1. III. Style 3.3 Sentence Combining (coordination and subordination) for clear and concise sentences

2. Coordination Coordination is using conjunctions (and, or, nor, but, yet, for, so) to join (and show the relationship between) clauses. Bob used to own a Suzuki 550, but he sold it to Alyssa.

3. Coordination puts together ideas of equal importance. The conjunction coordinates the two clauses and shows their relationship: And simple addition: But contradiction: Yet contradiction: Or one or the other Nor neither one: For causation: So causation: Both A + B B, even though A Either A or B, not both Not A or B A because of B B because of A

4. Coordination Note: when using a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses, be sure to use a comma after the first clause and before the connecting word: Congress was not sympathetic, and the bill was not passed.

5. Coordination However, if what seems to be a conjunction (and, or, nor, for, so, but, yet) isn’t being used to join independent clauses, then it takes no comma: Bob likes to wear Oshkosh bib overall shorts and Birkenstock sandals.

6. Subordination Subordination means making one or more clauses dependent on a main clause. Clauses can be combined in different relationships depending on what you want to emphasize.

7. For example, imagine that you are applying for a ski instructor’s position at Ski Bowl. You write down the pertinent facts: 1.I have been skiing since age three. (strength) 2.I have no experience teaching skiing. (weakness) 3.I have won several slalom competitions. (greatest strength)

8. Subordination The principle of subordination is that whatever is given a main clause will be emphasized, while whatever is given a dependent clause will be de-emphasized. Therefore, if you really want the job, put your greatest strength in a main clause, and de- emphasize your weakness in a dependent clause.

9. Subordination Strongly positive (subordination): Although I have no experience teaching skiing, I have been skiing since age three and have won several slalom competitions. Slightly positive (coordination): I have no teaching experience, but I have been skiing since age three and have won several slalom competitions.

10. Subordination If you’re just applying for the job to get your dad off your back, you can put these three clauses together in a slightly negative way (using coordination) or in a strongly negative way (using subordination).

11. Subordination Slightly negative (coordination): I have been skiing since age three and have won several slalom competitions, but I have no experience teaching skiing. Strongly negative (subordination): Although I have been skiing since age three and have won several slalom competitions, I have no experience teaching skiing.