Subordination

Definition

Subordination is a grammatical structure that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, creating complex sentences. This connection allows for nuanced relationships between ideas, indicating that one idea is subordinate or less important than the main idea. By using subordinate clauses, writers can add detail, complexity, and depth to their writing, enhancing the overall clarity and cohesion of their messages.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Subordination is essential for creating complex sentences, which enhance writing by allowing for more intricate ideas and relationships.
2. Dependent clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions such as 'although,' 'because,' 'since,' or 'when,' signaling their subordinate nature.
3. Using subordination can help writers avoid choppy sentences and run-on sentences by linking ideas in a cohesive manner.
4. The placement of subordinate clauses can affect the emphasis of the sentence; starting with the subordinate clause can create suspense or set context.
5. Effective use of subordination contributes to concision and clarity in writing, helping to convey complex thoughts without excessive wordiness.

Review Questions

• How does subordination enhance the complexity of sentences, and why is this important for effective writing?
  • Subordination enhances the complexity of sentences by allowing writers to connect dependent clauses to independent clauses, creating rich, multi-layered meanings. This structure helps convey relationships between ideas, which is crucial for effective writing. By using subordination, writers can express nuances and details that would be difficult to communicate in simple sentences, thus improving the overall clarity and depth of their message.
• Discuss the role of subordinating conjunctions in forming subordinate clauses and their impact on sentence structure.
  • Subordinating conjunctions play a vital role in forming subordinate clauses by establishing a connection between them and independent clauses. Words like 'although,' 'because,' and 'if' signal that the clause cannot stand alone as a complete thought. This impact on sentence structure allows for more sophisticated writing, as these conjunctions help to specify the relationship between ideas, enhancing clarity while avoiding choppy or overly simplistic constructions.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of subordination in promoting concision and clarity in writing. What techniques can writers use to achieve this?
  • Subordination is highly effective in promoting concision and clarity because it allows writers to combine related ideas into fewer sentences, reducing redundancy while providing necessary context. Techniques such as varying the placement of subordinate clauses can also help maintain reader interest and emphasize important points. By effectively using subordination, writers can streamline their prose, ensuring that complex ideas are communicated clearly without sacrificing detail or depth.

Related terms

Dependent Clause: A group of words that has both a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence.

Independent Clause:

A group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought, allowing it to stand alone as a sentence.

Complex Sentence:

A sentence that combines at least one independent clause with at least one dependent clause, showcasing the relationship between different ideas.