A subordinating conjunction and its clause can go either before or after the main clause (depending on what is to be emphasized).
- If you need money, just let me know.
- Just let me know if you need money.
- Although the necklace was expensive, she bought it.
- She bought the necklace although it was expensive.
- Because she was too angry, she tore up the letter.
- She tore up the letter because she was too angry.
- I went to work after I sent the kids to school.
- After I sent the kids to school, I went to work.
When a subordinate clause begins a sentence, it is often separated by a comma, even if it is short.
Conjunctions in separate sentences
Normally a conjunction connects two clauses into one sentence. However, sometimes, a conjunction and its clause can stand alone. This usually happens in answers.
- ‘Why are you crying?’ ‘Because John hit me.’
- ‘When are you going to start?’ ‘When I am ready.’
- ‘Why did you buy it?’ ‘Because I liked it.’
- ‘Why are you leaving?’ ‘Because I’m fed up.’
Writers often separate clauses for emphasis. However, you must not overdo this.
- Something has to be done. Before it gets too late. (Instead of ‘Something has to be done before it gets too late.’)
Afterthoughts can also be introduced by conjunctions.
- OK, I did it – But I didn’t mean to.