Coordination and Subordination on the SAT
The Easiest Points You're Not Getting Yet
Master sentence structure, punctuation, and clarity with repeatable rules.
Guard the Sentence Core
Identify the subject and verb, then make sure punctuation does not split them or add extra ideas.
- Find the subject + verb first. That is the sentence core.
- Only add commas around extra information, never inside the core.
- Re-read the sentence without the modifier to test clarity.
Why Coordination and Subordination Matters on the SAT
You already coordinate and subordinate ideas every single day, which should take some of the pressure off. When you text a friend "I wanted to go out but it started raining," that is coordination. When you say "I stayed home because it started raining," that is subordination. You have been doing this your whole life. The SAT Reading and Writing section simply asks you to pick the cleanest, most logical version, and these questions follow predictable patterns that you can learn to spot in seconds.
This post is specifically about choosing the right connector, knowing when to coordinate ideas as equals and when to subordinate one idea to the other. If you're looking for help with run-on sentences or comma splices, those have their own dedicated posts. Here, we're zeroing in on the decision that matters most: which conjunction or connecting word actually fits the relationship between two ideas?
Coordination and subordination questions are some of the most reliable easy points on the test. They show up consistently, the rules are straightforward, and once you see the pattern, you won't unsee it. This post will walk you through exactly what the SAT is testing, how to recognize each question type, and give you practice that mirrors the real exam. Let's turn this into a category you never miss.
What Are Coordination and Subordination?
Every sentence that combines two ideas has to decide: are these ideas equal partners, or does one idea depend on the other? That decision is the entire foundation of this topic.
- Coordination joins two independent clauses, ideas that
could each stand alone as complete sentences. You connect them as equals using a
coordinating conjunction (the FANBOYS: for,
and, nor, but, or,
yet, so) or a semicolon.
"The experiment failed, but the team learned valuable lessons."
Both halves are complete thoughts, joined as equals. - Subordination makes one idea depend on the other using a
subordinating conjunction (because, although, since, while, if, when,
unless, after, before, etc.). The subordinate idea becomes a
dependent clause, it can't stand alone as a sentence.
"Although the experiment failed, the team learned valuable lessons."
"Although the experiment failed" needs the second half to be complete.
Think of it this way: coordination is two friends walking side by side. Subordination is one friend leaning on the other for support. Both are perfectly valid, the SAT just wants you to pick the one that matches the logical relationship between the ideas.
The Three Rules the SAT Actually Tests
Most coordination and subordination questions on the SAT Reading and Writing section come down to three rules. Memorize these and you'll handle the vast majority of what shows up on test day.
Rule 1: No Comma Splices
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by only a comma, no conjunction, no semicolon, just a lonely comma doing a job it can't handle.
- Wrong: "The museum opened last week, thousands of visitors arrived."
- Right: "The museum opened last week, and thousands of visitors arrived."
- Also right: "The museum opened last week; thousands of visitors arrived."
If you see two complete thoughts separated by nothing but a comma, that answer is always wrong on the SAT. Always. This is the single most common trap in this category.
Rule 2: Match the Conjunction to the Relationship
The SAT doesn't just test punctuation, it tests whether the logical connection between ideas makes sense. Before you even look at the answer choices, ask yourself: what's the relationship?
Common Relationship Signals
- Cause/effect: so, because, since, therefore
- Contrast: but, yet, although, however, while
- Addition: and, moreover, furthermore
- Time: after, before, when, while, until
- Condition: if, unless
If two ideas contrast, picking "because" is wrong even if the punctuation is perfect. The SAT loves offering answers with correct grammar but the wrong meaning.
Rule 3: Conjunctive Adverbs Are NOT Conjunctions
This is the rule that trips up even strong students. Words like however, therefore, moreover, and furthermore are conjunctive adverbs, not conjunctions. They cannot join two independent clauses with just a comma.
- Wrong: "The data was promising, however the team needed more samples."
- Right: "The data was promising; however, the team needed more samples."
- Also right: "The data was promising. However, the team needed more samples."
When you see "however" or "therefore" between two complete thoughts, look for a semicolon or period before them, not a comma.
SAT Strategy: The 10-Second Approach
Here's a step-by-step method that works on virtually every coordination/subordination question:
- Read both ideas. Identify the two clauses being connected.
- Name the relationship. Is it cause/effect? Contrast? Addition? Time?
- Eliminate wrong relationships first. If the ideas contrast, cross out "because" and "so" immediately.
- Check the punctuation. Among the remaining choices, which one uses correct punctuation? No comma splices, proper semicolon usage, conjunctive adverbs handled correctly.
This order matters. Start with meaning, then check mechanics. Most students do it backward and waste time.
Practice Coordination and Subordination with SAT-Style Questions
Let's put this into action. These questions mirror what you'll see on the SAT Reading and Writing section. Start with the easier ones and work your way up.
Which choice most effectively combines the sentences at the underlined portion?
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion "Although the initial experiment produced inconclusive data"?
Which choice most effectively combines the underlined sentences?
Which choice completes the sentence so that it is grammatically correct and logically coherent?
Which choice best connects these ideas?
Key Takeaways for Coordination and Subordination
- Coordination joins equals; subordination makes one idea depend on the other. The SAT tests whether you can tell which relationship fits the context.
- A comma alone cannot join two independent clauses. If you spot a comma splice in the answer choices, eliminate it immediately, it's always wrong.
- Conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore, moreover) require a semicolon or period before them when they sit between two independent clauses. Don't confuse them with FANBOYS conjunctions.
- Always identify the logical relationship between the ideas first, cause, contrast, addition, or time, then find the conjunction that matches. Meaning before mechanics.
Conclusion: The Core Rule for Coordination and Subordination
Coordination and subordination questions follow clear, learnable patterns. Once you can name the relationship between two ideas and match it to the right conjunction and punctuation, these become some of the fastest points on the entire SAT Reading and Writing section. You already use these structures every day in conversation, now you just need to recognize them on paper.
Remember: Name the relationship first, eliminate answers with the wrong logic, then check the punctuation. That sequence alone will get you through nearly every question in this category.
