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This presentation is brought to you by Grammar Bytes!, ©2019 by Robin L. Simmons.
Coordination and Subordination
Should I coordinate with for?
Or would it be better to subordinate with because?
This presentation covers the differences between coordination and subordination and the relationship between clauses within a sentence.
A coordination and/or subordination item on an objective test might look like this . . .
Sample Item
Is the subordination effective at A, B, or C?
Subordinating the first clause with since, as option B does, is correct.
Coordination
The dog ate Marvin’s favorite tie. The cat rubbed white hair on Marvin’s black suit.
The dog ate Marvin’s favorite tie, and the cat rubbed white hair on Marvin’s black suit.
Both clauses could stand alone. When joined with and, they get equal attention.
You can also coordinate with a semicolon.
+ ; +
main clause.
The interviewer had seven Persian cats. She would understand Marvin’s predicament.
The interviewer had seven Persian cats; she would understand Marvin’s predicament.
Main clause
Main clause
+ ; +
main clause.
transition
+ , +
The interviewer had seven Persian cats; as a result, she would understand Marvin’s predicament.
Still balanced.
Subordination
Marvin tried to clean his suit. He was late to the interview.
Since Marvin tried to clean his suit, he was late to the interview.
I’m sorry.
Here are the subordinate conjunctions.
Use a comma if you subordinate the first of the two clauses.
Subordinate clause
+ , +
main clause.
Cat hair clung to Marvin’s pant legs. He still got the job.
Even though cat hair clung to Marvin’s pant legs, he still got the job.
The first clause is less important.
The second clause has more emphasis because its thought is complete.
Use no punctuation if you subordinate the second of the two clauses.
Marvin smiled at his success. Cat hair wafted in his wake.
Marvin smiled at his success as cat hair wafted in his wake.
Main clause
+ Ø +
subordinate clause.
Now the first clause is the most important.
The second clause has less emphasis because its thought is incomplete.
Quick Test, Part 1
Directions: In the items that follow, choose the most effective word or phrase within the context suggested by the sentence(s).
Show me what you know!
Item 1
To impress Deepa, his date, Ryan labored over the chicken stir fry; __________, she took offense that he was serving meat after she had explained her vegetarianism.
To impress Deepa, his date, Ryan labored over the chicken stir fry; __________, she took offense that he was serving meat after she had explained her vegetarianism.
Item 2
__________ Thomas scores a 100 on the final exam, he cannot pass College Algebra, a class he is taking for the third time.
__________ Thomas scores a 100 on the final exam, he cannot pass College Algebra, a class he is taking for the third time.
Item 3
The Rodriguez family breathed a sigh of relief when the giant oak withstood the hurricane winds; __________, they gave thanks that crews restored electricity in twelve short hours.
The Rodriguez family breathed a sigh of relief when the giant oak withstood the hurricane winds; __________, they gave thanks that crews restored electricity in twelve short hours.
Item 4
Mackenzie’s clarinet squealed like a startled puppy, __________ she hadn’t practiced in weeks.
Mackenzie’s clarinet squealed like a startled puppy, __________ she hadn’t practiced in weeks.
Item 5
__________ Grandma tasted the spaghetti sauce, she declared that it needed more basil and salt.
__________ Grandma tasted the spaghetti sauce, she declared that it needed more basil and salt.
Quick Test, Part 2
Directions: In the items that follow, choose the sentence that expresses the thought most clearly and effectively and that has no errors in structure.
Now try this type!
Item 6
Item 7
Item 8
Item 9
Item 10
The End.