Sentence Types, Coordination, Subordination & Tenses

Sentence Types and Clause Relationships

Simple sentences: a single finite verb.
Compound sentences: two or more finite verbs (two or more independent clauses).
Compound sentence (coordination): two or more independent clauses are combined without establishing a relationship of dependency. These independent clauses stand alone but can be linked with a coordinating conjunction. When they are joined without an explicit link, compound sentences can be formed by juxtaposition (commas, colons, semicolons, etc.). If the compound sentence is formed by two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction, it is a sentence composed by coordination.
Types of coordinating conjunctions: copulative (y, e, ni / and, nor), disjunctive (o, u / or) and adversative (pero, mas, sin embargo / but, however).

Coordination vs. Subordination

Coordination links words, phrases, clauses, and independent clauses of equivalent syntactic status. By contrast, subordination establishes dependence between clauses: the subordinate clause depends on the main clause and performs a specific syntactic function within it.

Polysyndeton and Asyndeton

• Polysyndeton: repetitive use of conjunctions to emphasize the terms or create a deliberate rhythm.
• Asyndeton: omission of conjunctions to give vividness and energy to the expression.

Sentences Formed by Subordination

When dependence is established between clauses, the subordinate clause performs a syntactic function in the main clause (subject, direct object, complement, etc.). Example with annotation:

Hopefully (O.principal) that (conj.subord.) one day I bring you good news (O.subor., according to CD).

Types of Subordinate Clauses

There are three main types of subordinate clauses:

• Substantive (noun) clauses: can function as subject, direct object (CD), or other object/complement forms (CRV, etc.).
• Adjective (relative) clauses: function as noun modifiers (c. nombre).
• Adverbial clauses: function as adverbials (circumstantial complements).

Dequeísmo

Dequeísmo: the incorrect insertion of the preposition "de" before que when introducing a substantive subordinate clause. The preposition de should only be used when the subordinate clause requires it (for example, with a verbal regime or another structure that demands de), and should not be inserted with other functions.

General Procedure: Look for a Complement

First of all, we are always looking for a complement (que).

Indicative Tenses (examples)

Indicative:

• Present: I have.
• Past imperfect (Imperfect): I had / I used to have.
• Future: I will have.
• Conditional: I would.
• Preterite (Simple past): I had.
• Present perfect (compound): I have had.
• Past perfect (pluperfect): I had had.
• Past anterior / Previous past: I had been / had I been (archaic forms noted).
• Future perfect: I will have been.
• Conditional perfect: I would have been / there would have been.

Subjunctive Tenses (examples)

Subjunctive:

• Present: (that) I be.
• Imperfect / Past subjunctive: (that) I were / (that) I had (in some contexts).
• Present perfect subjunctive: (that) I have been.
• Past perfect subjunctive (pluperfect subjunctive): (that) I had been.
• Future subjunctive (rare): (that) I will be / (that) I will have been (future subjunctive forms are rare in contemporary English).