Understanding Spanish Conjunctions: Types and Usage

Types of Conjunctions in Spanish

Coordinate Conjunctions

These connect elements of equal grammatical rank.

• Juxtaposed: I came, I saw, I conquered
• Coordinated (P1 - P2)
• Copulative: (y, e) Example: John studied and Anna works
• Adversative: (pero, mas, sin embargo) Example: We played well but lost
• Disjunctive: (o, u) Example: Either you come or stay
• Distributional: (ya...ya, bien...bien, unos...otros) Example: Some are playing, others do the task

Subordinate Conjunctions

These connect a subordinate clause to a main clause.

Substantive Conjunctions

These act as a noun phrase.

• Substitute for nouns or pronouns
• The conjunction acts as a link
• Subject: Example: I am concerned that I should study hard.
• (CD) Example: Andrew thinks that Carlos was right.
• (CN) Example: We are convinced that you'll be performing.
• Attribute Example: John is biting.
• (C Adj) Example: I was sure we would win the contest.

Supplement Agent (C Ag)

(relative noun)

• Subject Example: I am concerned that I should study hard.
• (CD) Example: Andrew thinks that Carlos was right.
• (CN) Example: We are convinced that you volunteer.
• Attribute Example: John is biting.
• (C Adj)

Adjectival or Relative Conjunctions

These qualify a noun (antecedente).

• Specified: (selects from the antecedent the group to which it belongs) Example: The man sitting is his father.
  • Links:
    • Relative pronouns: que, quien(es), el/la/los/las cual(es)
    • Relative adverbs: donde, como, cuando
    • The pronoun cuyo/a/os/as, which acts as a possessive relative
• Explanatory: (may be omitted without altering the meaning of the sentence) Example: The player, who was tired, left.

Adverbial Conjunctions

These function as adverbs.

Time

Nexus: cuando, mientras, antes (de) que, desde que, a la vez que, después (de) que, hasta que, como, siempre que... Example: Sit down whenever you want.

Place

Nexus: donde Example: Sit anywhere.

Manner

Nexus: como, según... Example: Sit as you want.

Comparative

• Example: He's smarter than Javier.
• Example: It is as smart as I thought.
• Example: It is less awkward than yesterday.

Grounds

Nexus: porque, ya que, puesto que, como... Example: I'm leaving because it's raining.

Consecutive

The subordinate clause (PS) is a consequence of the main clause (PP). Nexus: luego, así que, por tanto, conque... Example: I think, therefore I am.

Concessive

Opposes a difficulty to the fulfillment of the main clause (PP). Nexus: aunque, a pesar de que... Example: I won although I was sick.

Conditional

The main action is fulfilled if the condition is met. Nexus: si, con tal que, siempre que... Example: I'll stay if you help me.

Final

Explains the purpose of the main action. Nexus: para que, a fin de que... Example: I will play for fun.