subordination

Everyday

1. Subordination is being under someone else's control or authority, or putting someone or something in a lower, less important place. tree →
2. (grammar) Subordination is joining a less important clause to a main clause with a word such as because, although, when or if, making a complex sentence. tree →

In the lessons

In English grammar lessons (UK KS2 and similar), pupils learn subordination: «I went home because it was raining» — «because it was raining» is a subordinate clause. In history and work life, subordination describes ranks, such as soldiers under officers. Phrases: «subordinating conjunction», «subordinate clause», «subordination to».

Examples

• Using subordination makes our sentences longer and more interesting. tree →
• «Although» is a word that shows subordination. tree →
• In the army there is strict subordination of soldiers to officers. tree →
• The teacher marked my sentences for subordination and coordination. tree →
• «When the bell rang, we ran out» uses subordination. tree →
• In the old days, women's subordination to men was written into the law in many countries. tree →

Note

Uncountable. In grammar, the opposite idea is «coordination» (joining equal clauses with and, but, or). Related: «subordinate» (adjective and noun: a less important clause, or a person lower in rank).