Aim
• I can recognise and use subordinating conjunctions.
Success Criteria
• Statement
I can recognise
1 Lorem
thatipsum
subordinating
dolor sit amet,
conjunctions
consectetur
are used
adipiscing
to create
elit.
subordinate clauses.
• Statement 2
• I know
• Subthat subordinate clauses are used within complex
statement
(multi-clause) sentences.
• I can use ‘I SAW A WABUB!’ to remember the main subordinating
conjunctions.
• I can write my own complex (multi-clause) sentences using different
subordinating conjunctions.
Getting Started
What is a conjunction?
A conjunction links two or more words, phrases or clauses together.
There are two main types of conjunctions we use within sentences.
Do you know what they both are?
• co-ordinating conjunctions (e.g. and) link two main clauses
together as an equal pair to create a compound sentence. We
usually remember these words using the acronym ‘FANBOYS’.
• subordinating conjunctions (e.g. when) introduce a
subordinate clause. You can remember some of the most useful
subordinating conjunctions by...
…spotting one of the rarest
monsters on the planet, a
wabub, and shouting...
I SAW A
WABUB!
I Saw a Wabub…
…is an acronym to help you remember the first letters of some of the most
important subordinating conjunctions.
If Since As When Although
While After Before Until Because
I SAW A WABUB!
Next Steps
So, how do we use subordinating conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions are the first words within a
subordinate clause. Subordinate clauses do not make sense
on their own but, when they are used with a main clause,
they create a complex (multi-clause) sentence.
Subordinate clauses will always have a subject and verb within them, e.g.
after she smiled after Christmas
subordinating subject verb Here ‘after’ is being
conjunction used as a preposition.
is a subordinate clause is not a subordinate clause
I SAW A
Next Steps WABUB!
Can you spot the subordinate clause and the
subordinating conjunction in this sentence?
The eager pupils sped into school
when the bell rang.
I SAW A
Next Steps WABUB!
Can you spot the subordinate clause and the
subordinating conjunction in this sentence?
Whales give birth to live young
as they are mammals.
I SAW A
Next Steps WABUB!
Can you spot the subordinate clause and the
subordinating conjunction in this sentence?
The hopeless rugby team lost the
game because they hadn’t trained.
I SAW A
Next Steps WABUB!
In the sentences we have looked at so far, the
subordinate clause has always come after the main
clause but watch...
When
The thepupils
eager bell rang,
sped the
intoeager
school
pupils
whensped
the into school.
bell rang .
I SAW A
Next Steps WABUB!
When the bell rang, the eager
pupils sped into school.
Subordinating conjunctions can also be used as the first
word in a sentence. When the subordinate clause comes
before the main clause, make sure you remember to use
a comma to mark where the subordinate clause ends.
I SAW A
Next Steps WABUB!
Can you swap these sentences around so that the
subordinate clause comes before the main clause?
Don’t forget your commas!
As they
Whales arebirth
give mammals, whalesas
to live young
give birth
they aretomammals.
live young.
The hopeless
Because they rugby
hadn’tteam lost the
trained, the
game because
hopeless rugby they
teamhadn’t trained.
lost the game.
I SAW A
Subordinating WABUB!
Conjunction Hunt
Can you spot the subordinating conjunctions in this piece
of text? Where have they been used in these sentences?
As he walked closer, Cleo could see the crocodilius in the cave entrance.
The beast was hurriedly eating the remains of its last unlucky victim
because it was ravenous. Cleo examined its bright red eyes, huge
smoking nostrils and razor-sharp teeth while the beast was occupied.
Although Cleo was standing quite a distance away, the terrible stench of
the gruesome beast was still making him feel nauseous. Cleo took a deep
breath before he tiptoed bravely forward. It was time for battle.
I SAW A
Practise Your WABUB!
Skills
Now, it’s your turn.
Which subordinating conjunction would fit best
at the start of this subordinate clause?
Is there more than one possibility?
I am sending you a letter
I am your biggest fan.
I SAW A
Practise Your WABUB!
Skills
Now, it’s your turn.
Which subordinating conjunction would fit best
at the start of this subordinate clause?
Is there more than one possibility?
I eat lunch, I am going
to an important meeting.
I SAW A
Practise Your WABUB!
Skills
Now, it’s your turn.
Which subordinating conjunction would fit best
at the start of this subordinate clause?
Is there more than one possibility?
he was thrown from his saddle,
Henry was wary of riding his horse.
I SAW A
Practise Your WABUB!
Skills
Now, it’s your turn.
Which subordinating conjunction would fit best
at the start of this subordinate clause?
Is there more than one possibility?
The two chemicals should cause a
reaction you have used
them in the right quantities.
Let’s Play
Can you use different subordinating conjunctions accurately in sentences
about certain topics? Spin the two spinners to give you a topic and a
subordinating conjunction. Write your sentences on a whiteboard. Try to
vary the position of your subordinating conjunctions.
Spin Spin
I SAW A
Quick Quiz: WABUB!
Question 1
Can you spot the subordinating conjunctions
in these sentences?
a) Until she tried, Daphne didn’t know that she could whistle.
b) Heavy snow poured from the skies while the children made
a snowman.
c) Although it was expensive, the couple enjoyed their meal
at the award-winning restaurant.
I SAW A
Quick Quiz: WABUB!
Question 2
Complete the sentences below by writing the subordinating
conjunctions from the box in the correct places to form complex
sentences. Use each conjunction only once.
a) The greenhouse got smashed the boys were
playing football.
b) they were in trouble, they had to go inside
the house.
c) they were well-behaved, they could have
their ball back next week.
I SAW A
Quick Quiz: WABUB!
Question 3
Can you remember all of the subordinating conjunctions
using the ‘I SAW A WABUB’ acronym?
If Since As When Although
While After Before Until Because
Aim
• I can recognise and use subordinating conjunctions.
Success Criteria
• Statement
I can recognise
1 Lorem
thatipsum
subordinating
dolor sit amet,
conjunctions
consectetur
are used
adipiscing
to create
elit.
subordinate clauses.
• Statement 2
• I know
• Subthat subordinate clauses are used within complex
statement
(multi-clause) sentences.
• I can use ‘I SAW A WABUB!’ to remember the main subordinating
conjunctions.
• I can write my own complex (multi-clause) sentences using different
subordinating conjunctions.
