Mastering Advanced Greek Syntax: Complex Sentences Explained for English Speakers

Understanding Complex Sentences in Greek Syntax

Complex sentences in Greek consist of a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses. These structures allow speakers to express detailed and nuanced ideas, making them essential for advanced proficiency.

Main and Subordinate Clauses

The main clause (κύρια πρόταση) expresses the primary idea, while subordinate clauses (δευτερεύουσα πρόταση) provide additional information. Subordinate clauses can function as noun clauses, adjective clauses, or adverbial clauses.

Types of Subordinate Clauses

• Noun Clauses (Ονοματικές προτάσεις): act as subjects, objects, or complements.
• Adjective Clauses (Επιθετικές προτάσεις): modify nouns, similar to relative clauses.
• Adverbial Clauses (Επιρρηματικές προτάσεις): indicate time, cause, condition, purpose, etc.

Forming Complex Sentences with Conjunctions

Greek uses various conjunctions to link clauses. Understanding these conjunctions is key to mastering complex sentences.

• ὅτι (that) – introduces noun clauses.
• ὅταν (whenever) – introduces temporal adverbial clauses.
• εἰ (if) – introduces conditional clauses.
• γιατί (because) – introduces causal clauses.
• ώστε (so that) – introduces result or purpose clauses.

Example: Using ὅτι to Introduce a Noun Clause

Greek: Πιστεύω ὅτι θα έρθει αύριο.
English: I believe that he will come tomorrow.

Relative Clauses in Greek

Relative clauses provide more information about a noun and are introduced by relative pronouns such as που, ο οποίος, η οποία, το οποίο.

Example: Relative Clause with που

Greek: Ο άντρας που μιλάει είναι δάσκαλος.
English: The man who is speaking is a teacher.

Using Subjunctive and Indicative Moods in Complex Sentences

The mood of the verb in subordinate clauses often depends on the meaning and conjunction used. The subjunctive mood is common in purpose and temporal clauses, while the indicative is used for factual statements.

Example: Subjunctive in Purpose Clause

Greek: Διαβάζω για να περάσω τις εξετάσεις.
English: I study so that I may pass the exams.

Common Pitfalls for English Speakers Learning Greek Complex Sentences

Practice Exercises for Complex Sentences

Try combining these simple sentences into complex ones using appropriate conjunctions and relative pronouns:

1. Ο Γιάννης διαβάζει. Θέλει να περάσει τις εξετάσεις.
2. Η Μαρία είναι δασκάλα. Μιλάει ελληνικά.
3. Θα πάω στο πάρκο. Αν δεν βρέχει.