Difference Between Coordinate and Subordinate Clause

Key Difference – CoordinatevsSubordinateClause

Coordinate and subordinate clause are two types ofclauses.Coordinate clause is an independent clause while subordinate clause is a dependent clause.This is thekey differencebetween coordinate and subordinate clause. Coordinate clause expresses a complete thought whereas subordinate clause does express a complete thought. Therefore, a subordinate clause has to be combined with another clause to express a complete thought.

内容

1.Overview and Key Difference
2.What is a Coordinate Clause
3.What is a Subordinate Clause
4.Side by Side Comparison – Coordinate vs Subordinate Clause in Tabular Form
5.Summary

What is a Coordinate Clause?

A coordinate clause is one of two or more clauses in a sentence that are of equal importance and usually joined by a coordinating conjunction. Since they are joined by a coordinating clause, the clauses are syntactically independent of each other.

A coordinating conjunction is a word that links two independent clauses to make a compound sentence. There are sevencoordinating conjunctionsin the English language:For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet and So.

I like sandwiches, but my sister likes fish and chips.

“I like sandwiches” and “my sister likes fish and chips” are two independent clauses that are joined by the coordinating conjunction “but”.

Given below are some more example sentences containing coordinate clauses.

You have to study hardoryou will fail the exam.

Jane went to schoolandher mother went to work.

I went to bed earlyforI had a tiring day.

What is a Subordinate Clause?

A subordinate clause is a clause that begins with a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun and contains botha subjectanda verb. This type of clause cannot stand alone and does not express a complete meaning. Additional details are needed to make this meaning complete.

Subordinate conjunction is a word that links a dependent clause to an independent clause. Although, since, after, why, that, until, wherever, so that, etc. are some examples of subordinating clauses.

Given below are some examples of subordinate clauses. Observe how all these start with either a subordinate clause or a relative pronoun.

Until Mr Sanchez returned from Italy

Whenever she saw me

After I finished my studies

As the lights went out

None of the above examples expresses a complete thought; they have to be combined with an independent clause to express a complete thought.

Subordinate clauses can be categorized into three types based on their functions: adjective clause, adverb clause, and noun clause.

Adjective Clause: The boywho won the racereceived a grand prize.

Adverb Clause: They stayed at the beachuntil the sun went down.

Noun Clause: We have to find outwho opened the gate.

What is the Difference Between Coordinate and Subordinate Clause?

Coordinate vs Subordinate Clause
A coordinate clause is one of two or more clauses in a sentence that are of equal importance and usually joined by a coordinating conjunction.	A subordinate clause is a clause that begins with a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun and contains both a subject and a verb.
Conjunction
A coordinate clause is combined with the other clause by a coordinating conjunction.	A subordinate clause starts with a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun.
Type of Clause
Coordinate clauses are independent clauses.	Subordinate clauses are dependent clauses.
Type of Sentences
Two subordinate clauses make acompound sentence.	Subordinate clauses typically make a complex sentence.
Meaning
Coordinate clauses express complete thoughts.	Subordinate clauses do not express a complete thought.

总结——协调和从句

The difference between coordinate and subordinate clause mainly lies in their ability to express a complete thought. Coordinate clauses can convey a complete thought; hence, they are independent clauses. Subordinate clauses are unable to convey a complete meaning by themselves; hence, they are known as dependent clauses.

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