(Basic) Subordinating Conjunctions Expressing Comparison and Contrast Relationships
Comparison Relationship
Here are some subordinating conjunctions that show a comparison; they add comparison information to the independent clause:
Example sentences showing comparison relationships
I enjoy going out as much as I enjoy staying home and reading a book.
The children are eating the pizza as though it’s the last pizza on Earth.
Just as you must practice speaking, you must practice listening every day. (See “Note.”)
Note. 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.)
Contrast Relationship
Here are some subordinating conjunctions that show a contrast relationship; they add contrast information to the independent clause:
although
though
even though
Example sentences showing contrast relationships
I love eating vegetables though sometimes I just want to eat meat.
My brother lives in a very small town while I live in a very large city. (See “Note 1.”)
Whereas young children enjoy being with their parents, older children prefer to be with their friends. (See “Note 2.”)
Note 1. In very formal grammar, “while” can be used only as a subordinating conjunction expressing time, but people often use it to express contrast in informal English.
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