Definition of

Nexus

NexusThe term nexus , which derives from the Latin word nexus , refers to a union or a link . Depending on the context, it can be used in various ways.

In colloquial language , the person or element that allows two situations, circumstances, factors, etc. to be related or linked is called a nexus. For example: “The prosecutor is investigating an alleged link between the detained businessman and the governor,” “My sister was the link between Javier and Laura, who are now in a relationship,” “There is no direct link between drug consumption and crime.”

In the field of grammar , a link allows the union of sentences, phrases or words thanks to its syntactic function . It may be a subordinating link or a coordinating link .

The subordinating nexus , as its name indicates, subordinates one proposition to another, placing it at a lower level in terms of its importance. The expression “I left the place when I got bored” appeals to the subordinating link “when” to unite the propositions “I left the place” and “I got bored.” It should be noted that subordination can be adverbial, adjective or substantive.

In this case we speak of subordination because this type of link unites a proportion considered main to another that provides us with more information but could be removed without affecting the discourse in a crucial way. Returning to the example presented in the previous paragraph, it is more important to know that the issuer withdrew than to know the moment in which he did so.

Of course, this may be a reason for debate in a specific context, in which additional information is necessary to understand the subject in greater depth. However, grammar does not stop at subjective issues but rather at the requirements for a sentence to be valid : simply saying "when I got bored" does not make any grammatical sense, because it does not present us with well-defined and coherent data, but rather requires a verb conjugated to complete; On the other hand, "I left the place" is perfectly understandable by the interlocutor.

The subordinating link can be:

* noun: Talking to me like that is not appropriate. Tell me where to go please. I asked you how much you are willing to pay;

* adjective: The price they told me is too high. The person whose details appear on the screen no longer lives here;

* adverbial: I've looked where you told me and I haven't found anything.. We left early because we wanted to say goodbye to her too..

The coordinating link , for its part, serves as a link between propositions or words that are located in the same category : “The child sang and danced.” In this case, “and” is the coordinating link. Coordinating links can be illative, adversative, disjunctive or copulative.

Let's see below the different types of coordinating links with some examples:

Nexus* copulative : in this group, mentioned above, we also have the words e and nor . They were tired and inhibited . Unfortunately they did not pay attention or take notes during the explanation ;

* disjunctive : used to present two options or alternatives. You can use oil or acrylic paints . One way or another we will find it ;

* adversatives : they give rise to a proposition that is not predictable if we pay attention to the background of the situation. Even if it rains, we will go to the countryside . It's true, but I won't stop trying . I was very afraid; However , my curiosity was stronger ;

*ilatives : joins two propositions that have an apparently logical relationship. I have read his complete work; Therefore , I will know how to ask relevant questions . Well, that's why I called you, because you are the right person for the job .

“Nexos” , finally, is the name of a Mexican magazine that presents articles on economics, politics, culture and other topics. Enrique Florescano founded this publication in 1978 .