Principles of clause-classification

As subordinate Cl perform numerous functions completing the meaning of the PrCl they should be classified & given a name. In the history of the complex Sent there existed various approaches to classification of subordinate Cl. The earliest classification can be found in Normative Gr & this approach – Morphological Classification because SubCl were given the names of those parts of speech in the syntactic position of which these Cl occurred. Maison named: Nominal Cl, Adv Cl, Adj Cl. Adv Cl can be numerous. N Cl: Obj, Subj cl but in this classification function was not taken into consideration.

2^nd Approach: appeared in the 19^th century. The means of Cl connection were taken into consideration & thus the group of related Cl was identified because here Cl-connection was performed with the help of Relative PrNs (who, what, which, where) & Adv.

This approach is far from being perfect because all other kinds of Cl introduced by other conj & connectives in this case remained unclassified because they have no special names.

3^rd Approach – Functional. Appears when the classification of subordinate Cl is based on the similarity of their functions with the functions of the sentence parts in a simple sentence.

1. If a Cl occupies the position of an Obj after the V the Cl is also given the name of the Obj Cl.

2. If the Cl is used to modify a N or a PrN, it is given the name of the Attributive Cl.

3. If the Cl stands in the position of a Subj it becomes the Subject Cl.

In order to prove the reliability of this approach the grammarians give examples in which a simple obj & an Obj Cl are homogeneous (e.g.: To influence (subj) (1)minds or (2)what passes for the minds was their main aim (predicate).

Following this approach SubCl are subdivided into Obj & Adv Cl. Both are subordinated to the centre. Adv Cl are subdivided into a great number semantic subtypes: place, T, concession, result, purpose, manner&comparison.

There is 1 kind of complex sentences which is difficult to classify because it is impossible to find in it the principle or subordinated Cl (e.g.: The I learn, the less I know – Cl of proportional agreement).

Attributive Cl can be linked to the PrCl in a different degree. If Attributive Cl are used to give some additional information about the N they are classified as Non-defining (Descriptive) (e.g.: Peter, who was a good sportsman, was the first to climb the mountain).

2^nd kind of Attributive Cl is obligatory, can`t be dropped without changing the meaning of the PrCl – Defining (Restrictive). (e.g.: The Man u want to talk to is waiting for u).

Relative Appositive Cl are also restrictive (e.g.: My suggestion that we should spend the summer in the Caucases was not accepted).

Дата добавления: 2015-10-02