B1 Spanish GrammarComplex Sentence Structure
Master advanced Spanish connectors to create sophisticated sentences. Learn conjunctions like aunque, sin embargo, por lo tanto, a pesar de que, and en cuanto. Understand when these connectors require indicative or subjunctive mood for precise and nuanced communication.
1Concessive Connectors (aunque, a pesar de)
Aunque (although/even though) takes indicative for facts and subjunctive for hypotheticals or unknowns. A pesar de que (despite the fact that) follows the same rule. Sin embargo and no obstante (however) introduce contrasting independent clauses and don't affect mood.
Aunque: Indicative vs Subjunctive
| Context | Mood | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Known fact | Indicative | Aunque llueve, salgo (It's raining, but I'm going out) |
| Hypothetical | Subjunctive | Aunque llueva, saldré (Even if it rains, I'll go out) |
| Future unknown | Subjunctive | Aunque venga, no lo veré (Even if he comes...) |
| Contrast | Indicative | Aunque es difÃcil, lo hago (Though it's hard, I do it) |
Examples
Aunque está lloviendo, vamos al parque.
Although it's raining, we're going to the park.
indicative - we know it's raining
Aunque no te guste, tienes que hacerlo.
Even if you don't like it, you have to do it.
subjunctive - uncertain/hypothetical
A pesar de que trabajó mucho, no lo consiguió.
Despite working hard, he didn't achieve it.
indicative - known fact
Es caro; sin embargo, lo compré.
It's expensive; however, I bought it.
sin embargo introduces contrast
2Temporal Connectors
Temporal connectors link events in time. Cuando, mientras, tan pronto como, en cuanto, hasta que take indicative for past/present facts and subjunctive for future events. Después de que usually takes subjunctive. Antes de que always requires subjunctive.
Temporal Connectors and Mood
| Connector | Past/Present | Future |
|---|---|---|
| cuando | indicative | subjunctive |
| en cuanto | indicative | subjunctive |
| hasta que | indicative | subjunctive |
| antes de que | always subjunctive | always subjunctive |
| después de que | subjunctive (usually) | subjunctive |
Examples
Te llamaré en cuanto llegue.
I'll call you as soon as I arrive.
future → subjunctive
Cuando era niño, jugaba mucho.
When I was a child, I played a lot.
past → indicative
Espera hasta que termine.
Wait until I finish.
future → subjunctive
Antes de que te vayas, dime algo.
Before you leave, tell me something.
antes de que always + subjunctive
3Cause and Result Connectors
Causal connectors explain why: porque, ya que, puesto que, como (at start of sentence), debido a que. Result connectors show consequences: por eso, por lo tanto, asà que, de modo que, de manera que. These generally use indicative since they deal with facts.
Cause and Result Connectors
| Type | Connector | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | porque | Lo hice porque querÃa |
| Cause | ya que / puesto que | Ya que estás aquÃ, ayúdame |
| Cause (sentence start) | como | Como no vino, me fui |
| Result | por eso / por lo tanto | Estaba enfermo, por eso no vino |
| Result | asà que | LlovÃa, asà que me quedé en casa |
Examples
Como no tenÃa dinero, no pude comprarlo.
Since I didn't have money, I couldn't buy it.
como for cause at sentence start
Estudió mucho, asà que aprobó.
She studied a lot, so she passed.
asà que shows result
Estaba cansado, por lo tanto me acosté temprano.
I was tired, therefore I went to bed early.
por lo tanto - formal result
Ya que insistes, te lo diré.
Since you insist, I'll tell you.
ya que = since/given that
4Conditional and Purpose Connectors
Conditional: si (if), a menos que (unless), con tal de que (provided that), siempre que (as long as). Purpose: para que, a fin de que (so that/in order that). A menos que, con tal de que, para que, and a fin de que always require subjunctive.
Conditional and Purpose Connectors
| Type | Connector | Mood |
|---|---|---|
| Condition | si | indicative (not subjunctive) |
| Condition | a menos que | always subjunctive |
| Condition | con tal de que | always subjunctive |
| Purpose | para que | always subjunctive |
| Purpose | a fin de que | always subjunctive |
Examples
Iré a menos que llueva.
I'll go unless it rains.
a menos que + subjunctive
Te presto el coche con tal de que lo cuides.
I'll lend you the car provided you take care of it.
con tal de que + subjunctive
Hablo despacio para que me entiendas.
I speak slowly so that you understand me.
para que + subjunctive
Siempre que estudies, aprobarás.
As long as you study, you'll pass.
siempre que + subjunctive (condition)