Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions A coordinating conjunction connects two or more independent clauses, phrases, or sentences. It shows the rela...
A coordinating conjunction connects two or more independent clauses, phrases, or sentences. It shows the relationship between them and tells the reader how they relate to each other.
There are two main types of coordinating conjunctions:
Coordinating conjunctions: connect two independent clauses
Subordinating conjunctions: connect a dependent clause to a main clause
Coordinating conjunctions are used when you need to show:
Equal importance: Both clauses are of the same importance and should be treated equally.
Relationships: The two clauses are related and have a specific relationship.
Order: The clauses can be rearranged without changing the meaning.
Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions:
We went to the store and we bought some groceries.
We arrived at the same time as the other team.
Please come before you leave.
Subordinating conjunctions are used when you need to show:
Emphasis: The dependent clause is more important than the main clause.
Concession: The dependent clause is subordinate to the main clause.
Time frame: The subordinate clause happens before or after the main clause.
Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions:
I came home before the sun rose.
I finished my homework after I finished my chores.
The news came after the announcement.
Remember:
Coordinating conjunctions connect two independent clauses.
Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to a main clause.
Use coordinating conjunctions when you want to show equal importance, relationships, or order.
Use subordinating conjunctions when you want to emphasize a dependent clause, show subordination, or indicate a time frame