Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Serving to connect grammatical elements of equal rank: A word, typically a conjunction, that joins words, phrases, or clauses of the same syntactic importance without making one subordinate to the other.

Usage

• The term "coordinative" is primarily used in formal linguistic analysis to describe a specific grammatical function. It is most commonly applied to conjunctions (coordinating conjunctions) but can also describe other elements that perform a linking role between equivalent parts of a sentence.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • In the sentence "She is smart and diligent," the word "and" has a coordinative function, linking two adjectives.
  • The conjunction "but" is coordinative because it connects two independent clauses: "I wanted to go, but I was too tired."
  • Linguists analyze whether a particle in a given language has a coordinative or subordinative role.

Advanced Usage

• Coordinative vs. Subordinative: This is a key distinction in grammar. A coordinative element (like 'and', 'or', 'but') links equal parts. A subordinative element (like 'because', 'although', 'that') introduces a dependent clause.
• Coordinative Structure: Refers to a grammatical construction created by a coordinating conjunction.
  • The phrase "coffee, tea, or milk" is an example of a coordinative structure.

Variants and Related Words

• Coordinate (verb): To organize different elements so they work together effectively.
  • She will coordinate the project's logistics.
• Coordination (noun): 1. The act of coordinating. 2. (Grammar) The use of coordinative conjunctions; the grammatical connection of equal elements.
  • The sentence exhibits poor grammatical coordination.
• Coordinating Conjunction (noun phrase): The specific term for words like , , , , , , that perform a coordinative function.

Synonyms

• Connective: Serving to link things together.
• Linking: Making a connection between two or more things.

Antonyms

• Subordinative: Serving to connect a subordinate clause to a main clause.

Adjective

1. serving to connect two grammatical constituents of identical construction; and so is `or' in `will you go or stay?'"
   • `and' in `John and Mary' or in `John walked and Mary rode' is a coordinating conjunction