NEXUS ADVERSARIES: CHARACTERISTICS AND EXAMPLES - LITERATURE - 2026

The adversative links or adversative conjunctions are invariable links used in the Spanish language that allow linking two sentences or phrases in order to pose a discursive opposition between them. This opposition can be of a general or partial nature.

Adverse conjunctions are of a general nature when the linked sentences are totally mutually exclusive; in that case, one sentence does not accept the proposal of the other and / or vice versa. These sentences are then said to be incompatible.

When the adversative link that is generated is partial, only a part of the previous sentence is corrected, not the entire proposal. By restricting a fragment of the previous premise, this correction purifies the sentence, reinforcing the understanding of the speech by the lyrical receiver.

The most normal thing is that the sentences that are linked by means of this nexus are contrary: one positive and one negative, which explicitly expresses the setback. The result is a contrast that leads lyrical recipients to generate conclusions about it and, therefore, knowledge.

Adverse conjunctions fall within discursive marks; hence they have no meaning of their own. Thanks to these, a greater understanding of the discourse is achieved by allowing the proposal of alternatives other than the central vision.

Main adversative links

Conjunction "but"

This link has a partial adversative character. Practically "but" is the most used conjunction. At the time of being applied it must precede the second sentence; in no way can it be placed at the beginning of the sentence.

It is customary, and it has become a rule, that before the nexus "but" a comma is placed to separate it from the first sentence, also marking the adversative intentionality that is proposed to generate in the speech.

There is a very common mistake that many Spanish-speakers present when they are not clear about the meaning and synonymy of certain conjunctions: they tend to use the conjunctions "but", "more" and "however" in a row. That should be avoided; There is no correct Spanish sentence like “but nevertheless it was like that”.

In Spanish we find several adverbial expressions that can be easily used as substitutes for "but" to reinforce the speech. Among these we can find: despite this, despite everything, however.

Examples

- I know I was late, but I deserve to take the exam. / I know I was late, despite everything I deserve to take the exam.

- That dog has a lot of ticks, but they will soon be removed. / That dog has a lot of ticks; however, they will soon be removed.

- I know there is hunger in the city, but not in this house- / I know there is hunger in the city, in spite of it not in this house.

The partial character of the conjunction "but" can be clearly seen in these sentences. At the same time, it is appreciated how, when it is replaced by the other adverbial phrases, the meaning of the sentence does not diminish or vary.

Conjunction "but"

This conjunction is used to pose a total opposition in between the sentences of the speech to which it is applied. It is located just before the second sentence, never at the beginning of the sentence. It should be taken into account that the adversative conjunction "but", due to its character as a discursive mark, must be preceded by a comma (,).

The use of the comma prior to the adversative conjunction, apart from being grammatically correct, reinforces the speech and indicates to the reader an increase in intonation.

It must also be borne in mind that the adversative conjunction "but" is used right after a negative sentence; that is, it has the adverb of negation.

Examples

- It's not Monday, but Tuesday.

- That man is not good, but bad.

- Not Australia will win, but Japan.

Conjunction "nevertheless"

This adversative nexus is used in the Spanish language to denote opposition between two premises. Like the previous adversative conjunctions, it is placed between sentences and never at the beginning of the sentence.

When written, this conjunction can be shown with a comma before and another after its use, or it can be preceded by a period and followed or a semicolon; this will depend on the context you are in.

Examples

- Let's go to the cinema. However, you will not eat popcorn.

- Go see what happens in front of the house; however, do not go through the door.

- You can study psychology after high school. However, you will do it at the university of my choice.

Conjunction "on the contrary"

This adversative nexus of Spanish is used to denote opposition, but at the same time complement between two arguments.

As in the case of "however", the conjunction usually occurs in the text between two commas or preceded by a period and followed or a semicolon.

Examples

- Jesus managed to catch a large number of fish; on the contrary, Pedro did not catch anything.

- Horses achieve great speeds. On the contrary, donkeys are very slow.

- Maria, at night, is very energetic; on the contrary, from early on, Luisa is exhausted in her bed.

Other adverse conjunctions

The adversative conjunctions shown in this article only represent a part of the total; there are many others.

The absence of "more" and "however" - links commonly used in Spanish - is due to their synonymy with the conjunction "but". Just substitute them in the examples and you get the same results.

Here are some other adverse conjunctions:

- In spite of.

- Although.

- Even if.

- Although.

- With everything and.

- Even so.

Importance

Adverse conjunctions represent a necessary discursive resource. They amalgamate the propositions of a text allowing to interrelate them and give other perspectives regarding their contents.

An idea, when compared, makes it easier for the reader to understand your approach; the more perspectives, the more understanding.

A text without the use of adversative conjunctions would be devoid of full meaning. These links broaden the conceptual spectrum of any premise, complementing the textual argument and giving strength to the communicative fact.

References

1. Márquez Rodríguez, A. (2012). With the tongue: conjunctions (2). Spain: Fundeu. Recovered from: fundeu.es
2. Fernández López, J. (S. f.). Consultation forum. (n / a): Hispanoteca. Recovered from: hispanoteca.eu
3. Casas, I. (2007). Adversative links. (n / a): Nexus adversaries. Recovered from: nexos-adversativos.blogspot.com
4. Garrijos, JM (1981) On the origin of adversarial ties in Spanish. France: Persee. Recovered from: persee.fr
5. Rojas Nieto, C. (S. f.). The adversative verses in the educated norm of the Spanish spoken in Mexico. Mexico: Philological Magazines. Recovered from: magazines-filologicas.unam.mx