Coordination and subordination Coordination and subordination are ways to rank ideas in sentences. Coordination makes ideas equal; subordination makes them unequal.

˙A simple sentence has one subject and one predicate. Simple sentences ˙A simple sentence has one subject and one predicate. Some simple sentences consist merely of a single noun and a single verb. Ex: Millicent shouted. ˙Others can include elements such as compound subjects, compound verbs, direct object, indirect object, and subject complements. Ex: Jim and Sue have bought a car. Ex: Autumn is a sad season. ˙Most simple sentences are rather short and easy to understand. Ex: The audience was young and friendly. It was responsive. It cheered for each speaker. ˙Combined into a single simple sentence, the information is easier to follow and more interesting to read. Ex: The young, friendly, responsive audience cheered for each speaker.

˙A compound sentence contains two or more independent clause, Compound sentences ˙A compound sentence contains two or more independent clause, each holding the same (coordinate) rank. As a result, the idea in the first clause receives the same emphasis as idea in the second. ˙In some cases, a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so) link successive clauses. Ex: The audience was young, friendly, and responsive, so it cheered for each speaker. ˙In others, a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb (for example, however, in fact, likewise, meanwhile, instead, and the like) furnish the connection. Ex: Tod wants to see the play; in fact, he’s talked about it for weeks. ˙Finally, a writer may omit any connecting word and separate the clauses with a semicolon. Ex: The sky grew pitch black; the wind died; and ominous quiet hung over the whole city.

Ex: While I watered the grass, I discussed stock options with Liz. Complex sentences ˙A complex sentence has one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. Ex: Because the young, friendly audience was responsive, it cheered for each speaker. ˙Unlike compound sentences, complex ones allow writers to vary the emphasis of ideas. Ex: While I watered the grass, I discussed stock options with Liz. I watered the grass while I discussed stock option with Liz. (The first sentence emphasizes the talk with Liz, the second watering the lawn. ) ˙Often, shifting emphasis allows a writer to change the meaning of a sentence. Ex: While his bicycle was damaged, Pat walked to work. While Pat walked to work, his bicycle was damaged. ˙ Furthermore, complex sentences signal how ideas relate. Note the various relationships in the following sentences: Ex: Because she was swimming well, Millicent did 200 laps today. (reason) Ex: The sears Tower is taller than the Empire State Building. (extent) Ex: Ms. Yoshira is the executive for whom I am working. (relationship between persons)

Compound-Complex Sentences ˙This type of sentence features two or more independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. Ex: Ms. Harris works as an investment manager, and Mr. Williams, who lives next door to her, owns a jewelry store. ˙Compound-complex sentences allow writers to present more intricate relationships than do other kinds of sentences. Ex: Mary hated to be seen in ugly clothing, but she wore an ugly dress with red polka dot. She had received the dress as a Christmas present. Her Aunt Ida had given it to her. →Mary hated to be seen in ugly clothing; nevertheless, she wore an ugly red polka dot dress that her Aunt Ida had given her for Christmas.