Here's why:
* Semicolons (;) are used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning. They show a stronger connection than a comma but not as strong as a conjunction.
* Subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, although, while, since, if, unless) connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. They introduce a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
Example:
* Semicolon: *The rain was pouring; the wind was howling.* (Both clauses are independent and can stand alone.)
* Subordinating conjunction: *Because the rain was pouring, we stayed inside.* (The "because" clause is dependent and needs the "we stayed inside" clause to be complete.)
In short, semicolons are punctuation marks, while subordinating conjunctions are words that connect clauses.