This presentation covers the differences between coordination and subordination in sentences. Coordination joins two independent clauses with equal importance, using conjunctions like "and" and "but." Subordination makes one clause less important by using conjunctions like "because" and "since." Punctuation is used differently - a comma separates clauses joined by coordination, while no punctuation is used with subordination if the second clause is subordinate. Examples are provided to illustrate proper use of coordination and subordination.

1. chomp!
chomp!
This presentation is
brought to you by
Grammar Bytes!,
©2013 by Robin L.
Simmons.
This presentation is
brought to you by
Grammar Bytes!,
©2013 by Robin L.
Simmons.

2. Coordination andCoordination and
SubordinationSubordination
Coordination andCoordination and
SubordinationSubordination
Should I
coordinate
with for?
Should I
coordinate
with for?
Or would it be
better to
subordinate
with
because?
Or would it be
better to
subordinate
with
because?

3. This presentation
covers the differences
between
coordination and
subordination and
the relationship
between clauses
within a sentence.
This presentation
covers the differences
between
coordination and
subordination and
the relationship
between clauses
within a sentence.

4. A coordination and/orA coordination and/or
subordination item on ansubordination item on an
objective test might lookobjective test might look
like thislike this .. .. ..

5. Sample ItemSample ItemSample ItemSample Item
A.A. Jeremiah forgot to bring a pencil since he hadJeremiah forgot to bring a pencil since he had
to beg Amanda to borrow one of hers.to beg Amanda to borrow one of hers.
B.B. Since Jeremiah forgot to bring a pencil, heSince Jeremiah forgot to bring a pencil, he
had to beg Amanda to borrow one of hers.had to beg Amanda to borrow one of hers.
C.C. Even though Jeremiah forgot to bring aEven though Jeremiah forgot to bring a
pencil, he had to beg Amanda to borrow onepencil, he had to beg Amanda to borrow one
of hers.of hers.
A.A. Jeremiah forgot to bring a pencil since he hadJeremiah forgot to bring a pencil since he had
to beg Amanda to borrow one of hers.to beg Amanda to borrow one of hers.
B.B. Since Jeremiah forgot to bring a pencil, heSince Jeremiah forgot to bring a pencil, he
had to beg Amanda to borrow one of hers.had to beg Amanda to borrow one of hers.
C.C. Even though Jeremiah forgot to bring aEven though Jeremiah forgot to bring a
pencil, he had to beg Amanda to borrow onepencil, he had to beg Amanda to borrow one
of hers.of hers.
Is the
subordination
effective at A,
B, or C?
Is the
subordination
effective at A,
B, or C?
Subordinating
the first clause
with since, as
option B does,
is correct.
Subordinating
the first clause
with since, as
option B does,
is correct.

6. • Coordination givesCoordination gives equal attentionequal attention toto twotwo
items.items.
• Use coordinating conjunctions:Use coordinating conjunctions: andand,, butbut,, forfor,,
oror,, nornor,, yetyet, and, and soso..
CoordinationCoordinationCoordinationCoordination
The dog ate Marvin’s favorite tie. The cat rubbedThe dog ate Marvin’s favorite tie. The cat rubbed
white hair on Marvin’s black suit.white hair on Marvin’s black suit.
The dog ate Marvin’s favorite tieThe dog ate Marvin’s favorite tie, and, and the catthe cat
rubbed white hair on Marvin’s black suit.rubbed white hair on Marvin’s black suit.
Both clauses could
stand alone. When
joined with and, they
get equal attention.
Both clauses could
stand alone. When
joined with and, they
get equal attention.

7. You can also coordinate with aYou can also coordinate with a
semicolonsemicolon..
You can also coordinate with aYou can also coordinate with a
semicolonsemicolon..
++ ;; ++ main clause.main clause.
The interviewer had seven Persian cats. She wouldThe interviewer had seven Persian cats. She would
understand Marvin’s predicament.understand Marvin’s predicament.
The interviewer had seven PersianThe interviewer had seven Persian cats; shecats; she
would understand Marvin’s predicament.would understand Marvin’s predicament.
Main clauseMain clause
Main clauseMain clause ++ ;; ++ main clause.main clause.transitiontransition ++ ,, ++
The interviewer had seven PersianThe interviewer had seven Persian cats; as acats; as a
result, sheresult, she would understand Marvin’s predicament.would understand Marvin’s predicament.
Still
balanced.
Still
balanced.

8. • Subordination givesSubordination gives less attentionless attention toto oneone
idea so that theidea so that the otherother has emphasis.has emphasis.
• Use subordinate conjunctions, such asUse subordinate conjunctions, such as
becausebecause,, even thougheven though, and, and whenwhen..
SubordinationSubordinationSubordinationSubordination
Marvin tried to clean his suit. He was late to theMarvin tried to clean his suit. He was late to the
interview.interview.
SinceSince Marvin tried to clean his suitMarvin tried to clean his suit,, he was late tohe was late to
the interview.the interview.
I’m sorry.I’m sorry.

9. Here are the subordinateHere are the subordinate
conjunctions.conjunctions.
Here are the subordinateHere are the subordinate
conjunctions.conjunctions.
 afterafter
 althoughalthough
 asas
 becausebecause
 beforebefore
 even thougheven though
 if, even ifif, even if
 in order thatin order that
 onceonce
 provided thatprovided that
 sincesince
 so [so [thatthat implied], so thatimplied], so that
 thanthan
 thatthat
 thoughthough
 unlessunless
 when, wheneverwhen, whenever
 where, wherever, whereaswhere, wherever, whereas
 whetherwhether
 whilewhile

10. Use aUse a commacomma if you subordinate theif you subordinate the
firstfirst of the two clauses.of the two clauses.
Use aUse a commacomma if you subordinate theif you subordinate the
firstfirst of the two clauses.of the two clauses.
Subordinate clauseSubordinate clause ++ ,, ++ main clause.main clause.
Cat hair clung to Marvin’s pant legs. He still got theCat hair clung to Marvin’s pant legs. He still got the
job.job.
Even thoughEven though cat hair clung to Marvin’s pantcat hair clung to Marvin’s pant
legs, helegs, he still got the job.still got the job.
The first
clause is
less
important.
The first
clause is
less
important.
The second
clause has more
emphasis
because its
thought is
complete.
The second
clause has more
emphasis
because its
thought is
complete.

11. UseUse no punctuationno punctuation if you subordinateif you subordinate
thethe secondsecond of the two clauses.of the two clauses.
UseUse no punctuationno punctuation if you subordinateif you subordinate
thethe secondsecond of the two clauses.of the two clauses.
Marvin smiled at his success. Cat hair wafted in hisMarvin smiled at his success. Cat hair wafted in his
wake.wake.
Marvin smiled at hisMarvin smiled at his success assuccess as cat hair waftedcat hair wafted
in his wake.in his wake.
Main clauseMain clause + Ø ++ Ø + subordinate clause.subordinate clause.
Now the first
clause is the
most
important.
Now the first
clause is the
most
important.
The second
clause has less
emphasis
because its thought
is incomplete.
The second
clause has less
emphasis
because its thought
is incomplete.

12. Quick Test, Part 1Quick Test, Part 1Quick Test, Part 1Quick Test, Part 1
Directions:Directions: In the items that follow, chooseIn the items that follow, choose
the most effective word or phrase within thethe most effective word or phrase within the
context suggested by the sentence(s).context suggested by the sentence(s).
Show me
what you
know!
Show me
what you
know!

13. Item 1Item 1Item 1Item 1
To impress Deepa, his date, Ryan labored overTo impress Deepa, his date, Ryan labored over
the chicken stir fry; __________, she took offensethe chicken stir fry; __________, she took offense
that he was serving meat after she had explainedthat he was serving meat after she had explained
her vegetarianism.her vegetarianism.
A.A.furthermorefurthermore
B.B.moreovermoreover
C.C.howeverhowever
D.D.additionallyadditionally
To impress Deepa, his date, Ryan labored overTo impress Deepa, his date, Ryan labored over
the chicken stir fry; __________, she took offensethe chicken stir fry; __________, she took offense
that he was serving meat after she had explainedthat he was serving meat after she had explained
her vegetarianism.her vegetarianism.
A.A.furthermorefurthermore
B.B.moreovermoreover
C.C.howeverhowever
D.D.additionallyadditionally

14. Item 2Item 2Item 2Item 2
__________ Thomas scores a 100 on the final__________ Thomas scores a 100 on the final
exam, he cannot pass College Algebra, a class heexam, he cannot pass College Algebra, a class he
is taking for the third time.is taking for the third time.
A.A.BecauseBecause
B.B.SinceSince
C.C.As a result,As a result,
D.D.UnlessUnless
__________ Thomas scores a 100 on the final__________ Thomas scores a 100 on the final
exam, he cannot pass College Algebra, a class heexam, he cannot pass College Algebra, a class he
is taking for the third time.is taking for the third time.
A.A.BecauseBecause
B.B.SinceSince
C.C.As a result,As a result,
D.D.UnlessUnless

15. Item 3Item 3Item 3Item 3
The Rodriguez family breathed a sigh of reliefThe Rodriguez family breathed a sigh of relief
when the giant oak withstood the hurricane winds;when the giant oak withstood the hurricane winds;
__________, they gave thanks that crews restored__________, they gave thanks that crews restored
electricity in twelve short hours.electricity in twelve short hours.
A.A.as a resultas a result
B.B.moreovermoreover
C.C.howeverhowever
D.D.on the other handon the other hand
The Rodriguez family breathed a sigh of reliefThe Rodriguez family breathed a sigh of relief
when the giant oak withstood the hurricane winds;when the giant oak withstood the hurricane winds;
__________, they gave thanks that crews restored__________, they gave thanks that crews restored
electricity in twelve short hours.electricity in twelve short hours.
A.A.as a resultas a result
B.B.moreovermoreover
C.C.howeverhowever
D.D.on the other handon the other hand

16. Item 4Item 4Item 4Item 4
Mackenzie’s clarinet squealed like a startledMackenzie’s clarinet squealed like a startled
puppy, __________ she hadn’t practiced in weeks.puppy, __________ she hadn’t practiced in weeks.
A.A.becausebecause
B.B.forfor
C.C.sincesince
D.D.unlessunless
Mackenzie’s clarinet squealed like a startledMackenzie’s clarinet squealed like a startled
puppy, __________ she hadn’t practiced in weeks.puppy, __________ she hadn’t practiced in weeks.
A.A.becausebecause
B.B.forfor
C.C.sincesince
D.D.unlessunless

17. Item 5Item 5Item 5Item 5
__________ Grandma tasted the spaghetti sauce,__________ Grandma tasted the spaghetti sauce,
she declared that it needed more basil and salt.she declared that it needed more basil and salt.
A.A.UnlessUnless
B.B.AlthoughAlthough
C.C.WhereasWhereas
D.D.AfterAfter
__________ Grandma tasted the spaghetti sauce,__________ Grandma tasted the spaghetti sauce,
she declared that it needed more basil and salt.she declared that it needed more basil and salt.
A.A.UnlessUnless
B.B.AlthoughAlthough
C.C.WhereasWhereas
D.D.AfterAfter

18. Quick Test, Part 2Quick Test, Part 2Quick Test, Part 2Quick Test, Part 2
Directions:Directions: In the items that follow, chooseIn the items that follow, choose
the sentence that expresses the thought mostthe sentence that expresses the thought most
clearly and effectively and that has no errors inclearly and effectively and that has no errors in
structure.structure.
Now try
this
type!
Now try
this
type!

19. Item 6Item 6Item 6Item 6
A.A. We decided to skip breakfast, for a spiderWe decided to skip breakfast, for a spider
crawled out of the cereal box.crawled out of the cereal box.
B.B. We decided to skip breakfast, and a spiderWe decided to skip breakfast, and a spider
crawled out of the cereal box.crawled out of the cereal box.
C.C. We decided to skip breakfast, so a spiderWe decided to skip breakfast, so a spider
crawled out of the cereal box.crawled out of the cereal box.
A.A. We decided to skip breakfast, for a spiderWe decided to skip breakfast, for a spider
crawled out of the cereal box.crawled out of the cereal box.
B.B. We decided to skip breakfast, and a spiderWe decided to skip breakfast, and a spider
crawled out of the cereal box.crawled out of the cereal box.
C.C. We decided to skip breakfast, so a spiderWe decided to skip breakfast, so a spider
crawled out of the cereal box.crawled out of the cereal box.

20. Item 7Item 7Item 7Item 7
A.A. Madison and I decided to eat ice cream forMadison and I decided to eat ice cream for
dinner so that we had burned enough caloriesdinner so that we had burned enough calories
earlier at the gym.earlier at the gym.
B.B. Madison and I decided to eat ice cream forMadison and I decided to eat ice cream for
dinner because we had burned enough caloriesdinner because we had burned enough calories
earlier at the gym.earlier at the gym.
C.C. Although Madison and I decided to eat iceAlthough Madison and I decided to eat ice
cream for dinner, we had burned enoughcream for dinner, we had burned enough
calories earlier at the gym.calories earlier at the gym.
A.A. Madison and I decided to eat ice cream forMadison and I decided to eat ice cream for
dinner so that we had burned enough caloriesdinner so that we had burned enough calories
earlier at the gym.earlier at the gym.
B.B. Madison and I decided to eat ice cream forMadison and I decided to eat ice cream for
dinner because we had burned enoughdinner because we had burned enough
calories earlier at the gym.calories earlier at the gym.
C.C. Although Madison and I decided to eat iceAlthough Madison and I decided to eat ice
cream for dinner, we had burned enoughcream for dinner, we had burned enough
calories earlier at the gym.calories earlier at the gym.

21. Item 8Item 8Item 8Item 8
A.A. Even though Hank vacuumed the rental car, heEven though Hank vacuumed the rental car, he
failed to remove all the hair of Bonkers, hisfailed to remove all the hair of Bonkers, his
golden retriever.golden retriever.
B.B. Unless Hank vacuumed the rental car, he failedUnless Hank vacuumed the rental car, he failed
to remove all the hair of Bonkers, his goldento remove all the hair of Bonkers, his golden
retriever.retriever.
C.C. Since Hank vacuumed the rental car, he failedSince Hank vacuumed the rental car, he failed
to remove all the hair of Bonkers, his goldento remove all the hair of Bonkers, his golden
retriever.retriever.
A.A. Even though Hank vacuumed the rental car,Even though Hank vacuumed the rental car,
he failed to remove all the hair of Bonkers,he failed to remove all the hair of Bonkers,
his golden retriever.his golden retriever.
B.B. Unless Hank vacuumed the rental car, he failedUnless Hank vacuumed the rental car, he failed
to remove all the hair of Bonkers, his goldento remove all the hair of Bonkers, his golden
retriever.retriever.
C.C. Since Hank vacuumed the rental car, he failedSince Hank vacuumed the rental car, he failed
to remove all the hair of Bonkers, his goldento remove all the hair of Bonkers, his golden
retriever.retriever.

22. Item 9Item 9Item 9Item 9
A.A. Bonkers retrieves anything round, but put awayBonkers retrieves anything round, but put away
those CDs if you don’t want teeth marks inthose CDs if you don’t want teeth marks in
them.them.
B.B. Bonkers retrieves anything round, and put awayBonkers retrieves anything round, and put away
those CDs if you don’t want teeth marks inthose CDs if you don’t want teeth marks in
them.them.
C.C. Bonkers retrieves anything round, so put awayBonkers retrieves anything round, so put away
those CDs if you don’t want teeth marks inthose CDs if you don’t want teeth marks in
them.them.
A.A. Bonkers retrieves anything round, but put awayBonkers retrieves anything round, but put away
those CDs if you don’t want teeth marks inthose CDs if you don’t want teeth marks in
them.them.
B.B. Bonkers retrieves anything round, and put awayBonkers retrieves anything round, and put away
those CDs if you don’t want teeth marks inthose CDs if you don’t want teeth marks in
them.them.
C.C. Bonkers retrieves anything round, so putBonkers retrieves anything round, so put
away those CDs if you don’t want teethaway those CDs if you don’t want teeth
marks in them.marks in them.

23. Item 10Item 10Item 10Item 10
A.A. Andre mowed the lawn while Celia watchedAndre mowed the lawn while Celia watched
soap operas on television.soap operas on television.
B.B. While Andre mowed the lawn Celia watchedWhile Andre mowed the lawn Celia watched
soap operas on television.soap operas on television.
C.C. While Andre mowed the lawn Celia, on theWhile Andre mowed the lawn Celia, on the
other hand, watched soap operas on television.other hand, watched soap operas on television.
A.A. Andre mowed the lawn while Celia watchedAndre mowed the lawn while Celia watched
soap operas on television.soap operas on television.
B.B. While Andre mowed the lawn Celia watchedWhile Andre mowed the lawn Celia watched
soap operas on television.soap operas on television.
C.C. While Andre mowed the lawn Celia, on theWhile Andre mowed the lawn Celia, on the
other hand, watched soap operas on television.other hand, watched soap operas on television.

24. The End.The End.