A subordinating conjunction joins a dependent clause to an independent clause. It does not join two independent clauses.
Here's the breakdown:
* Independent clause: A complete sentence that can stand on its own.
* Dependent clause: A clause that cannot stand on its own and relies on an independent clause for its meaning.
* Subordinating conjunction: A word that introduces a dependent clause and connects it to an independent clause.
Examples:
* Independent clause: The sun is shining.
* Dependent clause: because it is a beautiful day.
* Subordinating conjunction: because
Combined Sentence: The sun is shining because it is a beautiful day.
In this example, "because" is the subordinating conjunction that joins the dependent clause "because it is a beautiful day" to the independent clause "The sun is shining."