Coordination and subordination

The Core Idea

Complex sentences connect clauses in two major ways: coordination joins clauses of the same level, while subordination makes one clause depend on another.
This is the point where sentence building becomes genuinely flexible. Coordination and subordination open the door to explanation, argument, storytelling, and nuance.

Structure Snapshot

• main clause + connector + main clause / main clause + subordinate clause

Main Rules at a Glance

How It Works

1. Coordination links clauses of equal status: "cheguei cedo, mas saí tarde".
2. Subordination creates dependence: "fiquei em casa porque estava cansado".
3. A subordinate clause can act like time, cause, condition, concession, or content.
4. Understanding the relation between clauses is more important than memorizing isolated connectors.

Usage and Register

• Clause order can change while the relation stays the same: "Quando ele chega, a gente janta" / "A gente janta quando ele chega".