Connecting Ideas with Subordinating Conjunctions

Year 7 English Building Complex Sentences 20-minute lesson

Which Sentence Feels Complete?

Sentence A: I woke up early. Sentence B: Because I woke up early...

Understanding Clauses

Clause = a group of words with a subject and a verb Independent clause = can stand alone as a complete sentence Dependent clause = cannot stand alone, needs more information Example: 'I went home' vs 'Because I was tired...'

Meet the Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunction = connects dependent clause to independent clause Common examples: because, when, if, although, before, after These words create dependent clauses They help us explain WHY, WHEN, or HOW things happen

Subordinating Conjunctions Guide

Sentence Structure Rules

Dependent clause can come FIRST or SECOND When dependent clause comes first → add a comma Example: Because I was tired, I went to sleep. Example: I went to sleep because I was tired. Both ways are correct!

Match and Build Activity

Match subordinating conjunctions with sentence halves Read your completed sentences aloud Identify which part is dependent and which is independent Check: Does the dependent clause need the independent clause to make sense?

Fill in the Blanks

Complete these sentences with the right conjunction: I take the train _____ it is raining. _____ I finish class, I go to work. I feel happy _____ I talk to my family.

Your Turn to Create!

Write 3 original sentences using subordinating conjunctions Include ideas about family, food, weather, or daily routines Try using the dependent clause first in one sentence Try using the dependent clause second in another sentence Remember: comma when dependent clause comes first!