanation to the independent clause.
Example sentences showing cause-effect relationships
Sandra is doing very well in the course because she studies every day.
Everyone is leaving the park as it is starting to rain.
Since I can’t speak Spanish, I need subtitles to watch this movie. (See “Note 1.”)
Because we do not have enough money, we cannot travel on vacation. (See “Note 2.”)
Note 1. ”Since” is also used to show a time relationship. In fact, in very formal grammar, you should not use since to show a cause-effect relationship (but most people do it anyway).
Note 2. You must use a comma after the dependent clause (the clause with the subordinating conjunction) only when you start the sentence with it. (See the last two example sentences above.)
Showing Purpose or Intention Relationships
So that and in order that are subordinating conjunctions that show a purpose or intention relationships; they add the goal or objective information to the independent clause:
Example sentences showing purpose or intention relationships
He is saving money so that he can buy a new car.
She is turning off the lights in oder that she can go to sleep. (See “Note 1.”)
So that we can improve our speaking skills in English, we only speak English during class. (See “Note 2.”)
Note 1. “In order that” is used in very formal English. You sometimes see it in writing.
Note 2. You must use a comma after the dependent clause (the clause with the subordinating conjunction) only when you start the sentence with it. (See the last example sentence above.)
Related Lessons on Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating Conjunctions