Gramática Inglesa Avanzada: Oraciones Subordinadas y Conectores

Limiting Clauses

A main clause can be qualified or limited by clauses introduced by: in that, in so far as, inasmuch as (formal and rare).

In that

• The Fashion Rocks was exciting in that all designers were proud of it.
• Rachel and Russell talked fluently in that nobody could understand them.
• My grandmother gave many candies in that I couldn't deny her.

In so far as

• The prices were quite expensive in so far as nobody could buy a souvenir.
• Portal mall is gigantic in so far as many people can be inside.
• The exposition was marvellous in so far as all artists were children.

Inasmuch as

• Every summer is amazing inasmuch as I can always enjoy them.
• Every winter is boring inasmuch as I can't go out to the beach.
• The newspaper has horrible news inasmuch as many accidents have happened today.

Clauses of Concession

Clauses of concession contrast clauses. These clauses introduce an element of contrast into a sentence by the following conjunctions: although, considering that, even if, much as, while, whereas, however much/badly/good, no matter how, no matter [question word].

Although

• Although I wanted to rest last weekend, I couldn't do it.
• Although my mother loves cats, I hate them.
• Although the teacher did an easy test, students got awful marks.

Considering (that)

• Considering (that) he is forty, he looks very attractive.
• Considering (that) it is late, I go to bed.
• Considering (that) he has just started, he knows a lot about the topic.

Even if

• Even if I pass my courses this year, I will have to work in summer.
• Even if her father gets a job in Temuco, she will study in Santiago next year.
• We will get there even if we have to walk.

Much as

• Much as I would like to go, I don't have enough money.
• Much as the teacher wants to help them, they don't obey instructions.
• Much as the teacher gave us many opportunities, we didn't study hard.

While

• While I got excellent marks in English, my sister didn't.
• While my mother cooks well, my father is awful in the kitchen.
• While I want to help, you can come to study at home.

Whereas

• Some of my students did exceptional researches whereas others didn't.
• Children learned how to ride a bike whereas my siblings couldn't.
• The English exams were scandalous whereas my exam was quite good.

However (+ adjective)

• However much knowledge you have, you can't know everything.
• However tall Ari and Charles are, they belong to the greatest basketball team in Temuco.
• However expensive it is, I will buy this car for my dear daughter.

No matter how

• No matter how you did it, it is well done.
• No matter how they sing, you have to congratulate them.
• No matter what she wears, he loves her.

No matter (question word)

• No matter where she lives, I'll be there with her.
• No matter who you are, you need to speak two languages for this employment.
• No matter when my mother arrives in Chile, we stay at home during her absence.

Purpose Clauses

Conjunctions

What for? Or for what purpose? (questions for these clauses)

Introduced by conjunctions such as: so that, in order that, in case, lest, and for fear (that). Ex: I studied hard in order that I get an excellent mark today.

Sequence of Verb Forms

Verb in main clause is present, present perfect, or future.

So that is more common than in order that, followed by may, can, will.

Ex: All the students have worked hard so that the teacher will congratulate them.

In case, lest, and for fear

Future reference: in case + should, might, or present.

Ex: I've read this book in case I should develop a research.

So that

• My partner and I practiced hard so that we performed an excellent classroom project.
• I have been on a diet so that I will be slim for summer.
• The journalists are in Peru so that they will get the recent news about the conflict.

In order that

• My sister has rehearsed for her concert in order that she can do it perfectly.
• I've cleaned the house in order that I may go out this weekend.
• My father is learning English in order that he can get a better job.

In case

• The students are preparing a portfolio in case (that) the teacher can check it.
• We've saved money in case (that) I should travel to the USA next year.
• The secretary had bought aspirin in case (that) she might suffer a headache.

Lest

• He gripped his brother's arm lest (that) he be trampled by the mob.
• My mother kept my sister warm lest (that) she have a cold.
• The doctor examined her lest (that) she be diagnosed.

For fear

• Jean sold the house for fear Alice might turn back home.
• Frank cleaned his bedroom for fear his mother might punish him.
• I studied hard for fear I might fail the course.

Result Clauses

Conjunctions and sequences of verbs to describe consequences

That after so + adjective:

• Her mistake is so great that I can't believe it.

That after so + adverb:

• Her necessity for food was considered so urgently that the government decided to help her out.

When that is omitted informally, a comma is sometimes used:

• Her mistake is so great, I can't believe it.

Result clauses with and without that can also be used after so + much, many, few, little, etc.

Ex: There will be so much to work that I am resting now.

More examples with adjectives

• His prize is so enormous that she doesn't believe it.
• My marks are so brilliant that I'm surprised.
• She sings so marvellously that she won the Viña del Mar Festival.

More examples with adverbs

• She speaks so quickly that I can't understand her.
• My father snores so loudly that my mother is not able to sleep.
• They smoke so heavily that we can't breathe in the classroom.

That omitted examples

• Her surprise was so great (,) she didn't believe it.
• She drives so slowly (,) my uncle will be late again.
• My weekend was so busy that I couldn't rest.

Condition Clauses

• 1. If I work, 2. I'll buy a car (1 fulfilled, 2 unfulfilled / likely future)
• 1. If I worked, 2. I would buy a car (1 unfulfilled, 2 might be or might not be fulfilled)
• If I had worked, I would have bought a car.

*If can be replaced by should (formal):

• Should I work, I'll buy a car.
• Unless you pay me, I won't give you the DVD.

If vs Unless

Surface level

• If I get a good mark, I'll catch my breath.
• Unless I get a good mark, I won't catch my breath.

Deep level

• If I don't get a good mark, I won't catch my breath.
• Unless I get a good mark, I won't catch my breath.

Abbreviated or Verbless Clauses

One problem is that of identifying the "understood" subject of a non-finite or verbless clause. The normal rule, which can be called the attachment rule, is that if the subject is "understood" rather than actually present, it is assumed to be identical in reference to the subject of the superordinate clause.

I.e.: The oranges, when (they are) ripe, are picked and sorted.