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Here, the adverb until functions as a coordinating conjunction to connect two ideas: I can stay

out (the independent clause) and the clock strikes twelve (the dependent clause). The

independent clause could stand alone as a sentence; the dependent clause depends on the

independent clause to make sense.

A subordinating conjunction joins a subordinate (dependent) clause to a main (independent)
clause:

+

Here are some common subordinating conjunctions:

 after, although, as, because, before, how, if, once, since, than, that, though, till, until,
when, where, whether, while

Look at this example:

main or subordinate or
independent clause dependent clause

Ram went swimming Although it was raining.

subordinating
conjunction

A subordinate or dependent clause "depends" on a main or independent clause. It cannot exist
alone. Imagine that somebody says to you: "Hello! Although it was raining." What do you
understand? Nothing! But a main or independent clause can exist alone. You will understand
very well if somebody says to you: "Hello! Ram went swimming."

A subordinating conjunction always comes at the beginning of a subordinate clause. It
"introduces" a subordinate clause. However, a subordinate clause can come after or before a