compound sentences

Language

2022

We explain what compound sentences are, the characteristics of each type and various examples. Also, simple sentences.

Compound sentences have more than one conjugated verb.

What are compound sentences?

Compound sentences are those that have more than one verb phrase in their analysis syntactic, that is, those that have more than one verb conjugated in its structure.

Unlike the simple sentencesWith a linear structure and direct meaning, compound sentences allow more complex sets of ideas to be approached and expressed in the same proposition. This is possible by integrating two or more simple sentences, that is, two or more predicates.

Compound sentences are common in Spanish (and many other languages). They are the most common form of speaks daily life, as they reflect the complexity of our network of thought more or less quickly.

To do this, this type of prayers often require links, pronouns and other grammatical pieces that enable the introduction of a new simple sentence within another or next to another. Thus, relationships of coordination, juxtaposition or subordination, which summarize the three procedures available to form compound sentences.

Types of compound sentences

Compound sentences are classified according to the procedure used to construct them, as follows:

Coordinated sentences or formed by coordination. They consist of the union of two simple sentences of different content semantic and equal functional value, through the use of different types of links. They are identified because both sentences are syntactically independent, although together they acquire a global meaning. In turn, they are classified as:

  • Copulative coordinates. Those that express the summation or incorporation of the meanings of both simple sentences, and use links such as Y, and, or neither. For example: “Miguel plays soccer Y to basketball "," Your mother does not wash neither iron".
  • Adverse coordinates. In them the opposition or confrontation of the meaning of simple sentences is expressed, using links such as but, more, even if, but nevertheless, etc. For example: “Miguel plays soccer, but not basketball "," Your mother washes, even if do not iron ”.
  • Disjunctive coordinates. Those that seek to give options to choose between the meaning of both simple sentences, using links such as or, or. For example: “Does Miguel play soccer? or basketball? "," Your mother or wash, or iron".

Sentences juxtaposed or formed by juxtaposition. They consist of the combination of simple sentences of equal syntactic value, without any connection between them, but at most a punctuation mark (in writing, obviously). For example: "The man was jogging, his dog was also", "He had a glass of water; she poured herself vodka. "

Sentences subordinate or formed by subordination. In this case, complex sentences are obtained by submitting a simple sentence to the other in the syntactic hierarchy, that is, making it depend on the main one, becoming called "subordinate". Subordinates depend on principals to express their content, and often follow a subordinate link (or lack thereof). They can be classified into:

  • Subordinate Subordinate Claims (OSS). Those that play the role of a noun phrase: subject, attribute, direct complement, indirect complement or regime complement. They are usually preceded by conjunctions that, about what, Yes, to, for, according to the case. For example: “I would like that kiss me "," We are ready for receive you "," Maria is not willing to forgive you ”.
  • Subordinate adjective or relative clauses (OR). Those that serve to qualify or complement a noun phrase, always acting as an adjacent or complement, and being introduced by a relative pronoun such as that, to which, of what, whose, whose, where, What, etc. For example: “Maria, that She is very upset, she is waiting for you in the living room ”,“ My cousin, of what I spoke to you the other day, he arrived last night ”,“ On vacation, when We went to Spain, we got the virus ”.
  • Subordinate adverbial clauses (OSA). Those that always perform the function of circumstantial complements of the verb of the main sentence, and use links according to the complementary function they perform, such as: more than, tank, barely, as soon as, as long as, where, What, etc. For example: “I will go as soon as my work allows it ","When let's be inside, we close all the windows "," I'll give you what you ask, as long as you do the same ".

Examples of compound sentences

Here are some examples of compound sentences of different types:

  • Gabriel has a tea, Maria a beer.
  • My father is taking care of me, wherever I am.
  • Failure is not an option, as long as you have the resources.
  • Pedro bought vegetables and decided to make himself a risotto.
  • Are you coming with me to the dance or do you prefer to get bored at home?
  • When you get home, text me.
  • A woman, who lived alone in a cabin in Switzerland, gave birth to her two twin children.
  • Yesterday I met my friend, who I told you about the other time.
  • We are a happy family, but sometimes we fight.
  • I'll get to the top of this mountain, even if it's the last thing I do.
  • The dog runs, its owners look at it.
  • We will travel to Hong Kong and there we will decide the next destination.

Simple sentences

Complex sentences can be understood as fusions of simple sentences, so the latter are simpler, smaller versions of a single verb (and predicate). Simple sentences are the first ones we use when we are learning a language, since they express a direct, simple and linear content.

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