IELTS Tips: Subordinate Conjunctions

Did you know that using subordinate conjunctions properly in your IELTS Speaking test can get you a higher score? What’s a subordinate conjunction? Check out today’s test tips blog post to find out!

🎯 How Using Subordinate Conjunctions Can Boost Your IELTS Speaking Score

If you're preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, you’ve probably heard that fluency and coherence are essential for a high band score. But what does that really mean in practice? One powerful—and often overlooked—technique is using subordinate conjunctions.

In this post, we’ll break down what subordinate conjunctions are, why examiners love them, and how you can use them naturally to sound more fluent and sophisticated.

📌 What Are Subordinate Conjunctions?

Subordinate conjunctions are words that connect a main (independent) clause with a dependent (subordinate) clause. They help you build more complex and meaningful sentences.

Common Subordinate Conjunctions:

  • Because, since, as (reason)

  • Although, though, even though (contrast)

  • If, unless (condition)

  • When, while, after, before (time)

  • So that, in order to (purpose)

💡 Why They Matter in IELTS Speaking

IELTS examiners assess you on four criteria:

  1. Fluency and coherence

  2. Lexical resource

  3. Grammatical range and accuracy

  4. Pronunciation

✅ Subordinate conjunctions directly improve grammatical range and coherence.

Instead of speaking in short, simple sentences, you can:

  • Link ideas smoothly

  • Express complex thoughts clearly

  • Show control over advanced grammar structures

🔄 Simple vs. Advanced Responses

Let’s compare:

❌ Basic answer:

I like traveling. It is exciting. I learn about new cultures.

✅ Improved answer:

I like traveling because it’s exciting and allows me to learn about new cultures.

Even better:

I like traveling because it’s exciting, although it can sometimes be expensive.

👉 Notice how the second answer sounds more natural and sophisticated.

🚀 How to Use Subordinate Conjunctions Effectively

1. Add Reasons to Your Answers

Examiners want you to expand ideas.

✅ Example:

I prefer studying in the morning because I feel more focused and productive.

2. Show Contrast for Balance

Using contrast makes your response more nuanced.

✅ Example:

I enjoy working from home although it can sometimes feel isolating.

3. Talk About Conditions

This shows flexibility in your thinking.

✅ Example:

I would travel more often if I had more free time.

4. Explain Time Relationships

Useful for storytelling (especially Part 2).

✅ Example:

When I was a child, I used to visit my grandparents every summer.

🗣️ Tips for Natural Use in the Test

✅ Don’t overuse them
Too many complex sentences can sound forced. Balance is key.

✅ Practice speaking aloud
Try answering common IELTS questions using at least one subordinate conjunction.

✅ Use familiar structures
It’s better to use simple conjunctions correctly than to misuse advanced ones.

✅ Chunk your sentences
Speak in thought groups (natural pauses) to maintain clarity.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ❌ Starting sentences incorrectly

    Because I like it. (incomplete thought)
    ✅ Say: I like it because…

  • ❌ Overcomplicating answers
    Keep clarity over complexity.

  • ❌ Memorizing scripts
    Examiners can easily detect unnatural responses.

🎯 Practice Question

Try this:

Question: Do you enjoy reading?

👉 Sample answer:

Yes, I really enjoy reading because it helps me relax after a long day, although I don’t always have enough time to do it regularly.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Using subordinate conjunctions is a simple yet effective way to:

  • Sound more fluent

  • Express ideas clearly

  • Demonstrate stronger grammar skills

You don’t need to use complicated vocabulary to achieve a high score—just connect your ideas logically and naturally.

💬 Pro Tip: Aim to use at least 1–2 subordinate conjunctions in each answer during your practice. Over time, it will become second nature.

Zach J