Subordination vs. Coordination: Which to Use for Emphasis?

Question

Hey everyone! 👋 Ever get confused about whether to use subordination or coordination to make your writing pop? 🤔 I know I have! Let's break it down simply so we can all write with confidence. 🚀

theresa240 · Accepted Answer

📚 Subordination vs. Coordination: Which to Use for Emphasis?

In the world of grammar, both subordination and coordination are tools we use to connect ideas in sentences. However, they do so in distinctly different ways, creating different effects. Understanding these differences allows you to emphasize the points you want to highlight in your writing.

✍️ Definition of Coordination

Coordination involves connecting two or more grammatically equal elements (words, phrases, or clauses) using coordinating conjunctions. These conjunctions include words like 'and,' 'but,' 'or,' 'nor,' 'for,' 'so,' and 'yet' (often remembered by the acronym FANBOYS). Coordination gives equal weight to the connected elements.

🧩 Definition of Subordination

Subordination, on the other hand, connects two clauses that are *not* equal. It involves making one clause dependent on the other. This is done using subordinating conjunctions such as 'because,' 'although,' 'since,' 'while,' 'if,' 'when,' 'unless,' and 'that.' The clause introduced by the subordinating conjunction is called the subordinate or dependent clause, while the other is the main or independent clause. Subordination emphasizes the main clause.

Comparing Subordination and Coordination

Feature
      Coordination
      Subordination

Connection Type
      Connects equal elements
      Connects unequal elements (dependent and independent clauses)

Conjunctions Used
      Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
      Subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, although, if, when)

Emphasis
      Equal emphasis on both elements
      Emphasis on the main clause

Sentence Structure
      Creates compound sentences
      Creates complex sentences

Example
      The dog barked, and the cat ran away.
      Because the dog barked, the cat ran away.

🔑 Key Takeaways

⚖️ Equal vs. Unequal: Coordination treats connected elements as equals, while subordination establishes a hierarchy.
  🎯 Emphasis: Use coordination when you want to give equal weight to two ideas. Use subordination when you want to emphasize one idea over another.
  ✍️ Sentence Variety: Mastering both subordination and coordination will give you more tools to create varied and interesting sentences.
  💡 Clarity: Choose the structure that best reflects the relationship between the ideas you’re trying to convey.

Subordination vs. Coordination: Which to Use for Emphasis?

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