Do subordinating conjunctions subordinate clauses with verbs only?

Question

> 1. **While** in Rome, John took a lot of pictures. > > 2. **While** he was in Rome, John took a lot of pictures. > > 3. **Although** on vacation, John calls the office often. > > 4. **Although** he is on vacation, John calls the office often. > > 5. Many people have a disinclination to recognize the weakness of their > analytical skills **while** willing to admit their lack of computer skills > or other technical skills. > > 6. Many people have a disinclination to admit fault **while** recognizing > that they can’t possibly be in the right all the time. Both While and Although are subordinating conjunctions, I am confused whether they should be followed by a full clause (with verb) or not. Which one of the above examples are incorrect? I have seen many "while +ing," modifiers whereas Although **must** be followed by a clause which has a subject and a verb. Is that correct? Which subordinating conjunctions (as in ON A WHITE BUS mnemonic) must be followed by a clause with verbs and which ones are more flexible?

Answer 1

A clause is a group of words that contains a verb.

A sentence contains as many clauses as verbs. One verb = one clause.

Any conjunctions may join clauses.

E.g., It rains. (One sentence with one clause; the verb is 'rains'.)

I carry an umbrella and it is raining. (One sentence with two clauses; the verbs are 1. carry and 2. is raining.)

The conjunction 'and' is a coordinating conjunction.

I carry an umbrella because it is raining. (One sentence with two clauses; the verbs are 1. carry and 2. is raining.) 'Because' is a subordinating conjunction.