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(Basic) Subordinating Conjunctions Expressing Time Relationships

Here are some subordinating conjunctions that show a temporal or time relationship between the independent and the dependent clause; they place the independent clause in time:

when

while

until

before

after

as soon as

whenever

Example sentences showing time relationships

John always takes a shower when he gets home.

The students are talking until the teacher arrives.

Before you go to bed, don’t forget to brush your teeth. (See “Note.”)

As soon as Pedro arrives, we’ll have dinner. (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 two example sentences above.)

Related Lessons on Subordinating Conjunctions

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