The syntax of the Russian language inspires fear and awe in many who study it, and in vain. There is nothing complicated: a subordinate definitive, allied word, introductory constructions - the names are incomprehensible only at first glance. So let's figure it out.
Although, in principle, the word order in sentences in Russian is free, basically sentences are built according to the SVO principle or subject (actor, subject), then verb (predicate), then object (direct object). Example - "I'm going for a walk on the street" - a normative construction of a sentence for the Russian language.
A different word order is usually used to add some meaning - ironic, for example.
Complex sentences are of two types: compound and complex.
The first are divided according to what unions are connected - connecting (they include and, yes in the meaning of "and", neither … nor, too, like … so, also, yes and), divisive (or, or, then … then, or … either, not that … not that) and opposing (but, ah, yes, in the meaning of "but", however).
Simple sentences in compound sentences are separated by commas (example: "A complex sentence with relative clauses still doesn't scare me so much, and the prospect of explaining to children what it is more terrifies me").
A comma is always placed before adversative and disjunctive unions.
Complex subordinatives are divided into attributive clauses, explanatory clauses and adverbial clauses. They differ in what unions they join. A compound sentence with a dependent clause consists of a simple sentence and a clause attached to it with the help of conjunctions or allied words.
The explanatory clause spreads the predicate with its content (verbs of speech, perception, feelings) and answers the questions: "what?", "what?", "where?" And joins with: what, to, as if.
The attributive clause answers the question "what?" and joins with: which, which, whose, who, what, where.
There are many adverbial clauses, and they differ in the same way as circumstances: there are adverbial clauses of the manner of action, place, time, condition, reason, purpose, comparison, concession.
A complex sentence with an attributive clause, which refers to the members of the sentence, defining and clarifying its features, can often be found in the description of the landscape.
It is important to remember that commasonly completely independent sentences are separated - with a subject and a predicate, and not homogeneous members connected by a union (in a non-union sentence, homogeneous members are also separated by a comma). Exceptions to this rule are sentences in which there is some common element (a circumstance of time or place that applies to both sentences, for example) - in such cases a comma is not needed. For example: "In the old, musty forest, frogs lived and writhing snakes crawled under the stones." "In the forest" for the first and second sentences is an adverb of place, no comma is needed.
So, now a quick note on things to remember about subordinate clauses:
- compound clauses are classified according to the type of unions connecting them: connecting, dividing and adversative;
- complex subordinate clauses are of three types: attributive clause, explanatory and adverbial; a comma is placed before the union or allied word introducing the subordinate clause (what, what, where, although, why, etc.);
-full simple sentences in complex ones are separated by commas (exceptions are sentences with a common element).
