Building Complex Sentences: Mastery of Subordinating Conjunctions

Objectives

1. Recognize substantive subordinate clauses in different contexts.

2. Identify the syntactic functions of substantive subordinate clauses in a sentence.

3. Understand the meaning expressed by substantive subordinate clauses.

Contextualization

Subordinating conjunctions and substantive subordinate clauses are fundamental for constructing complex and articulated sentences. They allow the expression of detailed and connected ideas, essential in both written and oral communication. For example, in a work report, a substantive subordinate clause can be used to explain the reason for a decision made: 'It is important that employees know the new guidelines.' In a newspaper article, these structures help clarify and specify information: 'The study revealed that most respondents prefer to work remotely.'

Relevance of the Theme

In the current context, the ability to construct cohesive and clear texts is highly valued. Professionals in fields such as journalism, law, marketing, and human resources frequently use substantive subordinate clauses to draft reports, contracts, articles, and communications accurately and structured. Mastering these structures is essential for effective and professional communication, facilitating the clarity and persuasion of the messages conveyed.

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect clauses, establishing a dependency relationship between them. They are essential for forming compound sentences through subordination, allowing for the construction of more complex and articulated sentences.

• Subordinating conjunctions connect a main clause to a subordinate clause.

• They indicate the relationship of dependence between clauses, such as cause, condition, concession, among others.

• These conjunctions are fundamental for the clarity and cohesion of complex texts.

Substantive Subordinate Clauses

Substantive subordinate clauses are those that function as a noun within a sentence. They can act as a subject, direct object, indirect object, predicate, nominal complement, or appositive.

• Substantive subordinate clauses perform specific syntactic functions within a sentence.

• They can be introduced by conjunctions such as 'that', 'if', among others.

• They are essential for constructing sentences that detail and specify information.

Syntactic Functions of Substantive Subordinate Clauses

Substantive subordinate clauses can perform various syntactic functions in a sentence, such as subject, direct object, indirect object, subject complement, nominal complement, and appositive. Each syntactic function determines the position and role of the substantive subordinate clause within the sentence structure.

• Subject: The substantive subordinate clause acts as the subject of the main clause.

• Direct Object: The substantive subordinate clause acts as the direct object of the verb in the main clause.

• Nominal Complement: The substantive subordinate clause complements the meaning of a noun in the main clause.

Practical Applications

• In a work report, use substantive subordinate clauses to detail decisions and actions, such as 'It is necessary that all employees participate in the training.'
• In the drafting of legal contracts, these clauses help specify conditions and clauses, such as 'The contract stipulates that the company must deliver the product within 30 days.'
• In newspaper articles, substantive subordinate clauses can be used to present research results, such as 'The study indicated that most respondents support the new measure.'

Key Terms

• Subordinating Conjunctions: Words that connect clauses establishing a dependency relationship between them.

• Substantive Subordinate Clauses: Clauses that function as a noun within a sentence.

• Syntactic Functions: Roles that substantive subordinate clauses perform within the structure of the sentence.

Questions

• How can the use of substantive subordinate clauses enrich written and oral communication?

• How are the clarity and cohesion of a text impacted by the proper use of subordinating conjunctions?

• In what professional situations do you believe the use of substantive subordinate clauses would be particularly advantageous?

Conclusion

To Reflect

During our lesson, we explored the importance of subordinating conjunctions and substantive subordinate clauses in constructing complex and articulated sentences. We understood how these structures are essential for the clarity and cohesion of written communication, whether in an academic or professional context. We reflected on the practical application of these clauses in various fields of the job market, such as journalism, law, marketing, and human resources, where precision and structuring of information are crucial. By mastering these skills, you will be better prepared to face challenges that require effective and persuasive communication. Remember that constant practice and detailed analysis of texts are fundamental to perfecting the use of substantive subordinate clauses.

Mini Challenge - Creating Articulated Sentences

Applying the learning of subordinating conjunctions and substantive subordinate clauses in a practical context.

• Choose one of the following contexts: work report, newspaper article or business communication.
• Create at least three complex sentences using subordinating conjunctions to connect the clauses.
• The sentences must include substantive subordinate clauses with different syntactic functions (subject, direct object, nominal complement, etc.).
• Write a brief paragraph explaining the syntactic function of each substantive subordinate clause in the sentences created.
• Share your sentences and explanations with a colleague and discuss possible improvements and corrections.