Using coordination
Coordination draws attention equally to two or more ideas. To coordinate single words or phrases, join them with a coordinating conjunction or with a pair of correlative conjunctions: bananas and strawberries; not only a lackluster plot but also inferior acting.
To coordinate independent clauses—word groups that express a complete thought and that can stand alone as a sentence—join them with a comma and a coordinating conjunction or with a semicolon:
| , and | , but | , or | , nor |
| , for | , so | , yet | ; |
The semicolon is often accompanied by a conjunctive adverb such as moreover, furthermore, therefore, or however or by a transitional phrase such as for example, in other words, or as a matter of fact. (For a longer list, see the chart below.)
Assume, for example, that your intention is to draw equal attention to the following two ideas.
Social networking Web sites offer ways for people to connect in the virtual world. They do not replace face-to-face forms of social interaction.
To coordinate these ideas, you can join them with a comma and the coordinating conjunction but or with a semicolon and the conjunctive adverb however.
Social networking Web sites offer ways for people to connect in the virtual world, but they do not replace face-to-face forms of social interaction.
Social networking Web sites offer ways for people to connect in the virtual world; however, they do not replace face-to-face forms of social interaction.
It is important to choose a coordinating conjunction or conjunctive adverb appropriate to your meaning. In the preceding example, the two ideas contrast with each other, calling for but or however. (For specific coordination strategies, see the chart)
Using coordination to combine sentences of equal importance
1. Consider using a comma and a coordinating conjunction.
| , and | , but | , or | , nor |
| , for | , so | , yet |
2. Consider using a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase.
| also | however | next |
| as a result | in addition | now |
| besides | in fact | of course |
| consequently | in other words | otherwise |
| finally | in the first place | still |
| for example | meanwhile | then |
| for instance | moreover | therefore |
| furthermore | nevertheless | thus |
3. Consider using a semicolon alone.
