Here's a breakdown:
* Complex Sentence: A sentence containing one independent clause (can stand alone) and at least one dependent clause (cannot stand alone).
* Subordinating Conjunction: A word or phrase that introduces a dependent clause and shows its relationship to the independent clause.
Here are some common subordinating conjunctions and their meanings:
* Time: after, before, since, when, while, as, until
* Cause/Reason: because, since, as
* Contrast: although, though, even though
* Condition: if, unless, whether
* Purpose: so that, in order that
* Result: so, therefore, thus
Example:
* Independent Clause: The sun is shining.
* Dependent Clause: Because it is a beautiful day.
* Complex Sentence: The sun is shining because it is a beautiful day.
The subordinating conjunction "because" connects the dependent clause to the independent clause, showing the reason why the sun is shining.