SCONJ: subordinating conjunction
Definition
A subordinating conjunction is a conjunction that links constructions by making one of them a constituent of the other. The subordinating conjunction typically marks the incorporated constituent which has the status of a (subordinate) clause.
We follow Loos et al. 2003 in recognizing these three subclasses as subordinating conjunctions:
- Complementizers, like [en] that or whether
- Non-ADV markers that introduce an adverbial clause, like [en] because, since, before, or once (when introducing a clause, not a nominal)
- Non-pronominal relativizers, like [he] še. Words in this category simply introduce a relative clause (and normally don’t inflect). This excludes words that have a nominal function within the relative clause; relative and resumptive pronouns (e.g., English relative that and which) are analyzed as PRON.
For coordinating conjunctions, see CCONJ.
Examples
- that as in I believe that he will come.
- if
- while
References
- Loos, Eugene E., et al. 2003. Glossary of linguistic terms: What is a subordinating conjunction?
- Wikipedia
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