Subordination

Subordination is more common and more complex than coordination, because subordinate ideas can have a range of relationships, from nearly equal to widely different. Thus, there are many more ways to express subordinate ideas than coordinate ideas, and choosing the correct level of value requires skill.

Look at these two related ideas:

Idea 1: The body uses ferrous iron more efficiently than ferric iron. Idea 2: Ferrous iron is the less frequent form in dietary sources.

In most contexts, Idea 1 would be more important than Idea 2. In what ways can we subordinate Idea 2 to Idea 1? Look at these three possibilities:

A. Subordinate Clause

Although it is the less frequent form in dietary sources, the body uses ferrous iron more efficiently than ferric iron.

B. Relative Clause

The body uses ferrous iron, which is the less frequent form in dietary sources, more efficiently than ferric iron.

C. Adjectival Phrase

The body uses the less frequent ferrous iron form more efficiently than ferric iron.

Here we have assigned Idea 2 differing levels of importance, in a sliding scale, from A. important (but still less important than Idea 1) > B. somewhat important > C. unimportant.

The table expands this explanation: