Important Differences Between Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunction

Coordinating Conjunction

Coordinating conjunctions, also known as coordinators, are words that connect two or more words, phrases, or clauses that are of equal grammatical rank and importance within a sentence. These conjunctions are used to join similar elements within a sentence, such as two nouns, two adjectives, or two independent clauses.

The most common coordinating conjunctions are:

• For (used to give a reason)
• And (used to add an idea)
• Nor (used to introduce a negative idea)
• But (used to contrast or show exception)
• Or (used to offer a choice or alternative)
• Yet (used to contrast or show exception)
• So (used to show consequence or conclusion)

For example, “John and Jane went to the store” and “He ran out of gas, so he had to call a tow truck” are two examples of coordinating conjunctions used in a sentence. In the first example, the coordinating conjunction “and” joins the two nouns “John” and “Jane.” In the second example, the coordinating conjunction “so” connects the two independent clauses “He ran out of gas” and “he had to call a tow truck.”

Examples of Coordinating Conjunction

Here are some simple examples of coordinating conjunctions:

• I like to swim, and my brother likes to surf.
• She wanted to study abroad, but she didn’t have enough money.
• Do you want to go to the beach, or would you rather go hiking?
• He wanted to stay home, yet he also wanted to go out with his friends.
• The sun was shining, so we decided to have a picnic in the park.
• She didn’t study for the test, nor did she ask for help.
• We can go to the museum, or we can visit the zoo.

How to use Coordinating Conjunction?

Coordinating conjunctions are used to join words, phrases, and clauses of equal rank and importance within a sentence. Here are some ways to use coordinating conjunctions:

• Joining words: Coordinating conjunctions can join two or more words that have the same function in a sentence, such as two nouns, two verbs, or two adjectives. For example: “The dog and the cat played in the yard.”
• Joining phrases: Coordinating conjunctions can join two or more phrases that have the same function in a sentence, such as two prepositional phrases or two infinitive phrases. For example: “She went to the store for bread and milk.”
• Joining clauses: Coordinating conjunctions can join two or more clauses that are independent and have equal rank within a sentence. For example: “I want to go to the beach, but my friend wants to go to the mountains.”
• When using coordinating conjunctions to join clauses, it’s important to remember to use a comma before the conjunction. This is known as a comma splice, and it is a common error to avoid. Here’s an example: “She wanted to go to the party, so she asked her friend to go with her.”

Subordinating Conjunction

Subordinating conjunctions, also known as subordinators, are words that are used to connect a dependent clause to an independent clause within a sentence. These conjunctions create a relationship between the two clauses, often expressing a cause-and-effect or time relationship.

Subordinating conjunctions can be used to introduce adverbial clauses, which are subordinate clauses that modify the verb in the independent clause. Adverbial clauses can provide information about time, place, manner, reason, or condition.

Some common subordinating conjunctions include:

• After
• Although
• Because
• Before
• If
• Since
• Though
• Unless
• Until
• When
• Where
• While

Here are some examples of subordinating conjunctions in use:

• After I finish my homework, I will watch TV.
• Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.
• Because she was tired, she went to bed early.
• Before we leave, let’s make sure we have everything we need.
• If you study hard, you will pass the test.
• Since it’s your birthday, let’s go out to eat.
• Though he was hungry, he didn’t want to eat.
• Unless you finish your vegetables, you can’t have dessert.
• Until she gets back, we’ll have to wait.
• When I see her, I’ll give her the message.
• Wherever you go, I’ll follow.
• While I was walking, I saw a beautiful bird.

Examples of Subordinating Conjunction

Here are some examples of subordinating conjunctions used in sentences:

• After she finished her homework, she watched TV.
• Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.
• Because he was sick, he couldn’t go to the party.
• Before we start the game, we need to set up the equipment.
• If you want to succeed, you need to work hard.
• Since it’s your birthday, I’ll bake you a cake.
• Though he tried his best, he still failed the exam.
• Unless you study hard, you won’t pass the test.
• Until she arrives, we’ll have to wait.
• When he saw the dog, he ran away.
• Wherever you go, I’ll follow you.
• While I was reading, I heard a loud noise.

How to use Subordinating Conjunction?

Subordinating conjunctions are used to connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, creating a more complex sentence structure. Here are some general guidelines for using subordinating conjunctions:

• Identify the independent and dependent clauses: The independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while the dependent clause cannot. The dependent clause usually begins with a subordinating conjunction.
• Use a comma if the dependent clause comes before the independent clause: When the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, it is often separated by a comma. For example: “Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.”
• Do not use a comma if the dependent clause comes after the independent clause: When the dependent clause comes after the independent clause, a comma is usually not used. For example: “We decided to go for a walk although it was raining.”
• Use the correct subordinating conjunction for the relationship you want to express: Subordinating conjunctions can express relationships such as time, cause and effect, condition, and concession. Choose the appropriate subordinating conjunction to express the relationship you want to convey.
• Be aware of word order: In a sentence with a subordinating conjunction, the word order may be different than in a simple sentence. The dependent clause usually comes before the independent clause, and the subject and verb may be inverted in the dependent clause.

Here are some examples of how to use subordinating conjunctions:

• Time: “After I finish my homework, I will watch TV.”
• Cause and effect: “Because she was tired, she went to bed early.”
• Condition: “If you study hard, you will pass the test.”
• Concession: “Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.”
• Place: “Wherever you go, I’ll follow you.”
• Comparison: “He works harder than I do.”
• Purpose: “She went to the store so that she could buy some milk.”

Important Differences Between Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunction

Key Differences Between Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunction

Here are key differences between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions:

1. Number of Clauses: Coordinating conjunctions connect two or more independent clauses or words of equal rank, while subordinating conjunctions connect an independent clause to a dependent clause.
2. Sentence Structure: Coordinating conjunctions do not affect the word order in a sentence, while subordinating conjunctions may affect the word order in the sentence.
3. Importance of Clauses: Coordinating conjunctions join clauses that have equal importance and are grammatically parallel, while subordinating conjunctions typically make the independent clause more important and the dependent clause provides additional information.
4. Commas: A comma is typically used before a coordinating conjunction when connecting two independent clauses, while a comma is typically used after an introductory subordinate clause.
5. Types of Relationships: Coordinating conjunctions typically signal a relationship of coordination or equality between clauses or words, while subordinating conjunctions signal a relationship of subordination or hierarchy between clauses.

Similarities Between Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunction

While coordinating and subordinating conjunctions have several differences, they do share some similarities. Here are a few:

1. Joining Clauses: Both coordinating and subordinating conjunctions are used to join clauses in a sentence.
2. Conveying Meaning: Both types of conjunctions help to convey meaning in a sentence by indicating the relationship between ideas.
3. Grammatical Function: Coordinating and subordinating conjunctions both serve a grammatical function in a sentence, helping to connect and organize ideas.
4. Importance: Both types of conjunctions are important for creating complex sentences with different levels of information and detail.

Conclusion Between Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunction

In conclusion, coordinating and subordinating conjunctions play important roles in connecting ideas and constructing complex sentences. Coordinating conjunctions join two or more independent clauses or words of equal rank, while subordinating conjunctions connect an independent clause to a dependent clause. Coordinating conjunctions create relationships of coordination or equality between clauses or words, while subordinating conjunctions create relationships of subordination or hierarchy between clauses. While these types of conjunctions have some similarities, they also have notable differences in terms of their function, sentence structure, and use of punctuation. By understanding these differences, writers can use coordinating and subordinating conjunctions effectively to create clear, concise, and well-organized sentences.