OVERVIEW

Coordination and subordination are ways of combining short, choppy sentences into longer, more meaningful sentences that are easier to read. Problems—such as run-ons—can arise if the clauses are joined without proper structure or punctuation.

WATCH EXAMPLES

This video shows ways to coordinate and subordinate as well as common errors.

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READ EXAMPLES

Coordination and subordination use conjunctions to combine independent clauses.

In coordination, two closely related independent clauses of equal importance are joined in a single sentence.

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In subordination, an independent clause and a dependent clause are joined in a single sentence. The dependent (or “subordinate”) clause cannot stand alone as a sentence. It can appear in front of or behind the independent clause.

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CONTINUE THROUGH THE UNIT

The study pages provide more details about how to combine sentences using coordination and subordination. Don’t miss the reasons to use each of the coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions.

As you read you through the study pages and then practice with LearningCurve before taking the post-test, try to think of a few sentence variations that convey the same idea. Knowing the many ways to structure your sentences will help you write more effectively.

Don’t forget to work smartly!