Summary of Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions

Introduction

Relevance of the Theme

"Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions" is a crucial pillar for the understanding and construction of complex sentences, as well as for the development of advanced writing and communication skills. The presence of these conjunctions allows the interconnection of ideas (clauses) in a single text, expanding the richness and variation of possible sentence structures. Mastering this theme is like having the key to unlock a whole universe of expressions and ideas in our language.

Contextualization

Grammar is like the skeleton of a language, the invisible structure that supports it. Coordinating and subordinating conjunctions, by the way, are a highly strategic segment of this skeleton. Situated after the study of sentence types and basic syntax notions, it presents itself at a more advanced and complex level. As a teacher, I look at this theme as a major step not only towards fluency in the Portuguese language but also towards understanding the structuring of thought and argumentation in writing.

Studying the function and use of coordinating and subordinating conjunctions lays the foundation for building more sophisticated texts, interpreting complex texts, and improving oral and written expression. This is an essential step in the student's journey towards mastering the Portuguese language.

Theoretical Development

Conjunctions

Conjunctions are linking terms, that is, words or expressions used to connect clauses, terms, or phrases in the construction of a discourse.

Coordinating conjunctions, as the name suggests, establish a relationship of coordination between the clauses they connect. In other words, the clauses linked by coordinating conjunctions have the same importance, acting independently of each other in the context of the sentence.

On the other hand, subordinating conjunctions establish a relationship of subordination between the clauses they connect. In this case, one of the clauses, called the main clause, is more important, and the other, called the subordinate clause, depends on it to have complete meaning.

Types of Conjunctions

• Additive (Coordinating): Express an idea of addition, joining. Examples: and, nor, not only...but also, both...and, as well as.

• Adversative (Coordinating): Express an idea of opposition, contrast, restriction to the affirmation of the previous clause. Examples: but, however, nevertheless, yet, nonetheless.

• Alternative (Coordinating): Express an idea of alternation, choice. Examples: either...or, now...now, whether...or, be it...be it.

• Conclusive (Coordinating): Introduce an idea of conclusion, consequence. Examples: therefore, thus, hence, consequently, so.

• Causal (Subordinating): Introduce an idea of cause for what is being said in the main clause. Examples: because, as, that, for, since.

• Concessive (Subordinating): Even if the main clause is contrary to the subordinate clause, the idea of the subordinate clause remains valid. Examples: although, even though, even if.

• Final (Subordinating): Introduce an idea of intention, purpose for the action expressed in the main clause. Examples: so that, in order that, that.

• Temporal (Subordinating): Introduce an idea of time for what is being said in the main clause. Examples: when, as soon as, after, since.

Examples of Conjunctions in Use

• Additive Coordinating (and): "João bought bread and milk."

• Adversative Coordinating (but): "I did the exercise, but I got the answer wrong."

• Alternative Coordinating (or): "You can study math or science."

• Conclusive Coordinating (therefore): "He is studying a lot, therefore, he will have a good grade."

• Causal Subordinating (because): "She left early because she was tired."

• Concessive Subordinating (although): "I'm going to the movies, although I have to study."

• Final Subordinating (so that): "I study a lot so that I can learn."

• Temporal Subordinating (when): "He always cries when he watches sad movies."

Detailed Summary

Relevant Points

• The Importance of Conjunctions: No discussion of grammar and syntax can be complete without addressing the relevance of conjunctions. They are like the "glue" that holds ideas and sentences together in a coherent text.

• Coordination versus Subordination: Coordinating and subordinating conjunctions must be clearly differentiated. The use of each implies a different logical relationship between the clauses they connect. Coordinating conjunctions indicate equality of importance or independence between the clauses, while subordinating conjunctions indicate that one clause depends on the other.

• Types of Conjunctions: There are several types of conjunctions, each with its distinctive function. Mastery of these different categories allows for variety of expressions and nuances in language.

• Practical Examples: The best way to learn the use of conjunctions is through practice. Practical examples that include the use of conjunctions in various situations help solidify theoretical knowledge.

Conclusions

• Understanding coordinating and subordinating conjunctions is fundamental for fluency and competence in the Portuguese language. They form the foundation for constructing complex sentences and meaningful texts.

• Coordinating and subordinating conjunctions are not isolated elements, but interact within the context of sentences and texts. The context and intention determine the appropriate use of each conjunction.

• The appropriate and varied use of coordinating and subordinating conjunctions contributes to expressive richness and clarity of speech, whether in written or spoken form.

Suggested Exercises

1. Identify the type of conjunction: Given a set of sentences, identify the type of conjunction used (additive, alternative, adversative, causal, concessive, final, temporal, conclusive). Example: "He studied a lot, therefore, he was approved." (conclusive)

2. Complete with the appropriate conjunction: Given a sentence, complete the sentence with the appropriate conjunction (additive, alternative, adversative, causal, concessive, final, temporal, conclusive). Example: "I brought fruits ___ chocolates." (and)

3. Rewrite sentences: Given a set of simple sentences, rewrite the sentences by combining them into a single sentence using the appropriate conjunction. Example: "I studied a lot. I passed the test." => "I studied a lot and passed the test."