This week’s lesson will focus on two different types of subordinate conjunctions. First, we will go over a number of oppositional subordinate conjunctions, after which we will introduce a group of subordinate conjunctions and conjunctive phrases that express exceptions, exclusions and limitations.
quando = when, even when
mentre = whereas, while
mentre invece = whereas, while (informal, used mainly in spoken Italian)
laddove = whereas, when on the contrary (formal)
The main clause in the example above expresses perplexity regarding a statement previously made by an individual, while the subordinate clause elaborates on the source of such perplexity.
Part One: Oppositional Subordinate Conjunctions
Oppositional Subordinate Conjunctions introduce a circumstance or situation that has a somewhat clashing relationship with an event in the main clause. We will explore the following conjunctions:quando = when, even when
mentre = whereas, while
mentre invece = whereas, while (informal, used mainly in spoken Italian)
laddove = whereas, when on the contrary (formal)
| Non capisco perché ti lamenti di essere stanco, quando ho guidato io tutto il pomeriggio. I don’t understand why you’re complaining about being tired, when I’m the one that drove all afternoon. |
The main clause in the example above expresses perplexity regarding a statement previously made by an individual, while the subordinate clause elaborates on the source of such perplexity.