Conjunctions

  • Conjunctions, also known as ‘conjunciones’ in Spanish, are words used to connect sentences, phrases, words, and ideas.

  • Some basic Spanish conjunctions that you should know for the test include ‘y’ (and), ‘o’ (or), ‘pero’ (but), ‘porque’ (because), and ‘como’ (as, like).

  • Use the conjunction ‘y’ when you want to add something relevent, for example: ‘Me gusta la pizza y el pollo’ (I like pizza and chicken).

  • The conjunction ‘o’ is used when you have to present options or alternatives, for example: ‘¿Quieres té o café?’ (Do you want tea or coffee?)

  • Use ‘pero’ when you would like to express a contrast or contradiction, for example: ‘Yo estudio mucho, pero no apruebo los exámenes’ (I study a lot, but I don’t pass the exams).

  • The word ‘porque’ is used to provide an explanation, for example: ‘No puedo ir al cine porque tengo que estudiar’ (I can’t go to the cinema because I have to study).

  • Use ‘como’ when you want to make comparisons, for example: ‘Corre como el viento’ (He runs like the wind).

  • Remember, some conjunctions, such as ‘ni’ (neither/nor) and ‘sino’ (but rather), have no direct equivalent in English. They must be learned and used in context.

  • There are also compound conjunctions such as ‘aunque’ (although), ‘mientras que’ (while), ‘tan pronto como’ (as soon as), and ‘a menos que’ (unless).

  • Conjunctions are not only reversed for simple sentences but also for more complex sentences. Compound conjunctions can help you to make your language more sophisticated.

  • It is also essential to learn some conjunctions can be followed by a pronoun, a noun, an adjective, or a verb in the subjunctive mood. For example, ‘antes de que’ (before) is followed by a verb in the subjunctive, i.e., ‘Debes terminar antes de que llegue tu madre.’ (You should finish before your mother arrives).

  • Do not forget to practise conjunctions regularly as they are an integral part of the structure of the Spanish language. They add fluency and shape the meaning of your statements. Review, write, and use them in your speaking exercises.