coordinate clause: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical (Linguistics), Formal Academic
Quick answer
What does “coordinate clause” mean?
In grammar, a clause of equal grammatical rank joined to another clause by a coordinating conjunction (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In grammar, a clause of equal grammatical rank joined to another clause by a coordinating conjunction (e.g., 'and', 'but', 'or').
A clause that can stand alone as an independent sentence but is joined with another main clause to form a compound sentence, expressing a related idea of similar importance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or use between UK and US grammatical terminology.
Connotations
Technical, analytical, pedagogical.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency outside linguistics/education contexts in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “coordinate clause” in a Sentence
[Main Clause] + coordinating conjunction + [Coordinate Clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coordinate clause” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You must learn to coordinate clauses properly in your writing.
- The exercise asks students to coordinate the two clauses using 'but'.
American English
- You need to coordinate clauses correctly in your essay.
- The worksheet has them coordinate the clauses with 'or'.
adverb
British English
- The clauses were joined coordinately.
- The sentence is built coordinately, not subordinately.
American English
- The ideas are expressed coordinately.
- The paragraph flows coordinately.
adjective
British English
- The coordinate-clause structure is common in compound sentences.
- They analysed the coordinate-clause relationship.
American English
- The coordinate clause structure is fundamental to syntax.
- Identify the coordinate clause conjunction.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used.
Academic
Used in linguistics, grammar, and language teaching papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Core term in syntactic analysis and English language teaching (ELT).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coordinate clause”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coordinate clause”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coordinate clause”
- Using a comma splice without a conjunction to join coordinate clauses (e.g., 'I went to the shop, I bought milk' – incorrect).
- Confusing it with a subordinate clause introduced by 'and' or 'but' (these are coordinating conjunctions, so the following clause is coordinate).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A coordinate clause is grammatically equal and independent, joined by conjunctions like 'and', 'but', 'or'. A subordinate clause is dependent, introduced by subordinating conjunctions like 'because', 'if', 'although', and cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
Yes, it's called a compound sentence with multiple coordinate clauses, often using commas and a final conjunction (e.g., 'I cooked, I cleaned, and I did the laundry').
All coordinate clauses are independent clauses. However, an 'independent clause' can be a simple sentence on its own, while 'coordinate clause' specifically refers to one that is part of a compound sentence.
Typically, a comma precedes the coordinating conjunction (e.g., 'It was late, so we left.'). In shorter, closely linked clauses, the comma is sometimes omitted (e.g., 'I cooked and she cleaned').
In grammar, a clause of equal grammatical rank joined to another clause by a coordinating conjunction (e.
Coordinate clause is usually technical (linguistics), formal academic in register.
Coordinate clause: in British English it is pronounced /kəʊˈɔːdɪneɪt klɔːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /koʊˈɔːrdɪneɪt klɔːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'CO-ordinate' – clauses that work together as CO-equals, neither one outranking the other.
Conceptual Metaphor
GRAMMAR IS HIERARCHY (Coordinate clauses are on the same level; subordinate clauses are lower).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'coordinate clause'?