Coordination & Subordination

objectives12345678Coordination and coordinating conjunctions...

Coordinating conjunctions allow us to connect independent clauses of the same level of importance in a single sentence and avoid paragraphs composed of many short, repetitive simple sentences. Seven different coordinating conjunctions allow us to create distinct relationships between clauses:

and (the most common coordinating conjunction), is used to combine two similar ideas together:

The mechanic fixed the broken tail-light, and he replaced the brakes, too.

Note that the above sentence could also be written as a single clause by leaving out the pronoun "he" and using the coordinating conjunction "and" to connect, or coordinate, the two verbs in the sentence as follows "The mechanic fixed the broken tail-light and replaced the brakes, too."  A coordinating conjunction can connect words, phrases, and clauses.

but is used to join two contrasting ideas together:

I thought my tail-light was broken, but it was simply disconnected from the plug.

yet is similar to "but," in that it is used to join two contrasting ideas; however, "yet" is used instead of "but" to really emphasize a contrast:

She finally booked a trip to Paris, France, yet she only plans to stay four days.

or joins two alternative ideas together:

We can go out to dinner with my parents, or we can go to the movies with Mike and Sumi.

nor joins two negative alternatives together:

My boyfriend does not want to go out to dinner with my parents, nor does he want to go the movies with Mike and Sumi.

so is used to join clauses in a cause and effect relationship, and is similar in meaning to the subordinating conjunction "hence." Both words indicate an effect or result of something.  However, "hence" has a more formal tone and subordinates one idea to the other, while "so" is more casual in tone and maintains equal importance of the clauses.

At the ticket counter, Manny discovered he had forgotten our concert tickets, so we had to miss half the show while we went home to get them.

for is also used to join clauses in a cause and effect relationship and indicates a reason why something happens.  Thus, "for" is similar in meaning to "because," "as," or "since."  However, "because," usually suggests that the reason is the most important part of the idea:  "I got rid of my television because it was destroying my brain cells." "As" and "since" are usually used to show that the reason why something happened is not as important as the main clause, or that the reason is well-known already:  "As you have a television and I don't, how about I come to your house to watch the NBA

playoffs?" "For" is usually used to indicate that the reason is an afterthought, an idea that emerges once the first idea is stated.

I hated listening to her talk, for she spoke in a high nasal voice.

She refuses to admit she hates her boss, for she dislikes conflict with anyone.

Coordination creates rhythm and balance, and improves coherence in a writer's sentences.  Compare the following paragraphs to see how coordination improves the writing:

The realities of the land and its inhabitants obviously color the fiction of any area, but there is also a literary style that thrives on exaggeration. The exaggerations of the Texan comprise a distinct body of folk material, but nowhere has exaggeration been more artfully cultivated than in contemporary fiction. (Max Apple, from his Introduction toSouthwest Fiction, 1980).

Without coordination: The realities of the land obviously color the fiction of any area. The realities of the people color the fiction as well. There is also a literary style that thrives on exaggeration. The exaggerations of the Texan comprise a distinct body of folk material. Nowhere has exaggeration been more artfully cultivated than in contemporary fiction.

 

Coordination in a series...

Coordinating conjunctions are also used to connect items

in a series.  These items can be phrases or single words

(nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs).  In any series the

items must be parallel, or coordinate (like) items.  For

example,

Mark brought steak, lettuce, tomatoes, and charcoal to our

bar-b-que.

To surprise her mom, Nellie washed the dishes, took out the

trash, and vacuumed the living room.

Michelle liked to eat well but hated to exercise.

Coordination shows that each item in a series is of equal

importance and similar structure.  Coordination also

makes the writing easy to follow; having read the first one

or two items in a series, a reader assumes the writer will

follow the established pattern until the conclusion of the

sentence. Notice how coordination makes the sentences

below easy to follow:

Whether the chase involves a car, a horse, a wife, or a

fortune, the quest itself often sbustitutes in Southwestern

literature for the close observation of manners that is

characteristic of a more settled society.

And in the following example, notice how coordination is

used effectively throughout the paragraph to develop the

main idea that Southwestern fiction has its own peculiar

"rhythms and cadences" influenced by Spanish culture:

The story is told in repetitious rhythms and cadences that

are peculiar to the area. There is a touch of the Southern in

this rhythm but the Southwest is, on the whole, remarkably

separate from the literary territory of the South. The South

has the Civil War and slavery as its unique heritage; the

Southwestern motif is distinctly Spanish. The Indian

occupies the tragic center of Southwestern

history and fiction, but it is the Spanish culture that marks

the area with its particular regionalism. Spanish words are a

part of Southwestern language; Mexican food is almost as

pervasive as pizza and hamburgers. "Remember the Alamo"

is still the ringing phrase of the Southwest, and school

children in Texas celebrate the victory over Mexico on San

Jacinto Day, but the Mexican culture has not been

destroyed. . . .(Max Apple, from his Introduction

to Southwest Fiction, 1980).

Subordination...

A subordinate clause depends upon another clause, the

independent clause, to complete its meaning. For this

reason, the subordinate clause is sometimes called a

"dependent" clause. The subordinate clause is identifiable

by the presence of a subordinating conjunction such

as after, although, before, once, and whenever, although

there are many more to choose from.  Each subordinating

conjunction establishes a specific relationship between

the clauses, often with subtle and important distinction. In

addition, a subordinate clause can create movement and

style in a piece of writing by directing the reader's

attention ahead in anticipation of the main clause, as in

the following sentence:

Once Simone finishes the final exam, she will join us at the

graduation party

A subordinate clause can also direct the reader's

attention backwards, as in this sentence:

I ate the Col. Sanders Kentucky Fried Chicken, extra crispy,

for lunch, although my doctor recommends that I avoid

fried food.

This ebb and flow movement adds variety and emphasis,

helping a writer get away from repetitive and boring

sentences.

 

Common subordinating conjunctions...

Some common subordinating conjunctions are shown below and on the next few tabs,

along a description of how they are used:

Cause  

because,

as, since

"Because," "as" and "since," can all be

used to begin a clause giving the reason

for something happening.  However, subtle

differences between these words should

shape how you use them:

"Because" should be used when the reason

is the most important part of the sentence:

I arrived late because I had a flat tire and

had to call AAA to come and fix it.

"As" and "since" are used when the reason

has already been established:

Since you don't like scary movies, then you

probably shouldn't come with us to

seeSawz.

so that "So that" is used to indicate the effect or

outcome of something:

So that she wouldn't be late for work, she

set her alarm clock for 6:00 a.m., giving

her an extra half hour to get ready.

 

ubordinating conjunctions: concession and comparison...

 

Concession

and

Comparison

 

although,

though, even

though, as

though

"Though" is the most casual of these

terms used to show contrast. Use

"even though" when you want to

show strong surprise (the word

"even" adds emphasis and is used in

combination with subordinators like

"when," and "if")

Even though the particular causes of

global warming are not clear to me, I

do understand the consequences.

"As though" is used to suggest that

something is highly unlikely to

happen, or should not even be

considered reasonable. It is used in

casual rather than formal writing:

Gabriel asked me out last night, as

though I had shown any interest in

him at all.

as

"As" is used to show similarities

between things:

As sand falls through an hourglass, so

fall the days of our lives.

As a thesis is the controlling idea of

an essay, a topic sentence is the

controlling idea of a paragraph.

while, whereas

"While"and "whereas" can both be

used to show contrast, but not

contradiction. For example,

I have always liked the Rolling

Stones, whereas T.J. only likes their

old stuff.

While white wine is good with fish

and chicken, red wine is better with

meat.

versus

Though I like to go out to eat, I don't

like to go to crowded restaurants.

Condition  

even though,

though,

although

Each of these three subordinating

conjunctions is used to indicate a

contrasting condition. "Though" is the

least formal of the three.  "Even

though" means "despite that fact

that" and is stronger than "though"

and "although" in emphasizing a

condition for something.

Even though I am exhausted, I have

to study for my biology exam tonight.

if, even if

"Even if" points to particular

conditions and means "whether or

not." This subordinator is interesting

in that it suggests a hypothetical

situation as a condition.

Even if you were rich, I would not go

out with you.

provided that,

as long as

"As long as" is a slightly less formal

version of "provided that." Both

subordinators are used to indicate a

condition for something happening:

As long as you pay your own way,

you are welcome to come along.

unless "Unless" is used to specify a negative

condition; in other words, unless at

the beginning of a clause describes a

condition that would prevent

something from happening.  It is

usually used with verbs in the

present tense to discuss  a future

conditional:

We will meet at the soccer field,

unless it is raining.

Unless you can provide an alibi for

your actions at 10:15 last night, you

are under arrest.

Place  

where "Where" identifies the place

wherever...means no matter where: "Wherever we went, we could find a MacDonald's."

Time  

after

"After refers to an event or action

that occurs after another event or

action has occured. (after "a," then

"b"):

After you arrive in Hawaii, be sure

and call to let me know you have

arrived safely.

After Angela took the ibuprofen, her

head felt much better.

as soon as, as

long as"as long as" is used to emphasize a

particular duration of time:

As long as you live in this house, you

will abide by my rules.

"As soon as" is used to point to

something that will happen upon the

completion of something else:

As soon as you finish your dinner, you

may have desert.

before

"Before" refers to an event or action

that must occur before another event

or action can take place. (before "a"

happens, "b" must occur)

Before you leave for Hawaii, you had

better stop delivery on your

newspaper.

until, till

"Until" means up to the time, or until

a certain event has taken place. 

You cannot watch television until you

clean your room.

I didn't know who the bad guy was

until the last scene of the movie.

"Till" is similar to "until," though less

formal.  It is not often used in

introductory clauses:

Bush said today that we will stay in

Iraq till the war is won.

whenever "Whenever," and also sometimes "if"

and "when," is used to indicate a

repeated occurence of something

when certain conditions arise.  For

example,

When I am in Berkeley, I will be sure

to visit you.

Whenever I drink red wine, I get a

headache.

If I need advice, I will be sure and call

you.

while, as, when "While," "as," and "when" indicate

that things are happening

simultaneously.

As I was printing out my notes for the

meeting, my boss called to tell me

the meeting was cancelled. 

"While" is used to emphasize long

duration:

While you were out celebrating, I was

home cleaning the house.

"As" and "when" are used to describe

short events:

The phone rang as I was on my way

out the door.

When you called, I was in the tub.

We also use "as" to show that one

thing is the consequence of another:

As you get older, you get wiser.

We often use "just" in combination

with "when" and "as" to describe

events happening simultaneously, or

almost simultaneously:

Just as she turned to yell at him for

knocking her groceries out of her

arms, he apologized profusely.

Note also that with "while" and

"when," it is perfectly correct to leave

out the subject and the "to be" verb

form, as in the following sentences:

While walking the dog, he listens to

his iPod.

Mrs. Thompson likes to knit when

travelling on the train.

Coordination & subordination to organize an essay...

Coordination and subordination are also essential tools in

planning an essay or research paper. Ideas that support a

thesis can be said to be "subordinate" to that thesis;

similarly, ideas that support the controlling idea of a

paragraph are subordinate to that controlling idea.  On

the other hand, ideas at the same level of detail, either

the supporting points of a particular paragraph, or the

supporting paragraphs taken together to support a thesis,

are often "coordinate." 

Consider the ways that coordination and subordination

might come into play in the following writing situations:

John is writing an analytical essay about the novel Little

Women. He wants to argue that Laurie and Jo help one

another reject social norms.  He has gathered several

examples from the story showing how they encourage one

another to reject conformity, each example illustrating a

different social norm as well as how and why they dismiss

it.

Kevin is writing an essay about the changes that come with

leaving home to go to college.  He wants to argue that with

this move, a person faces many unexpected

responsibilities.  Kevin has a list of these new responsiblities

he would like to explore in his essay: managing money,

finding the self-motivation to study, taking care of one's

body, and working out new relationships with friends.

Ellen is writing an article for the school paper to advocate a

no-smoking-on-campus policy.  She has several reasons she

wants to bring to her readers supporting her argument:

second-hand smoke is hazardous to non-smokers, smokers

set a bad example and cause others to want to smoke,

cigarette smoke leaves behind a stale and unpleasant odor,

and smokers litter the campus with cigarette butts.

Each of the above examples suggests a clear structure for

a paragraph or essay in that each writer has ideas that

are subordinate to a single controlling idea, and ideas

that are coordinate to each other. When the writer is

aware of the subordinate and coordinate relationships

between ideas, writing the essay is easier, and the final

draft will be easier for the reader to follow.  Consider

Ellen's outline for her essay which grew out of her

awareness of the subordinate and coordinate

relationships between her ideas:

Thesis: It is time to implement a no-smoking-on-campus

policy. 

1. Second-hand smoke is hazardous to non-

smokers, even outside.

2. Smokers set a bad example, and encourage

others to think about smoking

3. Cigarette smoke pollutes our campus:

(a) subpoint 1: cigarette smoke leaves behind

an unpleasant odor

(b) subpoint 2: cigarette butts create an ugly

mess

Reasons, effects, descriptive details, comparative

elements, and many more elements can be coordinate

elements in sentences developing the main idea of a

paragraph, or as coordinate paragraphs to develop a

thesis (as in the above outline which develops the thesis

through paragraphs exploring reasons).

Look at some examples

Coordination and subordination are processes used by languages to combine units to make other units.  They are part of the basic efficiency of language through which simple units like phrases and the simple sentence are re-cycled to make longer and perhaps more complex units.

Before we talk about the methods and purposes of coordination and subordination, please look over the following sets of examples.  What kinds of grammar items are being coordinated?  What kinds of words are used to create the units?  What kinds of grammar items are being subordinated?  How do coordination and subordination interact?  

Coordination in a Sociology Textbook Chapter

1. The sociological perspective opens a window onto unfamiliar worlds and offers a fresh look at familiar worlds.

2. Sociologists consider people's jobs, income, education, gender, age, and race.

3. Growing up male or female influences not only our aspirations, but also how we feel about ourselves and how we relate to others in dating and marriage and at work.

4. We often think and talk about people's behaviors.

5. Today instantaneous communications connect us with remote areas of the globe, and a vast economic system connects us not only with Canada and Mexico but alsoBelgium, Taiwan, and Indonesia.

 Subordination in a Sociology Textbook Chapter

6. Political scientists are especially interested in how people attain ruling positions in their society, how they maintain those positions, and the consequences of their activites for those who are governed.

7. Economists want to know what goods are being produced at what rate and at what cost, and how those goods are distributed.

8. The chief concern of anthropologists is to understand culture.

9. Sociologists also study how people govern one another.

10. By this, Weber meant that a sociologist's values should not affect his or her social research.

11. A classic example of an early woman sociologist is Harriet Martineau (1802-1876), who was born into a wealthy English family.

12. Transplanted to U.S. soil in the late nineteenth century,sociology first took root at the University of

Chicago and at Atlanta University, then an all-black school.

13. At first sociology in the United States was dominated by the department at the University of Chicago, founded by Albion Small (1854-1926), who also founded the American Journal of Sociology, and was its editor from 1895 to 1925.

14. While the above changes in marriage expectations were taking place, another significant social change was under way.  

Coordination and SubordinationCoordinating conjunctions are used to join independent clauses to make compound sentences. The coordinating conjunctions are as follows: and, but, for, nor, or, so, and yet. You can use coordinating conjunctions to revise run-on sentences and comma splices (see above). You can also use coordinating conjunctions to make writing less choppy by joining short, simple sentences. Consider the following examples.

Independent Clauses: I wanted more popcorn. Sam wanted Junior Mints.Joined Together: I wanted more popcorn, but Sam wanted Junior Mints.

In this example, it is necessary to put a comma before the coordinating conjunction but because there are two independent clauses being combined. Another way to think of this is thatI wanted more popcorn and Sam wanted Junior Mints could stand on their own as independent sentences. So, there must be a comma and a conjunction between them.

Independent Clauses: I wanted more popcorn. I didn’t want any more soda.Joined Together: I wanted more popcorn but no soda.

In this example, we’ve combined the sentences with the coordinating conjunction but. We’ve also eliminated some of the words so that the sentence wouldn’t sound redundant. In this case, it isn’t necessary to put a comma before but because there are not two independent clauses joined together. 

Subordinating conjunctions are used to join independent clauses to make complex sentences. The subordinating conjunctions are as

follows: after, although, as, as if, because, before, even if, even though, if, if only, rather than, since, that, though, unless, until, when, where, whereas, wherever, whether, which, and while.

You can use subordinating conjunctions to correct run-on sentences and comma splices. And you can use them to combine sentences so that writing is less choppy. Consider the following examples.

Complex Sentence: I wanted to get more soda because it’s hard to eat popcorn without it.

In this sentence, the subordinate clause is at the end. It would also be correct to place the subordinate clause at the beginning of the sentence:

Because it’s hard to eat popcorn without it, I wanted to get more soda. 

Notice that when the subordinate clause comes at the beginning, it’s necessary to insert a comma.

Complex Sentence: While I was getting more soda and popcorn, I missed a really important part of the movie. (Subordinate clause at the beginning of the sentence).

I missed a really important part of the movie while I was getting more soda and popcorn. (Subordinate clause at the end of the sentence).

Subordination and Coordination Exercise

Join the two independent clauses to make a compound sentence. Use one of the coordinating conjunctions (and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet). Remember to use a comma before the connecting word.

He enjoys walking through the country. He often goes backpacking on his vacations.

He often watched TV when there were only reruns. She preferred to read instead.

I didn't know which job I wanted. I decided to wait to decide.

Join the two independent clauses to make a complex sentence. Use one of the subordinating conjunctions (after, although, as, as if, because, before, even if, even though, if, if only, rather than, since, that, though, unless, until, when, where, whereas, wherever, whether, which, and while). Remember to use a comma if the subordinating conjunction comes at the beginning of the sentence.

I stayed up all night studying for my Algebra exam. I was so tired all day today.

Jerry and Elaine always go to movies together. They don’t go to movies together when Jerry is dating someone.

Mad Season is a great band. 

Answers to Exercises

Fragment Sentence Exercise

Fragment sentences are in italics. Explanations are in parentheses. 

Then I attended Morris Junior High. A junior high that was a bad experience. (dependent clause)

In the seventh grade every young boy goes out for football. To prove to himself and his parents that he is a man. (dependent clause)

She opened the door and let us into her home. Not realizing at the time that we would never enter that door in her home again. (dependent clause)

Making up his mind quickly. Jim ordered two dozen red roses for his wife. Hoping she would accept his apology. (dependent clause)

They were all having a good time. Until one of Joe's oldest and best friends had a little too much to drink. (dependent clause)

Run-On Sentence Exercise

Run-on sentences are in italics. Possible revisions to sentences are in parentheses. 

We were really busy at the restaurant tonight. I waited tables straight through from 3:30 to 11:30 I never sat down for even one break. (I waited tables straight through from 3:30 to 11:30, and I never sat down for even one break.)

My dog had to go to the vet today. She cried and cried when they clipped her toenails, but then she was fine when they gave her a shot!

The book we had to read for class was really long my teacher doesn’t seem to understand that we have other classes to read for too. (The book we had to read for class was really long. My teacher doesn’t seem to understand that we have other classes to read for too.)

Comma Splice Exercise

Original sentences are in italics. Possible revisions follow. 

I didn’t like the movie, it was way too long. Possible revision 1: I didn’t like the movie. It was way too long. Possible revision 2: I didn’t like the movie because it was way too long.

She and Jerry are getting married in the fall, they didn’t want a summer wedding. Possible revision 1: Because they didn’t want a summer wedding, she and jerry are getting married in the fall. Possible revision 2: She and Jerry didn’t want a summer wedding, so they are getting married in the fall. 

My favorite bands are all really loud, playing loud music is good for stress relief. Possible revision 1: My favorite bands are all really loud; playing loud music is good for stress relief. Possible revision 2: My favorite bands are all really loud because playing loud music is good for stress relief.

Parallel Structure Exercise

Original sentences are in italics. Revisions follow.

The best music is loud, fun, and you can dance to it. Revision: The best music is loud, fun, and easy to dance to.

Tomorrow afternoon I will shop for groceries, eat lunch with my brother, and be running all sorts of errands. Revision: Tomorrow afternoon I will shop for groceries, eat lunch with my brother, and run all sorts of errands.

That book we read for class was really long, wordy, and didn’t make any sense. Revision: That book we read for class was really long, wordy, and confusing.

Modifier Exercise

Original sentences are in italics. Revisions follow.

Running for the bus, the rain started coming down in buckets and I got all wet. Revision: Running for the bus, I got all wet when the rain started coming down in buckets. 

The couch was kind of ugly in the furniture store. Revision: The couch in the furniture store was kind of ugly. 

Having searched and searched for Mr. Right, it started to seem like he didn’t exist. Revision: Having searched and searched for Mr. Right, I started to think he didn’t exist.

Coordination and Subordination Exercises

Original sentences are in italics. Revisions follow.

Coordination

He enjoys walking through the country. He often goes backpacking on his vacations. Revision: He enjoys walking through the country, and he often goes backpacking on his vacations.

He often watched TV when there were only reruns. She preferred to read instead. Revision: He often watched TV when there were only reruns, but she preferred to read instead. 

I didn't know which job I wanted. I decided to wait to choose. Revision: I didn’t know which job I wanted, so I decided to wait to choose.

Subordination

I stayed up all night last night studying for my Algebra exam. I was so tired all day today. Revision: After staying up all night last night studying for my Algebra exam, I was so tired all day today. 

Jerry and Elaine always go to movies together. They don’t go to movies together when Jerry is dating someone. Revision: Unless Jerry is dating someone, Jerry and Elaine always go to movies together. 

Mad Season is a great band. They only put out one album. Revision: Mad Season is a great band even though they only put out one album.