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THE CONCEPT OF "COMPLEX SENTENCE" IN MODERN SYNTACTIC SCIENCE
OF THE RUSSIAN LANGUAGE
Yusupova Nagima Tursbekovna
Teacher of the department "Philology and teaching languages",
“International school of finance technology and science” institute
Annotation:
A complex sentence is one of the basic syntactic units, representing a unit of a
higher level than a simple sentence. This article explores the concept of complex sentences
within the framework of modern syntactic science in the Russian language. It examines
definitions, classifications, and the structural properties of complex sentences, emphasizing their
role in conveying complex ideas and relationships between clauses. The study also highlights
recent advancements in syntactic theory and their implications for understanding complex
sentence construction in Russian.
Keywords:
Complex sentence, syntax, Russian language, subordinate clauses, coordination,
linguistic structure.
Introduction
A complex sentence is made up of a main clause and a subordinate clause connected to each
other with a subordinating conjunction. Subordinating conjunctions are common in academic
writing, and they are extremely useful for indicating sophisticated connections between ideas.
The study of syntax has long been a central focus in linguistic research, particularly in the
context of complex sentences. A complex sentence is defined as a sentence that contains at least
one independent clause and one or more dependent (or subordinate) clauses. In the Russian
language, the complexity of sentence structure allows for nuanced expression and intricate
relationships between ideas.
A complex sentence in Russian is characterized by the presence of multiple clauses, where at
least one clause is dependent on another. According to contemporary linguistic theories, a
complex sentence can be defined as follows: it consists of an independent clause that can stand
alone as a complete thought and one or more subordinate clauses that provide additional
information but cannot stand alone.
Methodology and literature review
Modern scientific and educational sources contain various definitions of a complex sentence. In
the 1980 Russian Grammar we read: “A complex sentence is a combination of two or more
simple sentences, grammatically formatted” [1].
The university textbook edited by P.A. Lekant gives the following definition: “A complex
sentence is a structural, semantic and intonational combination of predicative units,
grammatically similar to a simple sentence” [2].
The following definitions are presented in school textbooks on the Russian language: “A
complex sentence is a sentence consisting of two or more sentences that do not have intonational
completeness and are combined in meaning and pronunciation into a single whole” [3] and “A
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complex sentence is a syntactic unit consisting of two or more simple sentences, each of which
has its own grammatical basis” [4].
In a Russian school textbook, the definition is as follows: "A complex sentence is a sentence that
consists of two or more parts that are connected in meaning and intonation. A complex sentence
has several grammatical (predicative) bases." [5]
This is explained by the fact that in Russian linguistics the question of the nature of this syntactic
unit remains debatable. The complex sentence as a special syntactic unit was recognized by
scientists relatively recently in the 20th century. Let us briefly consider the history of the study
of the complex sentence. In Russian linguistics, the theory of the complex sentence is
characterized by different interpretations of its grammatical nature. The contradictions in views
are explained by the fact that for some linguists the formal-grammatical aspect of this unit was
essential, for others its communicative aspect.
In the works of A.A. Shakhmatov and A.M. Peshkovsky, a complex sentence is considered as a
combination of several simple sentences [6]. Scientists do not use the term "complex sentence",
each offers his own, so A.A. Shakhmatov "a concatenation or combination of simple sentences",
A.M. Peshkovsky "a complex whole". They consider the components of a complex sentence to
be simple sentences that undergo some structural transformations within the complex sentence.
In the works of V.A. Bogoroditsky and N.S. Pospelov, the idea of the semantic integrity of
a complex sentence is put forward [7]. In its function, a complex sentence is a holistic
communicative unit, the components of which are not separate messages, separate sentences.
Active study of complex sentences began in the second half of the 20th century, primarily in the
works of N.S. Pospelov, then in the works of L.Yu. Maksimov, E.N. Shiryaev [8], V.A.
Beloshapkova [9] and other researchers. In the works of these scientists, complex sentences are
considered taking into account three aspects: formal-grammatical, semantic and communicative.
From the point of view of structure and semantics, parts of a complex sentence are predicative
units with independent formal and semantic organization, and the entire complex sentence is a
polypredicative unit. From the communicative point of view, a complex sentence is a single
message, a single sentence, the parts of which are not sentences, since they do not act as
independent units of communication. That is, parts of a complex sentence are considered as its
predicative parts.
Results
Therefore, a complex sentence is a polypredicative unit consisting of several predicative parts
connected by a certain syntactic connection and expressed by this connection of syntactic
relations performing a communicative function.
Description of the structure of a complex sentence is based on the following constructive features:
1) type of syntactic connection and means of its expression;
2) characteristics of predicative parts of a complex sentence by their structure, semantic content,
and in phraseological constructions by lexical composition;
3) the order of parts of a complex sentence in relation to each other.
Syntactic connection in the composition of a complex sentence is expressed, first of all:
conjunctions (coordinating and subordinating) and union words (relative pronouns and
pronominal adverbs), pronominal correlates, various kinds of concretizers in coordinating
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conjunctions of broad semantics;
some morphological and lexical indicators;
the order of parts of a complex sentence,
intonation [10].
In compound and complex sentences, the main means of connecting predicative parts and
expressing semantic relationships are conjunctions. According to their syntactic properties, they
are divided into coordinating and subordinating. They differ in their areas of application.
Coordinating conjunctions express relationships between homogeneous members of a simple
sentence:
Наташа вернулась с букетом цветов и со свертком
and parts of a compound
sentence:
Наступил вечер, и на небе загорелись звезды.
Subordinating conjunctions express
relationships between parts of a complex sentence:
Когда стемнело, все разошлись по домам.
In compound sentences, along with conjunctions, there are various kinds of concretizers (but,
therefore, only, nevertheless, therefore, and many others), which are used when it is necessary to
concretize the semantic relations between parts of a compound sentence. In the case of omission
of a coordinating conjunction, concretizers (or what they call the second conjunction elements)
take on its functions. Let's compare:
Отец рыбак, и дети в воду смотрят (посл.) Отец
рыбак, и поэтому дети в воду смотрят. Отец рыбак, поэтому дети в воду смотрят.
Discussion
Complex sentences in Russian can be classified into several categories based on the relationship
between the clauses:
Subordinate clauses are introduced by conjunctions (e.g., что "that," когда "when," если "if") or
relative pronouns (e.g., который "which"). These clauses function as noun clauses, adjective
clauses, or adverbial clauses.
Noun Clauses. Function as subjects or objects (e.g., Я знаю, что ты пришёл. "I know
that you came.")
Adjective Clauses. Modify nouns (e.g., Человек, который пришёл, мой друг. "The
person who came is my friend.")
Adverbial Clauses. Modify verbs (e.g., Я уйду, когда ты вернёшься. "I will leave when
you return.")
In contrast to subordination, coordinated clauses are linked by coordinating conjunctions (e.g., и
"and," но "but"). Each clause has equal syntactic status and can stand alone.
Example: Я пошёл в магазин, и она осталась дома. "I went to the store, and she stayed
at home."
The structure of complex sentences in Russian exhibits specific patterns that reflect the
relationships between clauses. The order of clauses can vary, influencing emphasis and meaning.
For instance, placing the subordinate clause before the main clause can create a sense of
anticipation or conditionality.
Modern syntactic theories, such as generative grammar and functional grammar, have provided
new insights into the analysis of complex sentences. Researchers have focused on the
hierarchical structure of sentences and the role of movement and binding in understanding clause
relationships. Recent studies have also examined how discourse context influences the
interpretation of complex sentences.
Conclusion
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In conclusion, the concept of complex sentences is fundamental to understanding the syntactic
structure of the Russian language. By analyzing the definitions, classifications, and structural
properties of complex sentences, we gain insights into their role in communication and
expression. As linguistic research continues to evolve, further exploration of complex sentence
structures will enhance our comprehension of Russian syntax and its intricacies. Future studies
may focus on cross-linguistic comparisons and the implications of digital communication on
sentence complexity.
References:
1.Russian grammar: in 2 volumes / Edited by N.Yu. Shvedova/No. 2-1980
2.Modern Russian language: Textbook for university students studying in the specialty
"Philology" / P.A. Lekant, E.I. Dibrova, L.L. Kasatkin et al.; edited by P.A. Lekant. 3rd ed.,
stereotype. Moscow, 2002. Page 496
3.Russian language: Textbook for the 9th grade of general secondary schools / V.I. Zelenina,
O.V. Kon. -T., 2014.-Page 8
4.Rakhmatullaeva G.M., Keldiev T.T. Russian language: Textbook for 11th grade with Russian
as the language of instruction in secondary educational institutions T., 2018 P. 81
5.Russian language. 9th grade: textbook for general education organizations / [L.M.
Rybchenkova, O.M. Alexandrova, O.V. Zagorovskaya, A.R. Narushevich] 5th ed. M., 2017. P.
24.
6. Peshkovsky A.M. Russian syntax in scientific coverage. M., 1956; 2001
7. Pospelov N.S. On the grammatical nature of a complex sentence // Questions of the syntax of
the modern Russian language. M., 1950
8. Shiryaev E.N. Non-union sentence in modern Russian language. M., 1986
9. Beloshapkova V.A. Two views on the grammatical nature of a complex sentence. // Modern
Russian language. M., 1981
10. Zaburdyaeva V.I. Modern Russian language. Syntax of a complex sentence. T., 2008. P. 7-18;
Syntax of the modern Russian language: a textbook for students. higher textbook institutions /
G.N. Akimova, S.V. Vyatkina, V.P. Kazakov, D.V. Rudnev; edited by S.V. Vyatkina. St.
Petersburg; M., 2009. P. 202; Starodumova E.A. Syntax of modern Russian language.
Vladivostok. pp. 83-85
