Final answer:
The subordinate conjunction in the sentence "Whenever you try your hardest, I am proud of you," is 'whenever.' It introduces the condition for the main clause of the sentence and cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sentence provided by the student contains a subordinate conjunction. In the sentence, "Whenever you try your hardest, I am proud of you," the word 'whenever' functions as the subordinate conjunction.
This conjunction introduces the temporal context or condition under which the main clause, 'I am proud of you,' is applicable. Subordinate conjunctions, such as 'whenever,' begin a subordinate clause, which cannot stand on its own and depends on the main clause to provide a complete thought.
Examples of Subordinate Conjunctions
A subordinate clause should be distinguished from an independent clause, which can stand alone as a complete sentence. In contrast, a subordinate clause needs to be connected to an independent clause to form a complete sentence.