III. Style 3.3 Sentence Combining (coordination and subordination) for clear and concise sentences

III. StyleIII. Style

3.3 Sentence Combining3.3 Sentence Combining

(coordination and subordination)(coordination and subordination)

for clear and concise sentencesfor clear and concise sentences

CoordinationCoordination

Coordination is using conjunctionsCoordination is using conjunctions(and, or, nor, but, yet, for, so)(and, or, nor, but, yet, for, so)

to join (and show the relationship between) to join (and show the relationship between)

clauses.clauses.

Bob used to own a Suzuki 550, Bob used to own a Suzuki 550, butbut he sold it to Alyssa.he sold it to Alyssa.

Coordination puts together ideas of equal Coordination puts together ideas of equal importance.importance.The conjunction coordinates the two clauses The conjunction coordinates the two clauses and shows their relationship:and shows their relationship:

AndAnd simple simple addition:addition:

ButBut contradiction: contradiction:

YetYet contradiction: contradiction:

OrOr one or the one or the other other

NorNor neither one: neither one:

ForFor causation: causation:

SoSo causation: causation:

Both A + BBoth A + B

B, even though AB, even though A

B, even though AB, even though A

Either A or B, not bothEither A or B, not both

Not A or BNot A or B

A because of BA because of B

B because of AB because of A


Note: when using a coordinating Note: when using a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses,conjunction to join independent clauses,

be sure to use a comma after the first be sure to use a comma after the first clause andclause and before before the connecting word: the connecting word:

Congress was not sympatheticCongress was not sympathetic, and, and the bill was not passedthe bill was not passed..


However, if what seems to be a However, if what seems to be a conjunction (and, or, nor, for, so, but, yet) conjunction (and, or, nor, for, so, but, yet) isn’t being used to join independent isn’t being used to join independent clauses, then it takes no comma:clauses, then it takes no comma:

Bob likes to wear Oshkosh bib Bob likes to wear Oshkosh bib overall shorts overall shorts andand Birkenstock Birkenstock sandals.sandals.

SubordinationSubordination

Subordination means making one or more Subordination means making one or more clauses dependent on a main clause.clauses dependent on a main clause.

Clauses can be combined in different Clauses can be combined in different

relationships depending on what you want relationships depending on what you want

to emphasize.to emphasize.

For example, imagine that you are For example, imagine that you are applying for a ski instructor’s applying for a ski instructor’s position at Ski Bowl.position at Ski Bowl.

You write down the pertinent facts:You write down the pertinent facts:

1.1. I have been skiing since age three. I have been skiing since age three. (strength)(strength)

2.2. I have no experience teaching skiing. I have no experience teaching skiing. (weakness)(weakness)

3.3. I have won several slalom competitions. I have won several slalom competitions. (greatest strength)(greatest strength)


The principle of subordination is that whatever is The principle of subordination is that whatever is given a main clause will be emphasized,given a main clause will be emphasized,

while whatever is given a dependent while whatever is given a dependent clause clause will be de-emphasized.will be de-emphasized.

Therefore, if you really want the job, put your Therefore, if you really want the job, put your

greatest strength in a main clause, and de-greatest strength in a main clause, and de-

emphasize your weakness in a dependent emphasize your weakness in a dependent

clause.clause.


Strongly positive (subordination):Strongly positive (subordination):

Although I have no experience teaching skiing, Although I have no experience teaching skiing, I have been skiing since age three and have I have been skiing since age three and have won several slalom competitions.won several slalom competitions.

Slightly positive (coordination):Slightly positive (coordination):

I have no teaching experience, but I have been I have no teaching experience, but I have been skiing since age three and have won several skiing since age three and have won several slalom competitions.slalom competitions.


If you’re just applying for the job to get your If you’re just applying for the job to get your dad off your back,dad off your back,

you can put these three clauses together in a you can put these three clauses together in a

slightly negative wayslightly negative way

(using coordination)(using coordination)

or in a strongly negative wayor in a strongly negative way

(using subordination).(using subordination).


Slightly negative (coordination):Slightly negative (coordination):

I have been skiing since age three and have I have been skiing since age three and have won several slalom competitions, but I have no won several slalom competitions, but I have no experience teaching skiing.experience teaching skiing.

Strongly negative (subordination):Strongly negative (subordination):

Although I have been skiing since age three Although I have been skiing since age three and have won several slalom competitions, I and have won several slalom competitions, I have no experience teaching skiing.have no experience teaching skiing.

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III. Style 3.3 Sentence Combining (coordination and subordination) for clear and concise sentences