Composite sentence

For Class Discussion.

1. Classification of sentences according to the number of predicative lines.

2. The problem of clause connection.

3. Syndetic and asyndetic composite sentences.

4. The problem of coordination and subordination. Parataxis and hypotaxis.

5. The complex sentence.

• Definition; general characteristics.

• The notions of matrix sentence and insert sentence.

• Ways and means of connection.

• The main principles of subordinate clauses.

• Parallel and consecutive subordination.

6. The compound sentence.

• Definition; general characteristics. Problems of identification.

• Types of coordinate connection.

7. Semi-Composite sentence.

Reference List:

1. Blokh M.Y. A course in Theoretical English Grammar. – M.:Vysshaya Shkola, 2000. – pp. 282-350.

2. Blokh M.Y., Semionova T. N., Timofeyeva S.V. Theoretical English Grammar. Seminars. – M.: Vysshaya Shkola, 2004. – pp. 359-394.

3. Veikhman g.A. A new look at English syntax. – м.: Изд. Астрель, 2002. – с. 131-180.

4. Гуревич в.В. Теоретическая грамматика английского языка. – м.: мгпу, 2001. – с. 74-83.

Practice Assignments.

1. Comment on the terms.

Parataxis Hypotaxis Asyndeton Coordination Subordination Object clause Subject clause Cumulative connection

Connector Conjunction Conjunctive word Marked coordination Principal clause Coordinator Subordinator Attributive clause

2. Analyze the following compound sentences, paying attention to the way the clauses are linked.

1. His idea was to use the tension, but Mrs Clemence threw him a glance of reproach.

2. Her step was more dancing than walking and, in spite of her black dress, there was nothing but joy in her whole attitude.

3. There’s something awfully consoling about you, you make the things so simple.

4. There was nothing offensive in her words, but he put his own construction on her change of tone.

5. He had no children or near relations to be spared, so he did not fear publicity.

6. I quite agree with you, the villain ought to be punished, but the cost has got to be reckoned.

7. He ripped open the envelope, and a thick enclosure fell out on the table.

8. Either he had recovered from his panic of the night, or he pretended to have.

9. The blue upholstery won’t go with the yellow stair-carpet, nor will it go with the brown woodwork.

10. I offered him my handkerchief and he accepted it with fervent protestations of thanks.

11. A shadow of a grin showed itself on the man’s lips, however he remained silent.

12. His remarks were witty, or so they seemed to us.

13. You don’t seem to remember anybody’s name, it is so irritating sometimes.

14. Either he didn’t read the document carefully, or he didn’t see the implication of it.

15. There were a few moments of suspense, then he turned round, saw me and came straight over.

3. Note that the composite sentence is not a mere collection of simple sentences. The components constituting the composite sentence as a whole get into relationship, appropriate means and forms being used. Make up different types of composite sentences on the basis of the following matrix clauses. Use different means and forms of connection. Identify the resultant sentences.

Example: The matrix clause – “The meeting was postponed”.

Some variants of the resultant sentences:

1)

matrix

+ subordinator +

clause

sub-clause of cause

time

concession

because

when

though

2)

I ntroducer

matrix

+

c lause

since

when

although

principle

3)

matrix

+ coordinator +

c lause

and

but

yet

co-clause

4)	matrix	zero-connector	clause
		+ asyndeton +

co-clause /

independent

Matrices:

The film impressed everybody.

The speaker looked tired.

He came late.

There was nothing interesting.

It was cold.

4. Pick up from your home-reading materials and analuse the meaning and functions of homonymous connectors used to connect clauses. Identify them as coordinators or subordinators expressing different relations. Try to determine the factors obliterating such homonymity. The following connectors may be suggested for that purpose: that, as, when, while, where, which, though and others.

5. The following sentences or extracts contain ideas that can be expressed through subordination as well. Analyse the relations inherent in between them and suggest another way of expressing the same. Use appropriate subordinators. Comment on both ways — co-ordination and subordination.

1. They were together again, she spoke of the Univer­sity question and Gabriel ielt more at ease (J. Joyce).

2. They walked up the steps and entered the hall. Miss Thompson was standing at her door, chattering with a sailor. (Maugham).

3. It is a good news. I'll let you know (Wilson).

4. He was inquisitive and he did not understand and he wanted to know (G. Greene).

5. Davy kept his head down, and Ben regretted this more and more and watched the Red Sea coast ... (Aldridge).

6. Ben did not hear the answer, he felt himself fading out again ... (Aldridge).

7. I did not say anything. I was always embarrassed by the words sacred, glorious and sacrifice and the expression in the vain (Hemingway).

8. The interview began. Owen, in a quiet voice, explained the conditions of the post (Cro­nin).

9. Papa came home. They had dinner. All through the meal Jones sat planning to leave at eight-thirty (Leacock).

6. Match the first halves of sentences (1-5) with the second halves (a-e) and connect them with one of the linking words listed below.

Example: 0 by which time f

while, on, now that, the minute, once, (by which time)

(0) We played tennis from three until six, (1) I understand why you don’t like her (2) I think I must have dropped my keys (3) She was bound to contact the police (4) He phoned his wife immediately (5) I began to enjoy the novel

(a) I had read the first few chapters. (b) hearing the result of the tests. (c) I was walking to work this morning. (d) I’ve finally met her. (e) she discovered her diamonds missing. (f I was exhausted.)

7. Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it is as similar in meaning as possible to the sentence printed before it.

1. Grey is this year’s colour. Even so, I look dull in it.

Although ........................................................................

2. It didn’t matter how hard we tried, we still couldn’t get him to lower the price.

Hard ...............................................................................

3. I love chips, but my doctor says they’re bad for me.

Much ..............................................................................

4. They’d never agree to sell their land even if you offered them substantial sums.

However .........................................................................

5. I’m not working overtime, however often they ask me.

No ..................................................................................

6. My car still runs surprisingly well considering it is over ten years old.

Even ...............................................................................

7. I like the lyrics, despite the fact that I think the music is dreadful.

While ...............................................................................

8. His daughter has startling intelligence, though she wastes most evenings playing computer games.

Intelligent .......................................................................

8. Paraphrase these sentences so as to use object clauses after the verbs given in parentheses. Pay attention to variant forms of the predicates.

Example: His doctor wanted him to change to an outdoor job (advise). – His doctor advised that he (should) change to an outdoor job.

1. The researcher wanted his assistants to install the equipment as soon as possible (urge).

2. The merchant marine inspectors wanted new safety regulations to be introduced (recommend).

3. Taxpayers wanted the minister to give more detailed information about public spendings (demand).

4. Parents want more summer camps to be set up (advocate).

5. The director wanted the actors to be word perfect after two rehearsals (insist).

6. The magistrate wanted the driver to be released on parole (direct).

7. The military police wanted the reporters to stay away from the hijackers (order).

8. The party leader wants his team to work out a new policy (propose).

9. The judge wanted the defendant to withdraw his remark (rule).

10. I wanted him to write a letter to the local newspaper (suggest).

9. In each group below, cross out any sentences that are not correct.

1) Paul gave the impression that he hates pop music.

That he hates pop music is well known.

He was talking about that he hates pop music.

The thing is that he hates pop music.

I’m certain that he hates pop music.

He explained that he hates pop music,

The thing that he hates is pop music.

2) He explained that he had been held up.

She excused that she was late.

That he was late was really inexcusable.

His excuse that he got lost was accepted.

It wasn’t that surprising that she was late.

The fact of the matter was they were both late.

The fact that neither was on time that was extremely annoying.

10. Insert subordinators. Where possible, give alterna­tives, including omissions. Punctuate appropriately and define the types of nominal and attributive clauses.

Our neighbours include Sir Peter and Lady Crosby _____ live at Crosby Hall _____ stands in grounds _____ are open to the public in summer. Last Saturday we went to the Crosbys party ______ I met Harry Lewis ______ I decided I didn’t like very much. Fred _______ works for that firm of architects ____ I was telling you about the other day was there too.

At the same party I was introduced to Molly ____ I’d heard a lot about but had never met before. I told her that ____ I’d heard was nearly all good _____ was true. Molly is one of the very few teachers ____ I know can control their classes without ever raising their voices ____ is an ability _____ children appreciate highly. The blond fellow _____ you saw her talking to was Ben _____ I must have mentioned before in connection with our athletic club.

Incidentally, our athletic club _____ present premises are being taken over by the local council is looking for someone like the Crosbys _____ might have some ground to spare for a running track.

At the stroke of midnight Bobby Crosby _____ can always be relied on at parties to do something bizzare rode a bicycle down the main staircase, a feat _____ drew loud applause. It was one of those rare occasions ______ Bobby’s exuberance didn’t result in any damage _____ must have pleased his parents. The time _____ I shall never forget was ______ Bobby hung from a chandelier chain ______ parted company with the ceiling, precipitating Bobby onto a table ______ broke beneath him. All ______ happened this time was _____ he tore his trousers ______ was hardly _____ you would call a calamity.

11. Rewrite each of the following sentences with that-clauses starting with the words given.

Example: It’s a complete waste of time, I think.

I think that it’s a complete waste of time.

1. People have completely distorted views about the European Union. That is my experience.

It’s ...................................................................................

2. We may get there in time. It’s certainly possible.

It’s ...................................................................................

3. New members have to buy the first round. It’s an old tradition.

It’s ...................................................................................

4. My brother completely forgot about my birthday, which upset me.

The fact ..........................................................................

5. William believes in ghosts, which I find ridiculous.

I find it.............................................................................

6. The new government would make radical changes. That is what people believed.

It ....................................................................................

7. They are not going. That was their answer.

Their ................................................................................

8. The company runs at a loss. That is the truth.

The truth.........................................................................

12. Complete each of the following sentences with the type of adverbial clause indicated in brackets.

1. We arranged to hire an image-maker ........... [purpose].

2. Such was his state of mind ................................[result].

3. As ................... [reason], he can be depended upon to supervise the work.

4. As .................................. [time], I met my ex-husband.

5. We had a bird’s eye view of the city from .....................[place].

6. ........................... [concession], they can’t afford the luxury of a country house.

7. The factory will close down ........................[condition].

8. The frosts in this area are nothing like as severe ...............................[comparison].

9. The class became unruly ................................ [result].

10. .................... [proportion], the better he will be pleased.

11. I haven’t eaten Italian food ................................. [time]

12. Nowadays you are likely to find fast food restaurants .................. [place].

13. Since ............. [reason], he wasn’t admitted to college.

13. For each of the following sentences, write a new sentence as similar as possible in meaning to the original sentence, but using the word given. Comment on the way the clauses are connected and on their type.

Example: The editor wanted to know the earliest I could let him have the proofs back (soon) – The editor wanted to know how soon I could let him have the proofs back.

1. The landlord demanded to know the extent of the damage done at the previous night’s party (much).

2. The book-keeper asked for consideration to be given to the probable cost of such a venture (how).

3. The board were unable to agree on the best person for the job (who).

4. No one seems too sure as to the actual frequency of earthquakes in the area (often).

5. The police need to establish the vehicle’s precise speed at the moment of impact (fast).

6. How heavy the package is obviously determines the postage required (weight).

7. I wonder how Peter and Anne are related (relationship).

8. Do you happen to know when trains leave from here to Edinburgh? (departure)

9. I’d be interested to find out how badly she wants the job (strength).

14. Rewrite each of the following as one sentence with a to-infinitive clause or -ing noun clause starting with the words given.

Example: I wish he wouldn’t put that music on when I'm trying to sleep. – I object to his putting that music on when I’m trying to sleep.

1. I understood the plot. It wasn’t a problem for me.

Understanding ................................................................

2. The kidnapper said that he would shoot the hostages if food wasn’t sent.

The kidnapper threatened ...........................................

3. It’s not often that 1 get the chance of going to the USA.

The opportunity ............................................................

4. Seeing you again after all this time is wonderful.

It’s....................................................................................

5. The audience couldn’t understand everything she said because the subject was so difficult.

For the audience ............................................................

6. I think it’s brilliant that you’ve got such a good job.

I think your.....................................................................

15. Analyse these compound sentences, paying attention to the way the clauses are linked.

1. It’s going to rain — we’d better go indoors.

2. You have to work hard to remain ahead of your competitors in business, otherwise you can easily lose your leading position.

3. The universities and colleges have been asked to reduce their spending to the least possible; therefore, they are employing no new teachers.

4. Either he paid out that hundred pounds some time after dinner last night, or else it has been stolen.

5. All happy families resemble one another; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.

6. Are we allowed to take the magazines home or do we have to read them in the library?

7. I’d gladly do it, only I won’t be here tomorrow.

8. She didn’t buy the novel, she received it from the author as a gift.

9. He didn’t want to get involved; indeed, he only agreed on one condition.

10. Jonathan Swift never went up in a lift, nor did the author of Robinson Crusoe do so.

11. Before the invention of writing there were no written records and hence there was no history.

12. Why is the clear sky of the daytime blue, whereas the sunlight itself is yellow?

16. Analyse the following sentences with multiple coordination. State the types of coordination.

1. Stephen treated her generously, gave her an ample allowance, but he would under no circumstances permit credit, nor would he pay her allowance in advance.

2. Returning home late one night, I tried to wake up my wife by ringing the door-bell, but she was fast asleep, so I got a ladder from the shed in the garden, put it against the wall, and began climbing towards the bedroom window.

3. I’d like to come with you but that’s not a promise, don’t reckon on it.

4. The Art of Biography is different from Geography: Geography is about maps, but Biography is about chaps.

5. I was prepared to forgive one thoughtless remark, but she kept heaping insult on insult, so I asked her to leave my house.

6. I wasn’t serious about the girl, I was only flirting with her; we both enjoyed it.

7. Home is heaven and orgies are vile, but you need an orgy, once in a while.

8. Ignorance is like a delicate exotic fruit; touch it, and the bloom is gone.

9. I always eat peas with honey, I’ve done it all my life, they do taste kind of funny, but it keeps them on the knife.

10. Mrs Darling loved to have everything just so, and Mr Darling had a passion for being exactly like his neighbours; so, of course, they had a nurse.

11. Life is a jest, and ail things show it; I thought so once, but now I know it.

12. There are no clearly defined seasons in South Alabama; summer drifts into autumn, and autumn is sometimes never followed by winter.

17. In some lines of (his text there is one unnecessary word. It is either incorrect grammatically or does not fit the sense of the text. Copy out the text, leaving out these unnecessary words. Point out subordinate clauses in the resulting text and define their types.

• The term 'drugs' covers many of kinds of chemical substances

• which they are absorbed by the body, the majority being medicines

• designed to cure illnesses. They are manufactured so from a variety

• of sources which include animal and products, plants and minerals.

• In recent years it has become possible to synthesize in the laboratory

• many drugs which previously obtained from plants and animal products.

• A small number of drugs can become addictive as if they are taken

• excessively, that is either too frequently or in doses larger than they

• recommended for medical use. Drugs intended as painkillers, or

• drugs with a hypnotic effect are used as sleeping pills, can both

• become addictive if abused. It is important that to emphasize the fact

• that drug abuse which has become a social problem in many societies.

• Some people would argue that if addiction to drugs involves both

• psychological and social factors, since those are people who become

• addicts may do so as in order to find some relief from personal or

• social inadequacies. This argument ignores the fact that although

• temporary effects of well-being may be obtained, these effects soon

• wear off and that lead to severe physical suffering.

Part IV

linguistics of the text

For Class Discussion

Reference List: