Conjunctions – Higher Spanish SQA Revision

Conjunctions in Spanish

Conjunctions in Spanish are used to connect words, phrases, and clauses. These are words such as y (and), o (or), pero (but), porque (because), aunque (although), etc.

Coordinating conjunctions are used to link parts of the sentence that are grammatically equal or similar in importance. Examples include y (and), o/ó (or), pero (but), ni (nor), sino (but rather).
Remember, use ó (instead of o) when the word that follows begins with an “o” or “ho” like in “hombre ó mujer” (man or woman).

Subordinating conjunctions connect a main clause with a subordinate (or dependent) clause, giving additional context or details to the main clause. Examples include porque (because), aunque (although), cuando (when), si (if).
Pay attention to si (if) in Spanish, as unlike English, Spanish does not use the word for hypothetical sentences. Instead, it uses the subjunctive mood: “Si tuviera dinero, viajaría por el mundo” (If I had money, I’d travel the world).

Be mindful of Spanish conjunctions in negative sentences. For instance, no (no) is used before the verb, and words like nunca (never), nadie (nobody), nada (nothing), take place after the verb: “No tengo nada” (I have nothing).
To say neither/nor or either/or in Spanish, use ni…ni and o…o respectively: “Ni tú ni yo” (Neither you nor I) / “O tú o yo” (Either you or I).

Some conjunctions are actually conjunctive phrases, meaning they are made up of two or more words. Examples include a pesar de que (despite), antes de que (before), en caso de que (in case), para que (so that).
Para que and antes de que are followed by the subjunctive: “Estudia para que apruebes” (Study so that you pass).