§ 17. Adverbial clauses of concession.

An adverbial clause of concession denotes the presence of some obstacle which nevertheless does not hinder the action expressed in the principal clause.

Adverbial clauses of concession are introduced by the following conjunctions and connectives: though, although, as,⁶no matter how, however, whoever, whatever, whichever.In official style they may also be introduced by the conjunctions notwithstanding that, in spite of the fact that.

I enjoyed that day, though we travelled slowly, though it was cold, though it rained. (Ch. Bronte)

Although the young man's eyes remained upon him, he did not speak ... (Cronin)

Troubled as he was, he never exposed his difficulties to her. (Dreiser),

However much we may differ on the question of metaphysics, 1 am convinced of your absolute integrity. (Cronin) He went forward to meet his uncle prepared to suppress the agitation he must feel, whatever news he was to hear. (Eliot)

§ 18. Adverbial clauses of result.

Adverbial clauses of result denote the result of the action ex­pressed in the principal clause. Very often adverbial clauses of this type have an additional meaning of degree.

Adverbial clauses of pure result are introduced by the conjunc­tion so that, they are usually separated from the principal clause by a comma.

Darkness had fallen and a keen blizzard was blowing, so that the streets were nearly deserted. (Conan Doyle)

Adverbial clauses of result with an additional meaning of de­gree are introduced by the conjunction that; in these cases we find the adverb so or the demonstrative pronoun such in the prin­cipal clause. Such clauses are not separated from the principal clause by a comma.

He is so weak physically that he can hardly move. (Shaw) Tom was in ecstasies — in such ecstasies that he even controlled his tongue and was silent. (Twain)

She could see his lips moving, from time to time, as though he were talking to himself. (Cronin)

Note. — Some grammarians number among complex sentences, containing an adverbial clause of comparison, sentences of the following type:

The more he reflected on the idea the more he liked it. (Galsworthy) The nearer he drew to that grim citadel the faster his pulse raced. (Cronin)

This way of analysis is open to objection on the ground that in sen­tences of this t\pe it is impossible to point out the principal and the subordinate clause as, strictly speaking, here we have mutual subordi­nation.

§ 21. Some of the conjunctions introducing adverbial clauses are polysemantic and can introduce different types of adverbial clauses of time, cause, manner, and comparison.

As he spoke there was a sharp ring at the bell. (Conan Doyle)

(adverbial clause of time)

As the morning was fine, and he had an hour on his hands, he crossed the river by the ferry, and strolled along a footpath through some meadows. (Dickens) (adverbial clause of cause) The clog did as he was ordered. (Dickens) (adverbial clause of

MANNER)

She (Lillian) saw now that she did not love him (Cowperwood) as some women love their husbands. (Dreiser) (adverbial clause

of comparison)

The conjunction since introduces adverbial clauses of time and cause.

It was a long time since 1 had written to the States ... (Hemingway)

(adverbial clause of time)

Since the lunchroom was full, she sat at our table, and reached out for the bill of fare. (King) ₍ad\ erbial clause of cause)

They were rich and I was poor, so that it was no easy matter for me to follow them. (Conan Doyle) (adverbial clause of result)

The composite conjunction so that introduces adverbial clauses of result and purpose.

PARENTHETICAL CLAUSES

Besides all the types of clauses mentioned above, there is a special type of clause called the parenthetical clause, as in the following examples:

You are, I am afraid, far more urgently in need of medical advice than your daughter. (Collins)

The next and last step in the investigation brought matters, as they say, to a crisis. (Collins)

Her singing is something quite exceptional, I think. (Eliot)