Subordinate Clauses: Types and Examples
1. Similarities and Differences Between Juxtaposition and Coordination
Juxtaposition and coordination are two methods of connecting propositions. Juxtaposed propositions have no explicit link. For example: “Yegua, maturity, etc.” Coordinated propositions, on the other hand, are connected by a nexus. For example: “Juan eats, etc.” Coordinated clauses can be copulative, disjunctive, distributive, or explanatory.
2. Types of Adverbial Subordinate Clauses
There are several types of adverbial subordinate clauses, each with a specific function:
- Place (Lugar): Indicates location, often using “where” (donde) or prepositions.
- Time (Tiempo): Indicates time, often using “when” (cuando).
- Manner (Modo): Indicates how something is done, often using “as” (como) or “according to” (según).
- Cause (Causales): Indicates reason, often using “because” (porque).
- Consecutive (Consecutivas): Indicates consequence, often using “therefore” (por lo tanto).
- Comparative (Comparativas): Makes a comparison, using conjunctions like “but that,” “unless,” “as,” or “such as.”
- Concessive (Concesivas): Expresses a concession, often using “although” (aunque).
- Conditional (Condicionales): Expresses a condition, often using “provided that” (siempre que).
- Final (Finales): Indicates purpose, often using “so that” (para que) or “in order to.”
3. Restrictions on the Main Clause Verb
The main clause verb cannot be linked to a subordinate clause and cannot be a non-personal verb form (infinitive, gerund, or participle).
4. Difference Between Absolute and Concerted Participles
The absolute participle has its own subject and forms an adverbial subordinate clause. For example: “Resuelto el conflicto, se disolvió la manifestación” (The conflict resolved, the demonstration was dissolved).
The concerted participle shares its subject with an element in the main clause. For example: “La niña, asustada por la tormenta, lloró” (The girl, frightened by the storm, cried).
5. Examples of Adverbial Subordinate Clauses Without Conjunctions
Examples include: “Marchando, gritó” (Marching, he shouted). “Lo encontraron saltando” (They found him jumping). “Resuelto el problema, se fueron” (The problem resolved, they left).
6. Classifying Clauses Introduced by a Link and a Subject
If a subject is preceded by a link, it can introduce either a substantive subordinate clause or an adjective subordinate clause. To determine which, try replacing the adjective with “who” (quien) and check for an antecedent noun that it refers to. If there is a clear antecedent, it is likely a substantive clause.
7. Subordinate Clauses Introduced by “If” (Si)
The conjunction “if” (si) can introduce two types of subordinate clauses: substantive and adverbial. An adverbial “if” clause expresses a condition. For example: “Si vienes, te doy algo” (If you come, I’ll give you something). A substantive “if” clause functions as an indirect interrogative, often as a direct object. For example: “Dime si te gusta” (Tell me if you like it).
8. Subordinate Clauses Introduced by “Where,” “When,” and “How”
“Where” (donde), “when” (cuando), and “how” (como) can introduce three types of subordinate clauses: substantive, adjective, and adverbial. If they introduce a substantive clause, they are accented (dónde, cuándo, cómo) and function as indirect interrogatives. If they introduce an adjective clause, they can be replaced by a relative pronoun and have an antecedent. If neither of these cases applies, the clause is adverbial.
9. Types and Examples of Adjective Subordinate Clauses
- Explanatory (Explicativas): These clauses are set off by commas and provide non-essential information. For example: “Mis estudiantes, que no eran los que tenían cojera, se sentaron al fondo” (My students, who were not the ones with a limp, sat in the back).
- Specifying (Especificativas): These clauses are not set off by commas and provide essential information. For example: “El alcalde pavimentará las calles” (The mayor will pave the streets).
10. Function of Conjunctions
All conjunctions, except for coordinating conjunctions, have a grammatical function within the subordinate clause. This applies to adverbial subordinate conjunctions, substantive conjunctions, and “if” (si) in indirect interrogatives.
11. Subordinate Clauses Introduced by “The one who,” “Which,” “Therefore,” etc.
These links can introduce both substantive and adjective subordinate clauses. The difference lies in the presence of an antecedent. Adjective clauses have an antecedent, while substantive clauses do not. To determine the function, consider the role of the phrase within the clause. For example: “Presentaron el premio al que (sujeto) se lo merecía” (They presented the award to the one who (subject) deserved it). “Los niños a quienes (CD) ayudé me lo agradecieron” (The children whom (direct object) I helped thanked me).