Language/Iranian-persian/Grammar/Lesson-22:-Complex-sentences-and-conjunctions

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Iranian Persian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Lesson 22: Complex sentences and conjunctions

In the realm of language learning, understanding how to form complex sentences is akin to unlocking a treasure chest filled with expressive gems. Complex sentences allow us to convey more nuanced thoughts, connect ideas, and articulate relationships between different parts of our speech. In this lesson, we will dive into the fascinating world of complex sentences in Iranian Persian, focusing on subordinating conjunctions and punctuation. By the end of our journey, you'll be able to craft sentences that not only communicate facts but also express your thoughts and feelings more richly.

In this lesson, we’ll cover:

• What are complex sentences?

• The role of subordinating conjunctions

• How to punctuate complex sentences in Persian

• Examples to illustrate the concepts

• Exercises to practice your new skills

What are Complex Sentences?

Complex sentences are sentences that contain one independent clause and at least one dependent (or subordinate) clause. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while a dependent clause cannot. This structure allows for more elaborate expressions in our speech and writing.

For example:

• Independent Clause: I love reading.

• Dependent Clause: because it opens up new worlds.

When combined, they form a complex sentence:

• Complex Sentence: I love reading because it opens up new worlds.

In Persian, complex sentences function similarly, adding depth to our communication. Let's look at how we can construct them using subordinating conjunctions.

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect dependent clauses to independent clauses. They indicate the relationship between the two clauses, such as cause, time, condition, and contrast. In Persian, common subordinating conjunctions include:

• زیرا (zira) - because

• اگر (agar) - if

• وقتی که (vaqti ke) - when

• هرچند (har chand) - although

• به شرطی که (be sharti ke) - provided that

Let’s break down some examples of complex sentences using these conjunctions.

Iranian Persian	Pronunciation	English
من کتاب می‌خوانم زیرا دوست دارم.	man ketâb mikhanam zira doost dâram.	I read books because I love them.
اگر باران بیافتد، نمی‌رویم.	agar bârân biyaftad, nemiravim.	If it rains, we won’t go.
وقتی که به خانه می‌رسم، غذا می‌خورم.	vaqti ke be khâne miresam, ghazâ mikhoram.	When I reach home, I eat food.
هرچند خسته‌ام، اما باید کار کنم.	har chand khaste-am, ammâ bâyad kâr konam.	Although I am tired, I must work.
به شرطی که بخوانی، می‌توانی امتحان بدهی.	be sharti ke bekhâni, mitavâni emtihân bedehi.	Provided that you study, you can take the exam.

As you can see, these conjunctions serve as bridges between ideas, allowing you to express more complex thoughts.

Punctuation in Complex Sentences

Punctuation plays a crucial role in clarifying the meaning of complex sentences. In Persian, we typically use a comma to separate the independent clause from the dependent clause when the dependent clause comes first. However, if the independent clause precedes the dependent clause, the comma is often omitted.

For example:

• With a comma: زیرا باران می‌بارد، ما در خانه می‌مانیم. (Because it’s raining, we stay at home.)

• Without a comma: ما در خانه می‌مانیم زیرا باران می‌بارد. (We stay at home because it’s raining.)

This distinction helps readers understand the flow of the sentence and its intended meaning.

More Examples of Complex Sentences

Let's explore a variety of complex sentences to solidify your understanding.

Iranian Persian	Pronunciation	English
چون او دیر آمد، ما شروع نکردیم.	chun u dir âmâd, mā shoru' nakardim.	Because he arrived late, we didn’t start.
اگر تو بخواهی، می‌توانیم برویم.	agar to bekhâhi, mitavânim beravim.	If you want, we can go.
وقتی که خورشید غروب می‌کند، آسمان رنگین می‌شود.	vaqti ke khorshid ghorub mikonad, âsmân rangin mishavad.	When the sun sets, the sky becomes colorful.
هرچند او مبتلاست، اما کارش را ادامه می‌دهد.	har chand u mobtalâst, ammâ kârash râ edâme midahad.	Although he is sick, he continues his work.
به شرطی که تمرین کنی، پیشرفت خواهی کرد.	be sharti ke tamrin koni, pishraft khâhi kard.	Provided that you practice, you will improve.
چون باران بارید، زمین خیس شد.	chun bârân bârid, zamin khis shod.	Because it rained, the ground got wet.
اگر او بیاید، خوشحال می‌شوم.	agar u biyâd, khoshhâl mishavam.	If he comes, I will be happy.
وقتی که تو بازی می‌کنی، من تماشا می‌کنم.	vaqti ke to bâzi mikoni, man tamâsha mikonam.	When you play, I watch.
هرچند او سردش است، اما بیرون می‌رود.	har chand u sardash ast, ammâ birun miravad.	Although he is cold, he goes outside.
به شرطی که کارهایت را انجام دهی، می‌توانی استراحت کنی.	be sharti ke kâr-hâyat râ anjâm dehi, mitavâni esteraahat koni.	Provided that you complete your tasks, you can rest.

These examples illustrate how subordinating conjunctions can enhance your sentences, making them more expressive and informative.

Exercises for Practice

Now that you’ve learned about complex sentences and subordinating conjunctions, let's put your knowledge to the test with some exercises.

Exercise 1: Identify the Conjunction

Read the following sentences and identify the subordinating conjunction used.

1. من می‌روم زیرا باران می‌بارد.

2. اگر تو بیایی، ما جشن می‌گیریم.

3. وقتی که تو سفر می‌کنی، من به تو فکر می‌کنم.

4. هرچند او خسته‌است، اما کارش را تمام می‌کند.

Answers:

1. زیرا

2. اگر

3. وقتی که

4. هرچند

Exercise 2: Form Complex Sentences

Use the given independent clauses to create complex sentences with the subordinating conjunction provided.

1. (من می‌خوابم) + زیرا

2. (او دیر می‌آید) + اگر

3. (ما در پارک هستیم) + وقتی که

4. (او خوشحال است) + هرچند

Sample Answers:

1. من می‌خوابم زیرا خسته هستم.

2. اگر او دیر بیاید، ما صبر می‌کنیم.

3. وقتی که ما در پارک هستیم، بچه‌ها بازی می‌کنند.

4. هرچند او خوشحال است، اما هنوز نگران است.

Exercise 3: Punctuation Practice

Add punctuation to the following sentences where necessary.

1. زیرا او خسته است ما به خانه می‌رویم.

2. ما به سینما می‌رویم اگر بلیت داشته باشیم.

3. وقتی که باران می‌بارد ما در خانه می‌مانیم.

Answers:

1. زیرا او خسته است، ما به خانه می‌رویم.

2. ما به سینما می‌رویم اگر بلیت داشته باشیم.

3. وقتی که باران می‌بارد، ما در خانه می‌مانیم.

Exercise 4: Translate the Sentences

Translate the following complex sentences from English to Persian.

1. I will call you if I have time.

2. Although it is cold, we will go for a walk.

3. When the movie starts, we will find our seats.

Sample Answers:

1. اگر وقت داشته باشم، به تو زنگ می‌زنم.

2. هرچند سرد است، اما به پیاده‌روی می‌رویم.

3. وقتی فیلم شروع می‌شود، جاهای خود را پیدا می‌کنیم.

Exercise 5: Complete the Sentences

Fill in the blanks with appropriate subordinating conjunctions.

1. _____ تو بخوانی، می‌توانی امتحان را قبول شوی.

2. _____ او دیر کرد، ما منتظر ماندیم.

3. _____ باران ببارد، ما به پارک می‌رویم.

Answers:

1. به شرطی که

2. چون

3. اگر

Exercise 6: Create Your Own Sentences

Create three complex sentences using the following subordinating conjunctions:

1. زیرا

2. وقتی که

3. هرچند

Sample Answers may vary but should demonstrate understanding of the conjunctions.

Exercise 7: Match the Components

Match the independent clauses with the correct dependent clauses.

1. من کتاب می‌خوانم.

2. اگر تو بیایی،

3. وقتی که باران ببارد,

4. هرچند او خسته است,

A. ما جشن می‌گیریم.

B. ما در خانه می‌مانیم.

C. او کارش را انجام می‌دهد.

D. من خوشحال می‌شوم.

Answers:

1 - D, 2 - A, 3 - B, 4 - C

Exercise 8: Error Correction

Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.

1. زیرا او گرسنه است ما غذا می‌خوریم.

2. اگر برویم، باران نمی‌بارد.

3. وقتی که او می‌خوابد، من کار می‌کنم.

Answers:

1. زیرا او گرسنه است، ما غذا می‌خوریم.

2. اگر برویم، باران نمی‌بارد. (Correct as is)

3. وقتی که او می‌خوابد، من کار می‌کنم. (Correct as is)

Exercise 9: Writing Practice

Write a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) using at least two complex sentences. Share your paragraph with a partner for feedback.

Sample Answers may vary.

Exercise 10: Group Discussion

In pairs, discuss your favorite activities and use complex sentences to describe why you enjoy them. For example, "I like swimming because it refreshes me."

Sample Answers may vary.

By engaging in these exercises, you will reinforce your understanding of complex sentences and their construction in Iranian Persian. Practice makes perfect, and soon you will be weaving complex thoughts into your conversations with ease!

In conclusion, complex sentences and the use of subordinating conjunctions are essential tools in your language arsenal. They will enable you to express more intricate ideas and connect your thoughts with clarity. Keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your sentences. Happy learning!

Table of Contents - Iranian Persian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Unit 1: Basic greetings and introductions

• Lesson 1: Saying "Hello" and "Goodbye"
• Lesson 2: Introducing yourself and others

  ---

Unit 2: Sentence structure and basic verb conjugation

• Lesson 3: Word order in Persian sentences
• Lesson 4: Present tense conjugation of the verb "to be"
• Lesson 5: Present tense conjugation of regular verbs

  ---

Unit 3: Talking about daily routines

• Lesson 6: Talking about your daily routine
• Lesson 7: Talking about others' daily routines

  ---

Unit 4: Object pronouns and possessive pronouns

• Lesson 8: Direct object pronouns
• Lesson 9: Possessive pronouns

  ---

Unit 5: Persian culture and customs

• Lesson 10: Persian etiquette and hospitality
• Lesson 11: Persian holidays and celebrations

  ---

Unit 6: Food and drink

• Lesson 12: Ordering food and drink
• Lesson 13: Talking about food and drink

  ---

Unit 7: Past tense and regular verbs conjugation

• Lesson 14: Past tense of regular verbs
• Lesson 15: Word order in past tense sentences

  ---

Unit 8: Persian literature and arts

• Lesson 16: Persian poetry and classical literature
• Lesson 17: Persian cinema and music

  ---

Unit 9: Travel and transportation

• Lesson 18: Means of transportation
• Lesson 19: Travel preparations and bookings

  ---

Unit 10: Imperative mood, infinitives and complex sentences

• Lesson 20: Using the imperative mood
• Lesson 21: Using infinitives
• Lesson 22: Complex sentences and conjunctions

  ---

Unit 11: Persian history and geography

• Lesson 23: Persian civilization and ancient history
• Lesson 24: Modern history and contemporary issues

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Unit 12: Leisure and entertainment

• Lesson 25: Sports and active recreation
• Lesson 26: Entertainment and leisure activities

Other Lessons

• Conditional Mood
• Prepositions
• Comaratives and Superlatives
• Pronouns
• Gender
• Adjectives
• How to Use be
• Lesson 5: Present tense conjugation of regular verbs
• Common Mistakes
• Feasible

◀️ Lesson 21: Using infinitives — Previous Lesson

Next Lesson — Lesson 23: Persian civilization and ancient history ▶️