Coordination and Subordination in Sentences

This lecture focuses on the concepts of coordination and subordination in sentence construction, including common punctuation problems associated with them. These are crucial areas as they account for many mistakes seen in student papers. Key points include:

Coordination

• Definition: Combining independent clauses into longer sentences.
• Independent Clause: A group of words with at least one subject and one verb that can stand alone as a sentence.
• Simple Sentences: Sentences with only one independent clause. Necessary in writing but should be varied with compound sentences.

Methods of Coordination

1. Semicolon:

   • Easiest method; replaces a period between independent clauses.
   • Suitable for short, closely related clauses.
   • Not ideal for sentence variety.

2. Comma + Coordinating Conjunction (FANBOYS):

   • FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
   • Comma is required if both sides are independent clauses.
   • No comma needed if it's a compound verb, not independent clauses.

3. Semicolon + Conjunctive Adverb:

   • Requires a semicolon; may include a comma after the adverb.
   • Examples: "Moreover" (comma after), "Then" (optional comma).
   • Overuse can lead to lack of sentence variety.

Common Punctuation Errors

• Run-ons: Two independent clauses joined with a coordinating conjunction without a comma.
• Comma Splices: Independent clauses joined with a comma but no conjunction.
• Fused Sentences: Independent clauses joined with no punctuation or conjunction.

Subordination

• Purpose: To add variety and sophistication beyond compound sentences.
• Subordinate Clauses: Dependent clauses that begin with a subordinating conjunction and cannot stand alone.

Subordination Rules

1. Subordinate Clause before Independent Clause:

   • Requires a comma.
   • Example: "When Ralph fell down the stairs, he broke his leg."

2. Subordinate Clause after Independent Clause:

   • Comma usually not needed.
   • Exception: Use a comma for contrast (e.g., although, though).

Subordinating Conjunctions

• Words like "when," "because," "although," etc.
• Necessary for forming complex sentences with one independent and at least one dependent clause.

Punctuation Tips

• Editing Tip: Look for capitalized subordinating conjunctions to check for necessary commas.
• Contrast Clauses: Use commas for contrast to mimic spoken emphasis (e.g., "Most students love English, although they won't admit it.").

This lecture provides a basis for understanding sentence complexity and improving writing through effective coordination and subordination.