a contrastive analysis on adverbial clauses in the two languages

As a main type of adverbial group, adverbial clauses bear characteristics of adverbials, i.e.they are optional and may appear in the following positions.1 After an independent clause 2 B

chapter I : introduction

1 The rational for the study

Both in English and Vietnamese, adverbial clauses play an importance roles in Grammar

In this paper I would like to go detail to analysis on English and Vietnamese adverbialclauses in order to help the learner distinguish the using of adverbial clauses between thetwo languages This topic can be traced back to two reasons:

In the first place, adverbial clauses are widely considered the most importance type of theadverbial group Despite the fact that most of the grammatical references have at least onepart dealing with clauses of this type, learners still have difficulties understanding andusing them correctly However, there have been so few studies on such a challenging butinteresting topic

In the second place, the common use of adverbial clauses both in spoken and writtenEnglish and the differences existing between English and Vietnamese in this linguisticarea have grabbed my attention It is hoped that, a detailed research work, especially theone using contrastive analysis device, will satisfy any people of the same interest

2 Aims and objectives of the study

The aims of the study on English and Vietnamese adverbial clauses are to bring a morethorough comprehension of English grammar to intermediate and advanced learners.Additionally, this research is carried out with a view to helping learners of lower levelsunderstand and use adverbial clauses correctly and this is a step to their mastery ofEnglish

The objectives of this work are :

To give a general understanding of English adverbials

To identify and classify English adverbial clauses

To show the linguistic characteristics of the adverbial clauses in English.

To work out characteristics and classification of Vietnamese adverbial clauses

To find out similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese adverbialclauses.

3 Significance of the study

This research is carried out with the hope of contributing to the mastery of English

of University students and any other intermediate and advanced learners It is also ofsome use to secondary students who wish to have a deep comprehension of adverbialclauses I expect any further studies on this topic or studies on other aspects related to thisone

4 Scope of the study

In doing this paper, I give general point about English adverbials much more indepth analysis of adverbial clauses is dealt with in the following part of the paper Inchapter V, a comparison is carried out between adverbial clauses in English andVietnamese I try my best to present logically and scientifically all aspects related toclauses of this type in both languages

The data and example in this paper are taken from reliable materials and referencebooks

5 Method of the study

The first methods used during the process of this work are material collecting andsynthesizing with which I can reduced my work from a variety of materials and referencebooks by well-known English and Vietnamese scholars

This is a study on English and Vietnamese adverbials so that the main researchmethod is based on contrastive analysis The two steps of contrastive analysis method :description and comparison are especially of full use in chapter V dealing with adverbialclauses in the two languages

6 An outline of the study

My paper includes six chapter:

Chapter I: Introduction

Chapter II: Literature review

Chapter III: English adverbial clauses

Chapter IV: Vietnamese adverbial clauses

Chapter V: A contrastive analysis on adverbial clauses in the two languages

Chapter VI: Conclusion

CHAPTER II : LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Definition of adverbial :

In Oxford’ Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, an adverb is defined as a word that adds moreinformation about place, time, circumstance, manner, cause, degree, etc to a verb, anadjective, a phrase or another adverb

For example:

I was soon lost.

He works very hard.

Syntactically, an adverb may function as modifier of an adjective and adverb, for

example: She received so many presents or as adverbial, which is a constituent distinct

from S,V,O and C (Quirk & Greenbaum, 1987,p.126) For example:

When I was in England, I drank tea with breakfast.

2.2 Definition of adverbial clause :

An adverbial clause is a clause that functions as an adverb In other words, it contains

subject (explicit or implied) and predicate , and it modifies a verb For example:

I saw Joe when I went to the store.

Functionally, like an adverb, an adverbial clause modifies a verb, an adjective, anotheradverb or an entire clause or sentence (Farmer et al.(1985) and Nadler & Marelli)

To make it clearer, Nadler & Marelli (1971,p.115) work out the general pattern foradverbial clauses That is

Subordinator + sentence = adverbial clause.

For example:

Whenever you go, whatever you do, remember that your home is the best.

As a main type of adverbial group, adverbial clauses bear characteristics of adverbials, i.e.they are optional and may appear in the following positions.

(1) After an independent clause

(2) Before an independent clause

(3) Between the parts of an independent clause

It should be noticed that adverbial clauses appearing in the latter two possitions are set of

by commas Following are examples of adverbial clauses in different positions:

His cartoon made him more successful than he had dreamed

Although he had begun as an animator, Disney actual drew few of the cartoons

used in his films.

Never less, adverbial clauses often occur in final position, after the main clause

2.3 Characteristics of adverbials:

2.3.1Syntactic functions of adverbials:

In terms of syntactic functions, adverbials are viewed under three categories:

a Adjuncts: Are elements integrated within the structure of the clauses and affected by

such clausal process as negation and interrogation

For example :

He didn’t immediately recognize me.

He didn’t recognize me immediately.

In the negative declarative clauses, the adverbial can only come medially and finally as in

“ Immediately, he didn’t recognize me.”In addition, the adverbial can be the focus of the

question or the clause negation

He didn’t recognize me immediately.

Did he recognize you immediately?

b Disjunctions and conjuncts : are elements which are importance in the structure of the

clause and unlike adjuncts, they are not affected by such clausal processes as negation andinterrogation They can appear initially in a negative declarative clauses as in :

Personally, I don’t like him.

And they cannot be the focus of a question or of clause negation as in :

Seriously, do you love him?

I cannot stand him, after all.

The distinction between them is that conjuncts have primarily a connective function Forexample :

To my surprise, she gave me a lot of money.

Disjunction

In conclusion, it is high time we joined and saved the Earth.

Conjunct

2.3.2.Semantic roles of adverbials

Adverbials may be placed in various semantic categories such as time, place, purpose,manner, cause, result, condition, concession and comparison

(5) Adverbials of cause( reason);

Eg: Thank to your help, I could solve this problem.

(6) Adverbials of result ( consequence) :

Eg: You are too young to go out late at night.

(7) Adverbials of condition :

Eg : In case of rain, take this umbrella.

CHAPTER iii: Adverbial clauses in English.

3.1 Structural types of adverbial clauses:

Taking the variations of the clausal structures into account, I distinguish three main types

of adverbial clauses They are finite adverbial clauses, non-finite adverbial clauses andverbless adverbial clauses

3.1.1.Finite adverbial clauses

This type of adverbial clauses contains a finite verb which, according to Graver(1997,p.264), has number, person and tense For example:

She cannot speak English as well as she writes it.

As he was posting the letter, he suddenly realized that he hadn’t put a stamp on

the envelope.

The clauses in italics contain a subject and a predicate that agrees with the subject interms of number, person and tense

The finite adverbial clauses is always introduced by subordinators which serve to indicatethe dependent status of the clauses together with its circumstantial meaning.Subordinators is taken from Quirk et al (1979)

( 1) Simple subordinators:

After, as, because, whereupon, before, but, how(ever), although, when, while, whilst,where by, like, since, that, where as, unless, until, once, etc

(2) Compound subordinators:

 Ending with that : in that, so that, in order that, such that, except that, for all that,

save that, etc

 Ending with optional that: now(that), providing(that), seeing(that), provided(that),

supposing(that),considering(that),given(that),granted(that),granting(that),

admitting (that), assuming (that), immediately (that), directly (that), etc

 Ending with as : as far as, as long as, as soon as, according as, etc.

 Ending with than: sooner than (+ infinitive clauses) , rather than (+ non-finite or

For example:

As he didn’t understand, he asked the teacher to explain the question.

So as not to wake the children up, we went out on tiptoe.

No sooner had she put up her umbrella than the rain came down in torrents.

Though the doctor had given him strict instructions to stay in bed, yet he went on

to work.

3.1.2 Non-finite adverbial clauses

The non-finite adverbial clause, in contrast with the finite one, has no distinction ofperson, number In the other words, it always has the ability to go without a subject,although in many kinds of non-finite clauses, subject is optional This general statementhelps us classify non-finite adverbial clauses in two groups : non-finite adverbial clauseswithout subject and the one with subject

3.1.2.1 Non-finite adverbial clauses without subject

 Infinitive clauses with to

In order to get money, he committed the robbery.

 -ing participle clauses

Being the eldest child in the family, she had to drop out of school and earn a living.

 -ed participle clauses

When seen in this light, the matter is not as serious as people generally suppose.

3.1.2.2 Non-finite adverbial clauses with a subject / absolute clauses

Sometimes the participle clause contains own subject, in which case the construction is

called Absolute clause by Quirk et.al (1979) and Grave(1997).For example:

The holiday being over, we must now get down to some hard work.

Rather than he do it, I’d prefer to give the job to her.

When the subject of the participle clauses is expressed, it is often introduced by “with” or

“without”.

For example :

I wouldn’t dare go home without the job finished

With the case investigated carefully, the police finally caught the murderer.

3.1.3 Verbless adverbial clauses :

In Quirk et.al(1979), verbless clauses, a part from being verbless, are also commonlysubject less Looking at the following example :

Whether right or wrong, he always comes of the worst in argument.

One should avoid taking a trip abroad in August where possible.

We can see that, the missing elements are the subject and a form of the verb BE Theellipted subject in verbless clauses, like the one in non-finite clauses, is the subject of thesuperordinate Thus, these example can be restated :

Whether he is right or wrong, he always comes of the worst in argument.

One should avoid taking a trip abroad in August where it is possible.

The adverbial clauses can follow “ with” or “without” For example :

With the whole meeting in uproar, the chairman abandoned the attempt to take a vote.

Without a tear on her face, the girl watched him led away.

3.2 Semantic roles of adverbial clauses

One important way in which adverbial clauses can be sub-classified is according to thesemantic values they can perform such as : Time, place, concession, contrast, reason andcause, circumstance, purpose, result, manner and comparison, proportion and preference.Thus, adverbial clauses can be sub-classified into :

1 Clauses of time

2 Clauses of place

3 Clauses of condition and concession

4 Clauses of reason (cause)

5 Clauses of circumstance

6 Clauses of purpose

7 Clauses of result

8 Clauses of manner and comparison

9 Clauses of proportion and preference

10 Clause of contrast

3.2.1 Clauses of time

In Cobuild (1972)’s view, time clauses tell when something happens by referring to aperiod of time or to another event :

Her father died when she was young.

(a) Finite adverbial clauses of time:

Finite adverbial clauses of time are introduced by one of the following subordinators :

Simple subordinators Compound

subordinators

Correlative subordinators

After, before, as, once( ever), since,

till, until, when( ever), while,

If we want to emphasize that something happened at a particular time, we can use “it was” For example :

It was 7 o’clock when he returned.

We can also use Immediately, every time, each time, the first time, the next time, the last time, the moment the minute or a noun group such as 3 days, 4 days, etc In front

of after or before For example :

Every time he saw her, he could not say anything.

The last time we met, he said he was very happy.

Exactly two weeks after they had moved to a new house, they held a big party.

By which time, at which point, after which, where upon, and upon which are also

used at the beginning of time clauses

For example :

He came back an hour later, By which time his friends had already left.

(b) Non-finite adverbial clauses of time

Instead of using a finite clause, we can use non-finite adverbial clauses including : ingclauses and ed clauses Despite the common position at the beginning of the sentence,clauses of time can appear medially or finally

 Ing clauses may follow : after, before, since, when(ever),while, untill, till and once They can appear without subordinators For example:

(When) visiting a strange city, I like to have a guidebook with me.

I did not realize I had left my ticket at home until arriving at the airport.

 Ed clauses may follow once, till, until, while, when (ever), as soon as Ed

clauses may appear without a subordinator For example :

(Once) given more time, we could finish our work.

We decided to stay at home as soon as told that the weather was bad.

(c) Verless adverbial clauses of time

Verless adverbial clauses may consist of When ( ever), while, once, until, till, followed byprepositional phase For example :

When (ever) in difficulty, she prays God for help.

When under pressure , she works more effectively.

We can use a phase consisting of when (ever), as soon as and adjective such as necessary or possible For example:

It paid to speak the truth whenever possible.

Complete the work as soon as possible.

3.2.2 Clauses of place:

Cobuild (1992) claims that sometimes when we talk about location or position ofsomething, we need to use a clause rather than a simple adjunct That kind of clause iscalled adverbial clauses of place

3.2.2.1 Finite adverbial clauses of place

Adverbial clauses of place are introduced by where, wherever, anywhere or everywhere Where is specific while wherever, anywhere and everywhere are

nonspecific

The clause may indicate position:

Where the fire had been, we saw nothing but blackened suits

The clause may indicate direction:

They went wherever they could find work.

Adverbial clauses of place can be introduced by correlative where(ver) there For

example :

Where there is trouble, (there) he is sure to be.

Wherever the film star appeared, her fans were shocked by her

appearance( there).

3.2.2.2 Nonfinite and verbless adverbial clauses of place

Like adverbial clauses of time, adverbial clauses of place may be nonfinite or verbless.For example:

Where(ever) possible, you should think twice before saying.

3.2.3 Clauses of condition and concession

3.2.3.1 Conditional clauses

“Conditional clauses state the dependence of one circumstance (or set of circumstances)

on another”(Quirk,1979,p.745) They usually begin with if (positive condition) and Unless (negative condition).

We use “if” to say that consequence of something happening When an if clauses is put first, “Then” is sometimes put at the beginning of the main clause For example :

If it is fine, (then) we’ll go for a picnic

“Unless” mean “if not” and is the opposite of the compound conditional conjuncts : provided (that), providing (that), as long as, so long as, on condition that For

example :

I will not lend you my money unless you promise to pay it back on time.

Clauses beginning with unless usually go after main clauses.

Other conjuncts are : assuming (that), suppose (that), supposing (that), given (that), in case For example :

In case you need me, I’ll be in my office until lunch time.

Given (that) he were intelligent, he would not have got such high results

If possible, I’ll see the manager right now.

The first one is used to talk about situation, which may exist in the future In sentences of

this kind, the verb in the main clause is will or shall and the verb in the conditional clause

is in simple present tense For example:

If you like, I'll come to help you.

The second one, in which the verb in the main clause is would or should, the verb in theconditional clause is in the simple past sentence, expresses a situation, which you knowdoes not exist at present For example:

If I were you, I would apologize her.

The third one mentions a situation, which you know, did not exist in the past In this case,the verb in the main clause is in the past perfect tense For example:

If it hadn't been for your wholehearted help, we would not have been able

to solve such a big problem.

3.2.3.2 Concessive clause:

Concessive clauses imply a contrast between two circumstances In other words, the mainclause is surprising in the line of the dependent one Clauses of concession are introduced

by although, though, even if, even, while, where as For example :

Although he is disable, he still leads a happy and fulfilled life.

While I expect he was a good man, he turned out to be a lady- killer.

Despite and In spite of are also commonly associated with concessive clause but they

function differently from the subordinators above, that is they must be followed by anominal clause or a gerund Consider the examples :

In spite of / Despite the fact that he is a millionaire, he work as hard as a bee.

In spite of / Despite being poor, they still live luxurious lives.

Concessive clause may also be introduced by an adjective, adverb or verb followed by as/ that/ though.

Much as/ that/ though I admire him, I don't like his behavior.

Try as/ that/ though he might, he could not catch up with his mates.

Concessive clauses may be nonfinite or verbless :

Though an old man, he is very wise and healthy.

 Alternative conditional - concessive clauses :

Alternative conditional - concessive clauses are formed with the correlative sequence

whether or For example :

Whether you agree or not, I will marry him.

The above example can be understood in two ways:

If you agree, I will marry him.

Even if you don't agree, I will marry him.

 Universal conditional - concessive clause:

Gives a choice between two possible condition, the universal one, introduced by one of

the wh - words that combines with "ever", indicates a free choice from any number of

However much money you need, I 'll give you.

No matter / It doesn't matter how much money you need, I'll give you.

Form of the verb BE, in some circumstances, can be omitted from a universal

conditional-concessive clauses For example :

What your opinions (are), we will stand by you.

3.2.4 Clauses of reason(cause)

An adverbial clause of reason or cause tells why the action described by the independent

clause verb took place A reason clause is introduced by because, since and as Because has a tendency to follow the main clause while as and since precede it.

For example :

As he had never been away from home before, he was a title homesick at first.

Since he didn't know anything about the area, he got lost.

Farmers rely on chemicals for their crops because they need them to fight the

crop natural enemies.

3.2.5 Clause of circumstance

Semantically, clauses of circumstance are half - way between conditional clauses of

reason They can introduced by because, as, since and the compound conjunction seeing (that).

For example :

As we are entering the twenty-first century, we are facing many more exciting

technological challenges.

Seeing (that) no one paid attention to him, the speaker stopped.

Nonfinite and verbless clause can also be used but without a subordinator Instead, we can

put with or without before the circumstantial clause.

(With) so many difficulties, they could not carry on with their project.

3.2.6 Clause of purpose:

Adverbial clause of purpose state the purpose of the action in the independent clause

Finite adverbial clauses of purpose are usually introduced by so(that), in order that, for fear that, incase can be used for negative purposes.

They used a loud-hair so that every one could hear them.

We reduced the number of motorbikes for fear that the air should be seriously

polluted.

Adverbial clause of purpose are more often infinitive clauses than finite clauses (have nosubject) For example :

To see the manager , I have to wait for 2 hours.

He encouraged us to win our support.

More subordinators of purpose are : in order to and so as to :

We went to bed early in order to get up early the next morning.

The Clean Air act was adopted so as to protect public health.

Negative purpose is expressed in infinitive clauses by in order not to and so as not to :

They talked softly in order not to be realized.

He closed the door so as not to wake the children up.

3.2.7 Clauses of result :

An adverbial clause of result expresses the result of the independent clause statement.Clause of result can be introduced by :

so, so that, so

so + adjective/ adverb + that

such a(an) + adjective + noun + that

too + adjective / adverb + infinitive

adjective / adverb + enough + infinitive

For example :

Changing the oil is such an easy job that any mechanic can do it.

She is too young to go to school.

3.2.8 Clause of contrast:

In adverbial clauses of contrast, the information in the first clause of the sentence is instrong contrast to or is the direct opposite of the information in the second clause In such

a sentence can be introduced by the subordinators while, whereas A comma is placed

between the contrast clauses For example :

San Francisco is very cool during the summer, whereas San Juan is extremely hot.

While we discussed the problem, he stayed still and said nothing.

3.2.9 Clause of manner and comparison:

(1) Clause of manner :

Adverbial clauses of manner answer the question: How / and are normally introduced by

as, just as, exactly as, in the way that.

Do it as I do not as I say

He behaved in the way that his father did.

As also introduces a manner clause which involves comparison.( Quirk et al.1979) offer

an interesting example :

They hunted him as a tiger stalks his prey.

Like, as a preposition, is sometime used instead of as in manner clauses For example :

We study like our teachers expect.

(2) Clauses of comparison:

Clauses of comparison is introduced by as if and as though For example :

He looks as if he is ill.

He said as if he were the president

They looked horrified as though they had seen a ghost.

Like, again, can replace as if, as though especially in Br.E :

She treated me like I were her son.

As if and as though may also introduced nonfinite or verbless clauses For example:

They ran as though a ghost after them.

The teacher smiled as if to encourage us.

3.2.10 Clauses of proportion and preference.

(1) Proportional clauses :

Clause of this type expresses an equivalence of tendency or degree between the two

circumstances They are introduced by as and the the.

For example :

As you sow, you will reap.

The more we live, the more beautiful we realize the life is.

(2) Clauses of preference:

Clauses of preference may be only introduced by the conjunctions rather than or sooner than They can be followed by a bare infinitive, an ing- clause or a noun- phrase.

For example :