Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions join asubordinate (dependent) clauseto amain (independent) clause. They explain thereason, time, condition, purpose, or contrastof the action in the main clause. The sentence cannot stand alone without the main clause.
Key Spanish Subordinating Conjunctions
Below are the most common types of subordinating conjunctions in Spanish, grouped by the ideas they express. Each group includes example sentences to show how they are used.
1. Cause / Reason —porque, ya que, puesto que
These conjunctions explainwhysomething happens.
2. Time —cuando, mientras, tan pronto como, hasta que
These conjunctions indicatewhensomething happens.
3. Condition —si, a menos que, con tal de que
These conjunctions set aconditionfor something to happen.
4. Purpose —para que, a fin de que
These conjunctions express thepurposeof an action.
5. Contrast / Concession —aunque, a pesar de que, mientras que
These conjunctions introduce acontrastorunexpected result.
6. Result —así que, de modo que
These conjunctions show aresultorconsequence.
Usage Tips
- The verb in the subordinate clause follows the rules of normal sentence structure.
- In many cases, the subjunctive mood is used in the subordinate clause, especially after conjunctions of condition, purpose, and concession (e.g.,aunque,a menos que,para que). This signals doubt, uncertainty, or non-realization.
- Subordinating conjunctions cannot stand alone; they must link to a main clause.
Summary
Subordinating conjunctions in Spanish introduce dependent clauses that explaincause, time, condition, purpose, contrast,orresult. They are essential for showing complex relationships between ideas in a sentence.
Here are the most important sets of subordinating conjunctions in Spanish, along with their English translations and example sentences. Each set expresses a different relationship between the clauses.
Spanish Conjunctions
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Last updated: Thu Jul 17, 2025