How to Use Complex Sentences and Subordinate Clauses in Ukrainian

Understanding Complex Sentences in Ukrainian

Complex sentences in Ukrainian consist of a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses. These subordinate clauses provide additional information and are connected to the main clause by conjunctions or relative pronouns.

What is a Subordinate Clause?

A subordinate clause (підрядне речення) cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It depends on the main clause to give it meaning. For example, in the sentence "Я знаю, що ти прийдеш" (I know that you will come), the clause "що ти прийдеш" is subordinate.

Types of Subordinate Clauses in Ukrainian

There are several types of subordinate clauses, including:

• Subordinate clauses of time (часу)
• Subordinate clauses of cause (причини)
• Subordinate clauses of purpose (мети)
• Subordinate clauses of condition (умови)
• Subordinate clauses of concession (уступки)
• Subordinate clauses of comparison (порівняння)
• Subordinate clauses of place (місця)

Common Conjunctions Used in Subordinate Clauses

Ukrainian uses specific conjunctions to introduce subordinate clauses. Some of the most common are:

• що (that)
• коли (when)
• де (where)
• тому що (because)
• якщо (if)
• хоч (although)
• щоб (so that)

Forming Complex Sentences: Examples

Here are some examples of complex sentences with subordinate clauses in Ukrainian:

• Я знаю, що ти прийдеш. (I know that you will come.)
• Він пішов, тому що йому було холодно. (He left because he was cold.)
• Якщо буде дощ, ми залишимось вдома. (If it rains, we will stay home.)
• Вона сказала, що працює в офісі. (She said that she works in an office.)

Tips for Using Subordinate Clauses in Ukrainian

When constructing complex sentences in Ukrainian, keep in mind:

• The subordinate clause usually follows the main clause but can sometimes precede it.
• Commas are used to separate the subordinate clause from the main clause.
• The verb in the subordinate clause is conjugated according to its subject and tense.
• Some conjunctions require the verb in the subordinate clause to be in the subjunctive mood, especially with purpose clauses using "щоб".

Practice: Translate These Sentences into Ukrainian

Try translating the following sentences using complex sentences with subordinate clauses:

1. I think that he is coming tomorrow.
2. She left because she was tired.
3. If it snows, we will go skiing.
4. He said that he will call later.