Structure of Consecutive Subordinate Clauses
These clauses typically follow the main clause and are introduced by specific conjunctions signaling the result or consequence of the action in the main clause The most common conjunctions include tan que so that tanto que so much that tal que such that and de tal manera que in such a way that The general structure is Main clause conjunction subordinate clause
Common Conjunctions
Tan que so that
Tan que is used to express a result by emphasizing the degree or intensity of an adjective or adverb in the main clause
Examples
1 El libro es tan interesante que no puedo dejar de leerlo The book is so interesting that I cannot stop reading it
2 Está tan cansada que se quedó dormida en el sofá She is so tired that she fell asleep on the sofa
Tanto que so much that
Tanto que emphasizes the extent or quantity of a noun or verb in the main clause
Examples
1 Comió tanto que le dolió el estómago He ate so much that his stomach hurt
2 Trabajó tanto que terminó enfermo He worked so much that he ended up sick
Tal que such that
Tal que emphasizes the nature or quality of a noun in the main clause
Examples
1 Hizo tal esfuerzo que ganó la carrera He made such an effort that he won the race
2 Tenía tal miedo que no podía moverse He was so scared that he couldnt move
De tal manera que in such a way that
De tal manera que indicates the manner in which an action is carried out leading to a specific result or consequence
Examples
1 Explicó el tema de tal manera que todos lo entendieron He explained the topic in such a way that everyone understood it
2 Organizamos el evento de tal manera que todos se divirtieron We organized the event in such a way that everyone had fun
Variations in Verb Tense and Mood
Consecutive subordinate clauses typically use the indicative mood because they refer to factual results However the tense of the verb in the main clause can vary influencing the tense in the subordinate clause
Present Tense
When the main clause is in the present tense the subordinate clause often uses the present indicative to indicate an immediate or ongoing result
Examples
1 El proyecto es tan complicado que muchos no lo entienden The project is so complicated that many do not understand it
2 Corre tanto que siempre llega primero He runs so much that he always arrives first
Past Tense
When the main clause is in the past tense the subordinate clause typically uses the past indicative to reflect the result of a past action
Examples
1 La película fue tan emocionante que lloré The movie was so exciting that I cried
2 Estudió tanto que aprobó el examen con excelentes notas He studied so much that he passed the exam with excellent grades
Future Tense
When the main clause is in the future tense the subordinate clause often uses the future indicative to indicate a likely result or consequence
Examples
1 Haré tanto ejercicio que estaré en forma en un mes I will exercise so much that I will be in shape in a month
2 Estudiará tanto que será el mejor de la clase He will study so much that he will be the best in the class
Complex Sentences with Multiple Consequences
Complex sentences can include multiple consecutive subordinate clauses to express various results related to a single action
Examples
1 El profesor explicó el tema tan claramente que todos lo entendieron y nadie tuvo preguntas The teacher explained the topic so clearly that everyone understood it and no one had questions
2 El evento fue tan exitoso que recaudaron mucho dinero y recibieron muchos elogios The event was so successful that they raised a lot of money and received many compliments
Infinitive Constructions
In some cases an infinitive construction can replace a consecutive subordinate clause to express a result more concisely This is common when the subject of both clauses is the same
Examples
1 Estudió tanto que aprobó el examen He studied so much that he passed the exam
2 Corrió tanto que ganó la carrera He ran so much that he won the race
Cultural and Contextual Considerations
The choice of conjunction can vary based on formality and regional preferences Understanding these nuances can enhance communication and make it more appropriate for different contexts
Tan que and tanto que are universally understood and used in both informal and formal contexts
Tal que and de tal manera que are more formal and often appear in written and formal speech
Importance in Communication
Using consecutive subordinate clauses effectively allows for clearer communication by explaining the results and consequences of actions They are essential for
1 Explaining outcomes
Trabajé tanto que logré terminar el proyecto a tiempo I worked so much that I managed to finish the project on time
2 Justifying actions
Ahorramos tanto dinero que pudimos comprar una casa We saved so much money that we were able to buy a house
3 Providing context for decisions
Estudió tan intensamente que consiguió una beca He studied so intensely that he got a scholarship
4 Building persuasive arguments
Es tan importante reciclar que debemos hacerlo diariamente It is so important to recycle that we should do it daily
