4.6 Subordination

In grammar, subordination is the process by which we join two clauses, so that one depends on the other. As a result, they are called main clause and subordinate clause. The use of subordinating conjunctions (when joining adverb clauses) and relative pronouns (in the case of adjective clauses), is an indicator of subordination.

I'm happy when i'm working.

[Main clause] subordinating conjunction [subordinate clause] 

We drink because it's what men do.
[Main clause] subordinating conjunction [subordinate clause]

We decided to keep business, but run it past Detroit, which means Bob gets involved.

[Main clause] cc [main clause] relative pronoun [subordinate clause]

And since this is it...

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Move forward.

Source:http://grammar.about.com/od/c/g/coordterm07.htm

4.5 Coordination

Coordination in grammar is the process of joining two words, phrases, or clauses together by means of a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet,so). Coordination gives them the same emphasis or importance.

He spent 3 weeks alone in that cave and he hasn't clubbed another ape yet.

Are we winners or losers?

 Losers tonight, but winners in general. 

Source: http://grammar.about.com/od/c/g/coordterm07.htm

4.4 Clauses

The basic unit of English grammar is the clause. A clause must have at least two parts, a noun phrase and a verb phrase (or subject and verb). Clauses can be either  independent or subordinate, and by joining them together we form sentences.

There are three clauses in this sentence:

[Margarine was invented for Napoleon II] + [because armies need to move] + [and it never spoiled] = compound complex sentence.

 There are many different types of clauses, let's take a look at the most important ones.

• Noun Clause: a noun clause is a clause that functions as a noun (subject, object, or complement). They are aso called nominal clauses. We use words like "that" or "who" to start noun clauses, that's why they're called that-clauses and wh-clauses. Nominal clauses are always dependent.

I don't need a book to tell me what little boys do = object

 I'm one of those people who talks back to the radio = complement

I know that you're frightened and there are many decisions i can't prepare you for = object

 
• Adverbial Clause: Adverbial clauses function as adverbs, but they modify the whole sentence instead of just the verb. Like adverbs, they indicate time, place, condition, contrast, concession, reason, purpose, or result. They begin with a subordinating conjunction, and they also contain both a subject and a predicate.
  
  
                           
  
  Time: Sometimes when people get what they want they realize how limited their goals were.
                                       
  
  Cause: Maybe i'm late because i was spending time with my family reading the bible.

Condition: If I stop drinking all at once, I'm afraid the cumulative hangover will kill me.

• Relative Clause: Relative clauses modify nouns or noun phrases. They begin with a relative pronoun (which, that, who, whom, whose), a relative adverb (where, when,why), or a zero relative (when the relative pronoun is omitted). A relative clause always comes after the noun or noun phrase.
  
  Relative clauses are divided into two categories: restrictive, which give specific information about the noun, and non-restrictive, which give additional but unnecessary information about the noun, and are marked by commas.

     

Restrictive + relative pronoun: You were crying in the break room, which i have specifically forbidden.

   

  

Zero Relative: It's just [that] my people are Nordic.

 

 Restrictive + relative adverb: This is where i grew up.

Restrictive + relative pronoun: I abuse the people whose help i need.

Source: http://grammar.about.com/od/rs/g/relativeclterm.htm