Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions | Active Summary

Objectives

1.  Clearly understand the difference between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions, identifying their main types and functions.

2.  Recognize and apply conjunctions in various texts to improve textual cohesion and coherence.

Contextualization

Did you know that conjunctions, those little linking words, are like the perfect 'glue' that keeps our ideas together in a text? They play a fundamental role in the clarity and logic of any written or spoken communication. Mastering the correct use of conjunctions is not only vital for academic success but also crucial for enhancing your writing and argumentation skills in everyday situations. 

Important Topics

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions are those that connect independent clauses, meaning clauses that have a complete meaning and could stand alone. They are essential for linking ideas of equal importance, adding clarity and fluency to the text. There are various coordinating conjunctions, such as 'and', 'nor', 'but', 'however', 'or', 'yet', 'so', 'therefore', among others, each with a specific function of connection.

• Addition: 'and', 'nor', 'also' - used to add information.

• Adversity: 'but', 'however', 'nevertheless' - indicate contrast or opposition.

• Alternation: 'or', 'either' - express alternation or choice.

• Conclusion: 'so', 'therefore' - introduce a conclusion.

Subordinating Conjunctions

Unlike coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions introduce subordinate clauses, which depend on a main clause to complete their meaning. These conjunctions are fundamental to express subordination relations, such as cause, condition, purpose, concession, among others. Common examples include 'that', 'if', 'as', 'although', 'so that', 'provided that', playing crucial roles in the grammatical and logical structure of the text.

• Causal: 'because', 'as', 'since' - introduce the cause of the main action.

• Conditional: 'if', 'in case' - establish a condition for the main action.

• Conformative: 'according to', 'as stated' - indicate conformity with what is said in the main clause.

• Comparative: 'as', 'than' - used to establish comparisons.

Impact of Conjunctions on Textual Coherence

The correct use of conjunctions, whether coordinating or subordinating, is essential to maintain textual coherence. They help structure the text so that ideas connect logically and understandably, avoiding ambiguities and improving clarity in the transmission of information. Mastering the proper use of these linking words is fundamental for any type of writing, from school essays to formal or literary documents.

• Fluency: Conjunctions ensure fluency in the text, allowing for a more natural reading.

• Clarity: The proper use of conjunctions aids in the clarity of relations between ideas.

• Coherence: Conjunctions are pillars of coherence, facilitating understanding and argumentation.

Key Terms

• Coordinating Conjunctions: Connect independent clauses and express relations of addition, adversity, alternation, or conclusion.

• Subordinating Conjunctions: Introduce subordinate clauses that depend on a main clause. They can indicate cause, condition, purpose, concession, among others.

• Textual Cohesion: Refers to the logical connection between parts of a text, maintained through elements such as conjunctions, pronouns, and adverbs.

To Reflect

• How do you think the correct use of conjunctions can improve the quality of your school essays?

• Think of a text you consider well-written. Which conjunctions were used, and how did they help structure the text?

• Why is it important to understand and correctly apply conjunctions in debate or argumentation situations?

Important Conclusions

• In this lesson, we explored the vital importance of coordinating and subordinating conjunctions for the structuring and coherence of texts. We learned how these little linking words have a significant impact on the clarity and fluency of what we write and speak.

• We discussed real examples of how conjunctions are used in various situations, from academic texts to movie dialogues, demonstrating their relevance in different contexts.

• We reinforced that mastering conjunctions is not just a linguistic skill but an essential tool to enhance our ability to argue, persuade, and communicate clearly.

To Exercise Knowledge

Create a one-week diary where you should record your thoughts and daily events using different conjunctions. Try to vary the use of coordinating and subordinating conjunctions to see how they impact the meaning and fluency of your notes.

Challenge

Super Writer Challenge: Write a short story using at least five different coordinating conjunctions and five subordinating conjunctions. Try to tell a logical and interesting story, creatively using the conjunctions to enrich the plot!

Study Tips

• Review your notes on conjunctions regularly to keep the understanding fresh in your mind. Try explaining to a friend or family member how conjunctions work; teaching is a great way to learn!

• Practice identifying conjunctions in texts you read daily, such as news articles, academic papers, or even movie subtitles. This will help you better recognize their use and meaning.

• Try writing short paragraphs or dialogues that change significantly just by altering the conjunctions used. This can be a fun exercise to understand the power of conjunctions in constructing meaning.