In advanced Russian grammar, it’s important to know how to make compound sentences.

A compound sentence has at least two complete thoughts. These thoughts are called independent clauses. They are connected by words known as conjunctions.

Here are some common conjunctions used in Russian to form compound sentences:

1. и (and) - This is used to connect two related ideas.

   • Example: Я люблю музыку, и она помогает мне работать.
     (I love music, and it helps me work.)

2. но (but) - This shows a contrast between two thoughts.

   • Example: Он хотел пойти на прогулку, но начался дождь.
     (He wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.)

3. или (or) - This gives a choice or option.

   • Example: Ты поедешь на море, или останешься дома?
     (Will you go to the sea, or will you stay at home?)

4. также (also) - This adds more information.

   • Example: Она хорошо говорит по-русски, также она изучает английский.
     (She speaks Russian well; she is also studying English.)

5. зато (but, for that reason) - This shows a good result after a bad one.

   • Example: Я не люблю холод, зато обожаю зиму.
     (I don’t like the cold, but I love winter.)

6. однако (however) - This points out a contrast. It’s like "но," but is often used in more formal situations.

   • Example: Он не пришел на встречу, однако мы продолжили без него.
     (He didn’t come to the meeting; however, we continued without him.)

Practice

Now, let’s practice using these conjunctions! Try to turn these pairs of sentences into compound sentences:

1. Я прочитал книгу. Мне она понравилась.
2. У него хорошая работа. Он не удовлетворен зарплатой.
3. Мы можем пойти в кино. Мы можем остаться дома.

Example Sentences

Here’s how you can combine the sentences:

1. Я прочитал книгу, и мне она понравилась.
2. У него хорошая работа, но он не удовлетворен зарплатой.
3. Мы можем пойти в кино, или мы можем остаться дома.

By learning these conjunctions, you can create more interesting and detailed sentences in Russian!