subordinator和coordinator的区别（Subordinators vs Coordinators Understanding the Differences）

Subordinators vs Coordinators: Understanding the Differences Subordinators and coordinators are two essential concepts in syntax that enable us to create complex sentences in English. Both are used to join phrases, clauses, or sentences together, but they have different functions and structures. In this article, we will explore the differences between subordinators and coordinators to help you use them effectively and improve your writing skills. Subordinators: Adding Dependent Clauses A subordinator is a word that introduces a subordinate clause, which is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence and depends on the main clause for its meaning. Subordinators can be categorized into different types based on their meaning and function, such as time, cause, condition, purpose, manner, and concession. For example, in the sentence \"Although it was raining, we went to the park,\" the subordinator \"although\" indicates a contrasting condition, and the subordinate clause \"it was raining\" depends on the main clause \"we went to the park\" to make sense. Other examples of subordinators include \"when,\" \"because,\" \"since,\" \"if,\" \"until,\" \"so that,\" \"as if,\" and \"despite.\" Subordinate clauses can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, and their position affects the punctuation and the meaning of the sentence. When a subordinate clause comes at the beginning, it needs a comma after it to separate it from the main clause, as in \"After he finished his homework, he watched TV.\" When a subordinate clause comes in the middle, it needs two commas to set it off, as in \"He went to the concert, which he had been waiting for a long time, to enjoy the music.\" When a subordinate clause comes at the end, it does not need any extra punctuation, as in \"I went to the store before it closed.\" Coordinators: Adding Independent Clauses A coordinator is a word that joins two or more independent clauses, which are groups of words that can stand alone as sentences and express complete thoughts. Coordinators are also called coordinating conjunctions because they coordinate or connect elements that have equal syntactic weight and importance. There are seven commonly used coordinators in English, which can be remembered by the acronym FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. Each coordinator has a distinctive meaning and usage, as shown in the following examples: - For: to introduce a reason or explanation, as in \"I skipped lunch, for I was not hungry.\" - And: to add information or ideas, as in \"I read a book, and I listened to music.\" - Nor: to express a negative contrast or option, as in \"I don't like coffee, nor do I like tea.\" - But: to present a contrast or an exception, as in \"She is smart, but she is lazy.\" - Or: to present alternatives or choices, as in \"Do you want tea or coffee?\" - Yet: to present a surprising or unexpected contrast, as in \"He failed the exam, yet he was happy.\" - So: to indicate a consequence or an inference, as in \"It was raining, so I stayed at home.\" When using coordinators, it is important to ensure that the clauses are independent and have a parallel structure, which means that they have a similar form and function. If the clauses are not parallel, the sentence may be confusing or awkward, as in \"I studied hard for the exam, and to save time.\" Conclusion: Choosing the Right Connector Subordinators and coordinators are essential connectors that help us create complex sentences and convey various meanings and relationships between ideas. To use them effectively, it is important to understand their differences and choose the right connector for the context and purpose of the sentence. If you want to add extra information or clarify a point, use a subordinate clause introduced by a subordinator. If you want to present two or more equal and independent ideas, use a coordinating conjunction to link them. By mastering the use of subordinators and coordinators, you can make your writing more sophisticated, structured, and coherent.