Coordination and Subordination

Thursday and Friday are devoted to learning more about how to use coordination and subordination as a strategy for writing more effectively. Friday we will read from The Language of Composition, from which these notes are taken.

1. COORDINATION:

      Markers: involves coordinating conjunctions (fanboys), or semicolons.
   
     Functions:        

• increases coherence between ideas--by combining two short sentences into one
• adds to fluency of prose
• can emphasis two things equally
• to show the relationship between two ideas (cause and effect/ contrast)
• a semicolon is used to signal that two ideas are closely related (balance or alternation, general to specific) watch out for comma splices!  ( The semicolon as fulcrum)
• starting a sentence with a FANBOYS can work as long as you have good reason for it!  For transition or emphasis

POLYSYNDETON: the deliberate use of a series of conjunctions, usually for emphasis or increased pacing. 

ASYNDETON: the deliberate omission of conjunctions, usually for separating ideas more distinctly and giving them greater emphasis.

2. SUBORDINATION: the use of a subordinating conjunction (see below) to make the meaning of one clause dependent on another clause.

Functions:

•         for logic and clarity

They can indicate relationships (contrast or concession---although, even though, though, while, whereas/cause and effect or reason---because, since, so that/condition---if,once, unless/ time---when, whenever, after, before, as, once, since, while)

• to blend short sentences into graceful, longer sentences
• you can choose which one will be subordinate, but keep in mind that the independent clause usually carries the most force.

PUNCTUATION RULES:  You need to put a comma at the end of an opening subordinate clause, but not necessarily if the clause is at the end of the sentence (remember RESTRICTIVE and NONRESTRICTIVE clauses).

Partner work goals for today:

Coordination:  Excercises 1 and 2

Subordination: Exercises 1 and 2