If you want to make a complex sentence in Russian, you have to use "connector words" called conjunctions! We have 153 different variations, but we will learn just a handful of them today!
Outline:
What is a complex sentece
What is a complex sentence?
A complex sentence is when a sentence has 2 pairs of subject and a verb. For example:
I did this and you did that
"I did" is the first pair, "you did" is the second one. In the sentence above "and" is a conjunction. Let's learn some of them now!
Start with these 11
The list below has the most basic conjunctions:
И (and)
"И" is equivalent to "and" in English. It's used to connect words or clauses of the same type.
Example: Мама пришла, и папа пришёл (Mom came and dad came).
Но (but)
"Но" expresses contrast or exception.
Example: Я устал, но всё равно пойду(I am tired, but I will go regardless).
А (while)
"A" can be confusing because it can mean both "and" and "but," depending on the context. It either adds information or provides a contrasting point. But typically is used when the 2 parts are completely different.
Example: Она хорошая, а он добрый (She is good, and he is kind).
Зато (but/however)
"Зато" is often used to stress a positive trait that compensates for a negative one. Or vice versa!
Example: Он не быстрый, зато умный (He's not fast, but he's smart).
Будто (as If)
This conjunction is used to create hypothetical or exaggerated statements.
Example: Она выглядит, будто не спала (She looks as if she hasn't slept).
Если (if)
"Если" introduces conditional statements.
Example: Если пойдет дождь, останусь дома (If it rains, I'll stay home).
Когда (when)
"Когда" is used to indicate time-based conditions or events.
Example: Когда она придет, мы начнем (When she arrives, we'll begin).
Либо (or)
"Либо" is used to say "or".
Example: Я приду вовремя, либо немного опоздаю (I will come on time or I will be a bit late).
But a second meaning of "Либо" is equivalent to "either... or" in English, offering alternatives. But double "либо" is used.
Example: Либо ты идёшь, либо я уйду (Either you come or I leave).
Потому что (because)
This conjunction explains reasons or justifications.
Example: Я опоздал, потому что были пробки (I'm late because of traffic).
Что (that)
"Что" is a versatile conjunction used to introduce various types of subordinate clauses, often serving to explain or elaborate.
Example: Я знаю, что ты прав (I know that you're right).
Чтобы (in order to)
"Чтобы" indicates purpose or objective.
Example: Он учится, чтобы получить хорошую работу (He studies in order to get a good job).
And a second meaning of "чтобы" is when we tell someone else to do something.
Example: Он сказал тебе, чтобы ты заправился (I told you to get gas).
Wanna learn Russian and make rapid progres? Click the link below!
Conjunctions for advanced sentences
А именно (specifically)
This conjunction is used to provide a specific clarification or examples following a general statement.
Example: Я люблю фрукты, а именно яблоки и груши. (I like fruits, specifically apples and pears.)
Или…, или (either…or)
Presents two mutually exclusive options, indicating that only one of them can be true or happen.
Example: Или ты идёшь, или я иду. (Either you go, or I go.)
Благо (thankfully)
Used to express relief or gratitude for something.
Example: Благо, дождь прекратился. (Thankfully, the rain has stopped.)
А то (otherwise)
This phrase often warns of a consequence if a condition is not met.
Example: Поспеши, а то опоздаешь. (Hurry up, otherwise you'll be late.)
Благодаря тому что (because of the fact that)
Explains the reason behind a result, similar to "thanks to the fact that."
Example: Благодаря тому что я учился, я сдал экзамен. (Because of the fact that I studied, I passed the exam.)
В результате чего (as a result of which)
Describes the consequence of a previous action.
Example: Он упал, в результате чего сломал руку. (He fell, as a result of which he broke his arm.)
В случае если (in case if)
Outlines a condition under which something else will happen.
Example: В случае если дождь пойдёт, возьми зонт. (In case it rains, take an umbrella.)
В то время как (while, during the time of)
Used to show contrast between two simultaneous actions or states.
Example: В то время как я работаю, она отдыхает. (While I work, she rests.)
Ввиду того что (due to the fact that)
Used to explain the reason or cause for a situation.
Example: Ввиду того что завтра праздник, магазин закрыт. (Due to the fact that tomorrow is a holiday, the store is closed.)
Поэтому (therefore)
Indicates a conclusion or result from a previous statement, similar to "therefore."
Example: Я устал, поэтому иду спать. (I'm tired, therefore I'm going to sleep.)
Из-за того что (because of)
Points to a cause, reason, or motivating factor for a particular situation.
Example: Из-за того что он опоздал, мы упустили поезд. (Because he was late, we missed the train.)
Как только (as soon as)
Sets up a condition that immediately triggers another action.
Example: Как только придешь, позвони мне. (As soon as you arrive, call me.)
К тому же (moreover)
Adds additional information that strengthens the previous point.
Example: Она умная, к тому же красивая. (She's smart, moreover, she's beautiful.)
Не только…, но и (not only…, but also)
Used to expand on a statement by adding an additional element or quality.
Example: Он не только умный, но и талантлив. (He's not only smart, but also talented.)
Несмотря на то что (despite the fact that)
Used to introduce a contrasting idea or exception.
Example: Несмотря на то что шёл дождь, я пошёл гулять. (Despite the fact that it was raining, I went for a walk.)
После того как (after)
Used to set up a sequence of events.
Example: После того как я поел, я пошёл спать. (After I ate, I went to sleep.)
При условии что (provided that)
Sets up a conditional scenario.
Example: Ты можешь идти, при условии что будешь осторожен. (You can go, provided that you're careful.)
Ради того, чтобы (in order to)
Indicates the purpose or goal of an action.
Example: Я здесь ради того, чтобы помочь. (I'm here in order to help.)
Хотя (although)
Introduces a contrasting idea that does not negate the main point.
Example: Хотя я устал, я продолжу работать. (Although I'm tired, I'll continue to work.)
All of these are used by natives every day! You should use them too!
