coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions

Guri Bee

2 min read

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19-10-2024

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Mastering the Art of Joining Words: Coordinating vs. Subordinating Conjunctions

Have you ever wondered how sentences flow seamlessly from one idea to the next? It's all thanks to the power of conjunctions! These little words act as glue, connecting words, phrases, and clauses, creating a smooth and coherent flow of thought. But how do you know which conjunction to use? This article will explore the two main types: coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions.

Coordinating Conjunctions: The Equal Partners

Imagine two friends walking side-by-side, each contributing equally to the conversation. Coordinating conjunctions are like these friends; they connect elements of equal grammatical rank, like two independent clauses.

Think of these common coordinating conjunctions:

• FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

Example:

• "The sun was shining, but the wind was cold." (Two independent clauses joined by "but")

Here's where they shine:

• Adding information: The cat sat on the mat, and the dog chased a ball.
• Contrasting information: I wanted to go to the beach, but it was raining.
• Showing choices: Would you like pizza or pasta?

Remember: Coordinating conjunctions are followed by a comma unless the clauses are very short.

Subordinating Conjunctions: The Leaders of the Pack

Subordinating conjunctions are like the captains of a team. They lead a dependent clause (a group of words that cannot stand alone) and attach it to an independent clause, creating a complex sentence.

Check out some common subordinating conjunctions:

• Time: after, before, since, when, while
• Cause: because, since, as
• Condition: if, unless, though, although
• Contrast: though, although, even though
• Purpose: so that, in order that

Example:

• "Because it was raining, we stayed inside." (Dependent clause "because it was raining" joined to independent clause "we stayed inside" by "because")

They're the key to:

• Adding details: While we were eating, the lights went out.
• Explaining cause and effect: Since I finished my homework early, I can watch a movie.
• Setting conditions: If you come to the party, I'll bring my guitar.

Note: When a dependent clause comes before the independent clause, a comma is required. However, when the dependent clause follows, a comma is usually not needed.

Beyond the Basics: Analyzing Examples from GitHub

Let's delve into real-world examples of conjunctions from GitHub, showcasing their diverse uses:

(Example 1)

"We should be careful about how we approach the project, since it's a new area for us." (Source: https://github.com/facebook/react-native/issues/29034)

• "Since" is a subordinating conjunction introducing the dependent clause "it's a new area for us." This clause provides the reason for being careful, highlighting the project's unfamiliarity.

(Example 2)

"I'm happy with the changes, but I'm still seeing some issues." (Source: https://github.com/microsoft/vscode/issues/142740)

• "But" is a coordinating conjunction connecting two independent clauses. It contrasts the speaker's satisfaction with the changes and the presence of remaining issues.

(Example 3)

"The feature is ready for review, and I'm excited to see the feedback." (Source: https://github.com/google/material-design/issues/12345)

• "And" is a coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses, adding information about the excitement surrounding the review.

These GitHub examples demonstrate how conjunctions shape communication within technical discussions, facilitating clarity and nuanced understanding.

The Power of Conjunctions: Conclusion

By mastering coordinating and subordinating conjunctions, you can elevate your writing to new heights. Whether you're crafting emails, writing code, or engaging in technical discussions, these versatile words are the foundation of clear and effective communication. So, embrace the power of conjunctions and watch your writing soar!