Understanding Sentence Structure and Grammar in Spanish
Coordinated Sentences
Coordinated sentences are as important as each other and are connected by coordinating conjunctions. There are four types of coordinated sentences:
- Copulative: These sentences are added together, and the conjunctions are: e, and, not. For example: Neither do I know, nor do I care.
- Disjunctive: The meaning of one excludes the other, and their conjunctions are: o, u. For example: Walk faster, or I’ll go alone.
- Adversative: The meaning of the second sentence corrects the first, and their conjunctions are but, more. For example: You say okay, but you are very wrong.
- Distributive: Sentences are repeated, and their conjunctions are sometimes other. For example: He rides and drives a motorcycle.
- Explicative: The second sentence clarifies the meaning of the first, and their conjunctions are: i.e. For example: I am a psychologist; that is, I help people.
Subordinate Clauses
Adjective Clauses
An adjective clause is equivalent to an adjective. It performs a function within the main action.
Substantive Clauses
Substantive clauses differ from adjective clauses because they have no antecedent. They can form a conjunction and a verb.
Adverbial Clauses
Adverbial clauses are formed the same way as in a simple sentence. They complete the verb. For example: We always meet where you say; we are always there.
Adverbial Adjective Clauses
Whoever comes first will be the winner. (subject)
Adverbial Clauses of Place
They complement the verb to indicate where the action takes place. For example: Place yourself where the line marks.
Adverbial Clauses of Time
They indicate when an action occurs. For example: We will travel when it dawns.
Adverbial Clauses of Manner
They describe how an action develops. For example: It jumps like a kangaroo.
Causal Prepositions
They express the motive for which the action is performed. For example: Take the umbrella because it’s raining.
Final Subordinate Clauses
They indicate where an action ends. For example: Get out of there so the sun doesn’t hit you.
Comparative Subordinate Clauses
They express a comparison between two elements. For example: Mercedes is as tall as her mother was.
Concessive Subordinate Clauses
They indicate a difficulty in the action. For example: Get angry with me, but I’ll tell you what I think.
Consecutive Subordinate Clauses
They indicate the action of the subordinate clause. For example: We liked each other so much that we thought we would get along so well.
Conditional Subordinate Clauses
They express a requirement for the action to be fulfilled. For example: If I finish work soon, I’ll go on vacation.
The Value of “SE”
Reflexive Value
The subject performs the action on itself (direct or indirect object) and can be replaced by the third person (la, le, lo). Example: This mouse can use itself = use.
Reciprocal Value
It must be plural. The subject performs and receives the action. Example: Jane and her boyfriend kiss = kiss each other.
CD: what, le. CI: le, a, lo.
Substitution of “Les”
A sentence must have a direct object (lo, la, los, las). The pronoun is changed when we put a noun phrase. Example: Marta asked her father.
Pronominal Verbs
These are verbs that are conjugated with a pronoun. When in the third person, the pronoun is always se. Example: He remembers.
Impersonal Value
The sentence has no subject (or it is omitted), and the verb appears in the third person singular. Example: One eats well here.
Passive Reflex
This is a sentence that is between the passive voice and the active voice. The verb always takes the particle se. Example: Newspapers are sold at the kiosk = Newspapers sell.
Periphrasis
Periphrasis is the union of two or more verbs that are inseparable and form the nucleus of the predicate. Example: Victor has to practice more. (Nucleus)
Types of Periphrasis
There are two types: modal and aspectual. Modal periphrasis is used when there is doubt or when giving an order. Aspectual periphrasis indicates if the action is about to begin, is starting, or has finished.