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So far you have studied how to put two sentences together by coordinating
them, that is keeping them equal. Chapter Four explores subordination which is
putting sentences together by turning one of them into a dependent clause. A
dependent clause is still a clause; it has a subject and a verb, but does NOT
make sense by itself. A dependent clause depends on another independent clause
in order to make sense.
Dependent clauses are created by using subordinating conjunctions to join
the two sentences. The subordinating conjunction can be added at either the
beginning of the first sentence or between the two sentences you are joining.
This sentence pattern of one independent clause and one or more dependent
clauses is called a complex sentence. Punctuating complex sentences is fairly
simple. If the dependent clause begins the sentence then a comma is used at
the end of the dependent clause. If the independent clause begins the
sentence, then no comma is necessary. Using subordination and coordination
helps your writing by giving it variety and interest in the sentence
structures.