12A. The types of semi-complex sentences.

In the semi-complex sentence, one kernel sentence functions as a matrix into which the insert kernel sentence is embedded: the insert sentence is transformed into a partially predicative phrase and occupies the position of a nominative part in the matrix sentence. The matrix sentence becomes the dominant part of the semi-complex sentence and the insert sentence becomes its subordinate semi-clause.

Predicative fusion in semi-complex sentences may be effected in two ways: by the process of position-sharing (word-sharing) or by the process of direct linear expansion.

I. Sentences based on position-sharing fall into two types: sentences of subject-sharing and sentences of object-sharing.

a) Semi-complex sentences of subject-sharing are built up by means of two base sentences overlapping round a common subject, e.g.: They married young. - They married. + They were young. The predicate in such sentences is defined as a double predicate, because it is a blend of a verbal predicate with a nominal predicate. Semi-complex sentences with double predicates express the simultaneity of two events. Another type of the semi-complex sentence of subject-sharing is sentences which include the so-called complex subject constructions; in these sentences, the verb in the dominant part is used in the passive, and the complicator part includes either a participle, or an infinitive: She was seen to enter the room / entering the room. Sentences with complex subject constructions are passive transforms of sentences with complex object constructions, which make up another type of sentences based on position-sharing.

b) In semi-complex sentences of object-sharing, the common element, round which the fully-predicative and the semi-predicative parts overlap, performs the function of an object in the leading part and the function of the subject in the complicator semi-clause, for example, in sentences with complex object constructions, which include either a participle, or an infinitive: I saw her entering/ enter the room. - I saw her. + She was entering the room. Such sentences express the simultaneity of two events in the same place or various mental attitudes. There are other types of object-sharing semi-complex sentences, 1) expressing the relations of cause and result: The fallen rock knocked him unconscious. - The fallen rock knocked him. + He became unconscious. 2) complex sentences which can be described as sentences of “bound” object-sharing: They made me leave; We made him a star; I want the room done. Most semi-complex sentences of the object-sharing type, though not all of them, are transformable into sentences of the subject-sharing type: I saw her entering/ enter the room. - She was seen entering / to enter the room.

II. Semi-complex sentences of direct linear expansion include sentences with attributive, adverbial and nominal complication.

a) Semi-complex sentences of attributive complication are built up by means of two base sentences, one of which is transformed into a semi-predicative post-positional attribute to the antecedent element in the matrix sentence: The girl crying in the hall looked familiar to me. - The girl looked familiar to me. + The girl was crying. Being linear expansions, attributive semi-clauses are easily restored to the related attributive clauses with verbal or nominal predicates: The girl crying in the hall looked familiar to me. - The girl, who was crying in the hall, looked familiar to me.

b) Semi-complex sentences of adverbial complication are derived from two base sentences, one of which, the insert sentence, is predicatively reduced and embedded into an adverbial position of the other one, the matrix sentence: When asked about her family, she blushed. - She was asked about her family. + She blushed. Adverbial complication can be either conjoint or absolute: if the subject of the insert sentence is identical with the subject of the matrix sentence, it is deleted and a conjoint adverbial semi-clause is built, as in the example above; otherwise, the subject remains and an absolute adverbial construction is built: The weather being fine, we decided to have a walk. - The weather was fine. + We decided to have a walk.

c) Semi-complex sentences of nominal complication are derived from two base sentences, one of which, the insert sentence, is partially nominalized (changed into a verbid phrase with an infinitive or a gerund) and embedded in one of the nominal positions of the other sentence, the matrix. Like other types of linear complication, infinitive and gerundial nominal semi-clauses are easily transformed into related fully-predicative subordinate clauses (nominal or adverbial): I sent the papers in order for you to study them carefully. - I sent the papers so that you could study them carefully.