Subordinator vs. Coordinator — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 29, 2024
Subordinators connect clauses in a way that makes one dependent on the other, while coordinators link clauses of equal rank.
Difference Between Subordinator and Coordinator
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Subordinators, such as "because," "since," "although," and "if," introduce subordinate clauses, creating a dependency with the main clause. These connectors are essential for expressing conditions, reasons, contrasts, and time relationships in complex sentences. On the other hand, coordinators—like "and," "but," "or," "nor," "for," and "yet"—link words, phrases, or independent clauses that are of equal grammatical importance. This allows for the combination of ideas in a way that maintains their separate identities but also shows their relationship.
While subordinators create a hierarchical relationship between the clauses they connect, emphasizing the primary importance of one over the dependent status of the other, coordinators treat the elements they connect as equals, without implying any precedence or dependency. Subordinate clauses cannot stand alone due to the relationship established by the subordinator, whereas coordinated clauses can often be separated into standalone sentences without losing their meaning.
The use of subordinators often adds depth and complexity to sentences by introducing conditions, reasons, time frames, and contrasts. This complexity allows for more nuanced expression and detailed explanation. Coordinators, however, facilitate clarity and brevity in communication by connecting ideas in a straightforward manner, making them essential for effective parallel structure and list formation in writing.
The choice between a subordinator and a coordinator depends on the relationship the writer or speaker wishes to express between the ideas. Subordinators are chosen to express non-equal relationships that require a more complex, nuanced understanding, while coordinators are used when the relationship is of equal standing or when simplicity and clarity are desired.
Comparison Chart
Function
Introduces subordinate clauses
Links words, phrases, or clauses of equal rank
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Dependency
Creates dependency between clauses
Connects elements without creating dependency
Examples
"because," "if," "although," "since"
"and," "but," "or," "nor," "for," "yet"
Clause Type
Subordinate clause
Independent clause
Effect on Sentence
Adds depth and complexity
Adds clarity and conciseness
Compare with Definitions
Subordinator
Used to express conditions or reasons.
If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
Coordinator
Used to add information or choices.
You can stay here or come with us.
Subordinator
Creates a dependent relationship between clauses.
She succeeded because she worked hard.
Coordinator
Links independent clauses in a sentence.
She studies hard, so she gets good grades.
Subordinator
A word that introduces a subordinate clause.
She stayed home because it was raining.
Coordinator
A conjunction that connects elements of equal grammatical value.
She bought apples and oranges.
Subordinator
Essential for complex sentence structure.
Since he was tired, he went to bed early.
Coordinator
Introduces an alternative or contrast.
He wanted to go, but he was too sick.
Subordinator
Indicates time or contrast.
Although it was late, he decided to finish his work.
Coordinator
Facilitates list formation in writing.
She needs to buy eggs, milk, and bread.
Subordinator
(grammar) Any of a lexical class of words that join clauses at a subordinate syntactic level.
Coordinator
A person whose job is to organize events or activities and to negotiate with others in order to ensure they work together effectively
A full-time coordinator was appointed to oversee the referral process
Subordinator
One who subordinates, or reduces the status of, another person.
Coordinator
A word used to connect clauses, sentences, or words of equal syntactic importance (e.g. and, or, for)
Subordinate clauses can be connected with a coordinator
Subordinator
Used of words such as relative pronouns and subordinating conjunctions that serve to subordinate sentence constituents;
`that' in `the house that we bought' is a subordinator
Coordinator
(Mathematics)Any of a set of two or more numbers used to determine the position of a point, line, curve, or plane in a space of a given dimension with respect to a system of lines or other fixed references.
Coordinator
Coordinates Informal Directions
Give me some coordinates so I can find my way.
Coordinator
Coordinates A set of articles, as of clothing or luggage, designed to match or complement one other, as in style or color.
Coordinator
Of equal importance, rank, or degree
Jobs with coordinate responsibilities.
Coordinator
(Grammar)Having equal syntactic status; not subordinate
Coordinate phrases.
Coordinator
(Mathematics)Of or based on a system of coordinates.
Coordinator
To cause to work or function in a common action or effort
Coordinating the moving parts of a machine.
Coordinator
To make harmonious; harmonize
Coordinate the colors of a design.
Coordinator
(Grammar)To link (syntactic units) at an equal level.
Coordinator
To work or function together harmoniously
A nursing staff that coordinates smoothly.
Coordinator
To form a harmonious combination; match
Shoes that coordinate with the rest of the outfit.
Coordinator
One who coordinates.
Coordinator
An assistant coach responsible for a particular facet of the game, such as defense.
Coordinator
(grammar) A member of a lexical class of words that joins two or more items (such as words, phrases, or clauses) of equal syntactic importance.
Coordinator
Someone whose task is to see that work goes harmoniously
Common Curiosities
Can a sentence contain both a subordinator and a coordinator?
Yes, a sentence can use both if it combines complex ideas that require a dependent relationship and also connects independent or equal elements.
What is a subordinator?
A subordinator is a word or phrase that introduces a subordinate clause, making it dependent on a main clause.
How do subordinators affect the independence of clauses?
Subordinators make one clause dependent on another, meaning the subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
Do coordinators imply a hierarchy between clauses?
No, coordinators link elements of equal importance without creating a hierarchical relationship.
Can coordinators connect more than two elements?
Yes, coordinators can connect multiple elements in a series or list, maintaining equal grammatical status among them.
Why might a writer choose to use a coordinator over a subordinator?
For simplicity, to maintain clarity, or to emphasize the equal importance of connected ideas.
How does a coordinator function in a sentence?
A coordinator connects words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal grammatical rank, facilitating clarity and brevity.
Is it possible to start a sentence with a coordinator?
While traditionally discouraged in formal writing, starting a sentence with a coordinator is accepted in certain contexts for effect or clarity.
Why are subordinators important in writing?
Subordinators are crucial for adding depth, nuance, and complexity to writing by establishing conditions, reasons, and contrasts.
What role do coordinators play in communication?
Coordinators play a significant role in creating clear, concise connections between ideas of equal importance, enhancing readability and understanding.
What's the difference between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions?
Coordinating conjunctions link equal elements, while subordinating conjunctions introduce dependency between clauses.
Can the use of coordinators simplify complex information?
Yes, coordinators can simplify complex information by connecting ideas in a straightforward and easily digestible manner.
Are subordinators only used in complex sentences?
Primarily, yes, because they introduce subordinate clauses that depend on main clauses to form complex sentences.
How do subordinators contribute to sentence variety?
They enable the construction of complex sentences with varied structures, enhancing the richness and diversity of written language.
Can the misuse of subordinators and coordinators change the meaning of a sentence?
Yes, incorrect use can lead to ambiguity, confusion, or a change in the intended meaning by altering the relationship between ideas.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
