Definition

Noun: A clause in a complex sentence that is grammatically equivalent to the main clause and that performs the same grammatical function. Coordinate clauses are joined by coordinating conjunctions (such as and, but, or, so, yet, for, nor) to form a compound sentence.

Usage

A coordinate clause is an independent clause that is connected to another independent clause. Together, they form a compound sentence where neither clause is subordinate to the other; they are of equal grammatical rank.

Examples

• (The clause "the rain started suddenly" is a coordinate clause.)
• (The clause "I decided to watch a movie" is a coordinate clause.)
• (Both "You can save your money for a new car" and "you can spend it on a vacation now" are coordinate clauses.)

Advanced Usage

• Punctuation: Coordinate clauses are typically separated by a comma before the coordinating conjunction. In shorter sentences, the comma may sometimes be omitted.
  • He was tired yet he continued working.
• Multiple Clauses: A sentence can contain more than two coordinate clauses, often separated by commas, with a conjunction before the final clause.
  • The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and we felt perfectly happy.

Variants and Related Words

• Main Clause / Independent Clause: A clause that can stand alone as a simple sentence. A coordinate clause is a type of independent clause.
• Subordinate Clause / Dependent Clause: A clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought; it is grammatically dependent on a main clause. This contrasts with a coordinate clause.
• Compound Sentence: A sentence containing two or more coordinate clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.

Synonyms

• Independent clause (when joined in a compound structure)
• Main clause (when joined in a compound structure)

Related Phrases

• Coordinating Conjunction: The word (e.g., , , ) that links coordinate clauses.
• Compound-Complex Sentence: A sentence that contains at least two independent clauses (at least one of which is a coordinate clause) and one or more dependent clauses.
  • Although I was busy, I finished the report, and my colleague reviewed it. (This contains a subordinate clause "Although I was busy" and two coordinate clauses "I finished the report" and "my colleague reviewed it.")

Noun

1. a clause in a complex sentence that is grammatically equivalent to the main clause and that performs the same grammatical function