Coordinate clause
Definition
A coordinate clause has equal grammatical status with another clause. Coordinate clauses are commonly joined by a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or, so, yet, for or nor.
Examples
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I called, but nobody answered.
The two clauses can each stand independently, and but links them as equals.
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The rain stopped, and the sun appeared.
And joins two independent events of equal status.
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We can leave now, or we can wait until six.
Or coordinates two alternative clauses.
Coordinate clause vs. dependent clause
The shop was closed, so we went home.
We went home can stand alone, and so coordinates it with the first clause.
We went home because the shop was closed.
The because clause depends on the main clause and cannot normally stand alone.
Coordinate clauses have equal status. A dependent clause performs a subordinate role inside a larger sentence.
Coordination can join more than complete clauses
Coordinating conjunctions also join words and phrases. A coordinated clause still needs its own clause structure, including a finite verb.
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We bought bread and cheese.
This coordinates two nouns, not two clauses.
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We bought bread, and Maya prepared the soup.
This coordinates two clauses because the second part has its own subject and finite verb.
Common mistakes
I called, but nobody answer.
I called, but nobody answered.
A coordinate clause needs a complete verb phrase. Here the past form answered matches the time reference.
Although the shop was closed, but we waited outside.
Although the shop was closed, we waited outside.
Although already introduces a dependent contrast clause, so an additional coordinating but is not used.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence contains two coordinate clauses?
Both The lights went out and the music continued can stand alone, and but coordinates them.Which conjunction joins two alternatives of equal status?
Or coordinates the two alternative clauses.Which sentence coordinates phrases rather than clauses?
Bread and cheese are coordinated nouns, not complete clauses.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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