Here's why:
* Subordinate clauses are dependent clauses. They cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and need an independent clause to make sense.
* Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a subordinate clause to an independent clause. They signal the relationship between the clauses (e.g., time, cause, contrast).
Examples:
* Because it was raining, we stayed inside. ("Because it was raining" is the subordinate clause, and "we stayed inside" is the independent clause.)
* While you were sleeping, I went to the store. ("While you were sleeping" is the subordinate clause, and "I went to the store" is the independent clause.)
* Although she was tired, she finished her work. ("Although she was tired" is the subordinate clause, and "she finished her work" is the independent clause.)
Remember: A subordinate clause always begins with a subordinating conjunction!