Understanding Spanish Grammar: Verbs, Phrases, and Clauses
Reflexive and Reciprocal Verbs
Reflexive: The subject performs the same action on themselves. In this case, the direct object (CD) and indirect object (CI) will replace the subject as the object of the action (SE). Reciprocal: The plural subject performs the action mutually. For example, “They groom and kiss each other.”
Pronominal Verbs
A pronominal verb is combined with a pronoun. When the pronoun is suppressed or changed, the meaning may change. However, it cannot always be combined in the third person. When carrying the pronoun “SE,” the pronoun agrees with the verb. For example, “remember” can never be combined with “SE.”
Impersonal Verbs
An impersonal verb has no subject. For example, “You eat well here.” It is not any kind of code.
Passive Voice
In passive voice, the subject is the patient of the action. The verb is always passive and always takes the pronoun “SE.”
- Active: For example, “Sells newspapers (CD) (SN) at the kiosk (CL) (SP) (verbal predicate).”
- Passive: “Newspapers (relative subject) are sold (verb) at the kiosk (CCC) (SV predicate).”
- Reflexive Passive: “Newspapers (patient subject) are sold (verb) (SV predicate).”
Periphrasis
Periphrasis is the union of two or more verbs in a sentence, which are inseparable and form the nucleus of the predicate. It is represented as in personal and non-personal sentences. For example:
- “I am starting the action.” (Beginning)
- “The action was performed.” (Performed)
- “We had to have already completed the mural.” (Completed)
There are two types: modal and aspectual.
Complex Compound Sentences
A complex compound sentence consists of two or more verbs, two or more subject and predicate structures, and prepositions. For example, “Stop yelling; I can’t hear you.”
Prepositional Phrases
A prepositional phrase is a structure of the predicate and subject. The sentence is attached by a subject.
Coordinate Clauses
Coordinate clauses can be separated and analyzed independently. The connection is left alone.
Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate clauses are not independent. One clause performs a function inside the other. There are three types:
- Adjective
- Noun
- Adverbial
Juxtaposed Clauses
Juxtaposed clauses are characterized by the only link connecting them being a punctuation mark other than a period. To analyze them, we must determine if there is a relationship of coordination or subordination between them. For example, “I don’t like the forums.”
Simple Sentences
A simple sentence is formed by one verb or verbal periphrasis, a subject, and a nominal phrase in the predicate function.
Types of Conjunctions and Their Functions
- Copulative (sentences are added): y, e, ni
- Disjunctive (the meaning of one excludes the other): o, u
- Adversative (the meaning of the second clause corrects the first): pero, mas, sino, sin embargo, no obstante, sino que
- Distributive (the two sentences are repeated alternately): ya… ya, bien… bien, uno… otro
- Explanatory (the second clause clarifies the meaning of the first): es decir, o sea, esto es
Subordinate Clauses: Noun and Adverbial
Noun Clauses
Noun clauses can function as a subject, noun, attribute, direct object, etc. They can form a link with a subject and verb or have no connection with an infinitive verb (the subject has a tilde).
Adverbial Clauses
Adverbial clauses can be substituted by adverbs of:
- Time (then)
- Manner (there)
- Place (then)
When a circumstantial clause (cause, purpose) cannot be changed by circumstantial adverbs, it can be classified as:
- Concessive
- Consecutive
- Comparative
- Conditional
If the link is “who,” “that,” or “which,” change it to the background. But if it is “how,” “where,” “when,” “how much,” or “whose,” use the corresponding abbreviation (e.g., CCL for “where,” CCT for “when,” CCC for “how much,” DET for “whose”).