What is the difference between subordinating conjunctions and coordinating conjunctions?

Question

Example to show the problem:

IMHO "but" is similar to although, so that we can modify this example from cambridge dictionary:

Everyone enjoyed the trip to the final although we lost the match!

to:

Everyone enjoyed the trip to the final, but we lost the match!

IMHO both are fine. Maybe here but becomes the subordinating conjunction as the prowritingaid blog says:

But is another coordinating conjunction. Like and, it’s perfectly acceptable to begin a sentence with but. But can also act like a subordinating conjunction.

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subordinating conjunctions definition

1. subordinate clause constructed by subordinating conjunctions is defined as

A subordinate clause is a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence

But "although we lost the match" and "but we lost the match" both can't be one complete sentence which can be said directly in one conversation without any context.

2. dependent clauses constructed by subordinating conjunctions

dependent clauses change the meaning of independent clauses

But for the above example, the meaning of "Everyone enjoyed the trip to the final" is not changed.

Q:

Then how to differentiate "between subordinating conjunctions and coordinating conjunctions" and show whether the above "but" is one subordinating conjunction or coordinating conjunction?

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p.s.

For more example sentences constructed from subordinating conjunctions like if etc (not include but since the only place where but is also considered as the subordinating conjunction is the above prowritingaid blog), see this quillbot blog.

Answer 1

OP's query on subordinating and coordinating conjunctions:

1. "Everyone enjoyed the trip to the final although we lost the match!"
2. "We lost the match, but everyone enjoyed the trip to the final."

I adjusted the second sentence, as it sounds clearer this way.

Subordinating and Coordinating Conjunctions

• **Coordinating Conjunctions/Sentences:*" Coordinating conjunctions (e.g., for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) link two independent clauses of equal importance, each of which can stand alone as a complete sentence. Coordinating sentences are generally balanced, connecting two equally weighted ideas. For example, in
  "We lost the match, but everyone enjoyed the trip to the final,".
  both parts can stand alone as independent sentences, linked by the coordinating conjunction but.

• Subordinating Conjunctions/Sentences: Subordinating conjunctions (e.g., although, because, since, if) connect an independent clause with a dependent (subordinate) clause.
  A subordinating conjunction creates a relationship where one clause depends on the other to make sense. For example, in.
  "Although we lost the match, everyone enjoyed the trip to the final," the clause "Although we lost the match" cannot stand alone and depends on the main clause for its full meaning.

Difference subordinating and coordinating sentences:

We typically avoid starting sentences with coordinating conjunctions, but subordinating conjunctions can easily introduce a sentence. This flexibility is another reason for classifying but as a coordinating conjunction and although as a subordinating conjunction.

For example:

• "Although we lost the match, everyone enjoyed the trip to the final."

"But" Followed by a Subordinating Clause:

In these sentences, "but" is followed by a subordinating clause introduced by "when". "But" still acts as a coordinating conjunction, connecting this sentence to a previous idea or sentence. The "when" clause provides a condition or circumstance for the main clause.

Examples:

1. "But when there is turbulence, it is a lot of work for the pilot."
2. "But when there is already a widespread loss of confidence, sunlight is the only treatment left."
3. "But when it comes to behavior, biology cannot mandate."
4. "But when it comes to landscapes and rooms, it's different.".
   .
   But when there is.
   But when it comes to

Answer 2

"But" is used to connect two contrasting ideas within a single sentence. Those ideas are separated by a comma:

Everyone enjoyed the trip to the final, but we lost the match.

This does not mean that you were happy about the loss. It means you enjoyed the trip as a whole. The match loss is presented as a separate statement. In fact, it could mean that you were enjoying it up to the point of the loss. Consider if someone said "I was hopeful that we would win, but then we lost" - you would understand that their hopefulness ended when they lost.

"Although" is used to introduce a subordinate clause that contrasts with the main clause. You don't need a comma - in fact, you can use it before the main clause:

• Although we lost, everyone enjoyed the trip to the final.
• Everyone enjoyed the trip to the final although we lost the match!

The difference is subtle, but this better suggests that overall, the trip and the match were enjoyable despite the loss. Consider if someone said, "I was feeling hopeful, despite the other team playing so well" - you would understand that your hopefulness was maintained throughout the match, despite the other team playing well.