Conjunciones y Preposiciones: Conexiones Clave para la Fluidez
¿Te sientes limitado al construir frases sencillas? Las conjunciones y preposiciones son el pegamento que une ideas, permitiéndote expresar contraste, condición, causa y tiempo con precisión. Esta guía te enseñará a usar conectores como `although`, `in case`, `while` y `by` para que tus conversaciones y textos sean más fluidos, complejos y naturales.
1. Expresar Contraste y Condición
Estos conectores se usan para contrastar dos ideas o para establecer una condición necesaria para que algo suceda.
`although`, `in spite of`, `despite`
Se usan para expresar un contraste o una sorpresa. Although va seguido de una cláusula (`sujeto + verbo`). In spite of / Despite van seguidos de un sustantivo o un gerundio.
Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
Despite the rain, we went for a walk.
She didn’t get the job, even though she was qualified.
In spite of being a great student, she failed the exam.
I ate all the food, though I wasn't hungry.
Despite the fact that he worked hard, he didn't pass.
We went out even though the weather was bad.
The concert was great, although the tickets were expensive.
He kept working, in spite of feeling tired.
`in case`, `unless`, `as long as`, `provided`
in case indica una acción preventiva. Unless significa `if not`. `As long as` y `provided` establecen una condición.
Take an umbrella in case it rains.
I won’t go to the party unless you go too.
You can stay here as long as you are quiet.
You can borrow my car provided you drive carefully.
We took a taxi in case we were late.
The team won't lose as long as they play well.
Don’t call me unless it’s an emergency.
You can use the phone, provided that you pay for your calls.
I wrote down the address in case I forgot it.
2. Conectores de Semejanza y Razón
Estos conectores son muy versátiles y se usan para comparar, dar una razón o describir un rol.
`as`, `like`, `as if`
As se usa para hablar de dos acciones que ocurren al mismo tiempo (`as I was leaving...`), para dar una razón (`as it was late...`) o para describir un rol (`as a teacher...`). Like se usa para comparar (`like a cat...`).
As I was leaving, the phone rang.
As it was late, we decided to take a taxi.
She works as a doctor.
She looks like a model.
He ran like the wind.
He talks as if he knows everything.
It sounds as if someone is knocking.
He did exactly as I told him.
The news was a surprise like this one.
3. Preposiciones de Tiempo
El uso correcto de las preposiciones de tiempo es crucial para expresar la duración, el momento y la fecha límite de una acción.
`during`, `for`, `while`
During se usa con un sustantivo para indicar un período de tiempo. For se usa con una duración específica. While es una conjunción que introduce una cláusula (`sujeto + verbo`).
I fell asleep during the movie.
I fell asleep for ten minutes.
I fell asleep while I was watching the movie.
She studied abroad for a year.
We went to the beach during the summer.
The phone rang while I was cooking.
He worked in London for two years.
I met him during my trip to Paris.
I saw her while she was waiting for a bus.
`by` y `until`
Until indica un período que continúa hasta un punto en el tiempo. By indica un plazo o una fecha límite.
I will be here until five o'clock.
I need to finish this report by Friday.
He waited at the station until the train arrived.
I'll be home by 7 p.m. at the latest.
You must pay the bill by the end of the month.
I didn't know about it until yesterday.
I will have finished my work by the time you get home.
The movie is boring. Let's wait until the end.
We were stuck in traffic, and by the time we arrived, the play had already started.
Resumen Comparativo de Conjunciones y Preposiciones
Aclara las diferencias entre las estructuras más comunes para usarlas correctamente.
`although` vs. `despite`
although: Conector de cláusula.
Ej: `Although it rained...`
Although he was rich, he was unhappy.
despite: Preposición.
Ej: `Despite the rain...`
Despite his wealth, he was unhappy.
`during` vs. `for` vs. `while`
during: con sustantivo.
Ej: `during the meeting`
The phone rang during the meal.
for: con duración.
Ej: `for two hours`
I waited for two hours.
while: con cláusula.
Ej: `while I was waiting`
I saw her while she was working.
`by` vs. `until`
by: Plazo, fecha límite.
Ej: `by Friday`
You must finish by Friday.
until: Período continuo.
Ej: `until Friday`
We will wait until Friday.
`like` vs. `as`
like: Comparación.
Ej: `like a fish`
He swims like a fish.
as: Rol/Función.
Ej: `as a manager`
He works as a manager.
¡Test de Práctica!
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