Parenthetical (comment) clauses

A parenthetical clause (parenthesis) interrupts another sentence with which it is either not connected syntactically or is only loosely connected with separate parts of the sentence. They may occur initially, finally, or medially, and thus generally have a separate tone unit. They are usually marked off from the rest of the sentence by commas, dashes, or parentheses (brackets) in written English.

Parenthetical clauses are used to express the speakers' comments on the content of the utterance, or to convey the speakers' views on the way they are speaking.

We distinguish the following types of parenthetical clauses:

1) like the main clause:

There were no other applicants, I believe, for that job.

2) like an adverbial finite clause:

I'm working the night shift, as you know.

3) like a relative clause:

What was more upsetting, we lost all our luggage.

4) to-infinitive clause:

I'm not sure what to do, to be honest.

(v) -ing clause:

I doubt, speaking as a layman, whether television is the right medium for that story.

(vi) -ed clause:

Stated bluntly, he had no chance of winning.

In each category, there are idiomatic or cliché expressions: you see, as I say, what's more to the point, to be fair, generally speaking, put bluntly. Similarly, in each category there is at least some freedom to coin new expressions.

Parenthetical clauses may be patterned like different communicative types of sentences or clauses - statements, questions, imperative or exclamatory sentences or clauses.

It was - why hadn’t he noticed it before? - beginning to be an effort for her to hold her back straight. (a why-question)

I felt - such curious shapes egoism fakes! - that they had come because of me. (an exclamatory sentence)

PRACTICAL EXERCISES

Nominal clauses

Define the kinds of subordinate clauses (subject, object and predicative clauses). Translate into Russian.

1. Miss Casement stopped what she was doing and stared at Rainsborough. 2. What you saw tonight was an ending. 3. About what was to come she reflected not at all. 4. It's odd how it hurts at these times not to be part of your proper family. 5. The trouble with you, Martin, is that you are always looking for a master. 6. Suddenly realizing what had happened, she sprang to her feet. 7. "It looks as though spring will never come," she remarked. 8. I want you to sit here beside me and listen to what I have to say. 9. Who and what he was, Martin never learned. 10. That I am hungry and you are aware of it are only ordinary phenomena, and there's no disgrace. 11. What he would do next he did not know. 12. It was only then that I realized that she was travelling too. 13. What I want is to be paid for what I do. 14. I cannot help thinking there is something wrong about that closet. 15. And what is puzzling me is why they want me now. 16. That was what I came to find out. 17. What I want to know is when you're going to get married. 18. Her fear was lest they should stay for tea. 19. That they were justified in this she could not but admit. 20. What was certain was that I could not now sleep again. 21. What vast wound that catastrophe had perhaps made in Georgie's proud and upright spirit I did not know. 22. After several weeks what he had been waiting for happened. 23. And let me say to you in the profoundest and most faithful seriousness that what you saw tonight will have no sequel. 24. I understand all that, but what I want to know is whether or not you have lost faith in me? 25. He could recall with startling clarity what previously had been dim and evasive recollections of childhood incidents, early schooling and young manhood. 26. It's been my experience that as a rule the personality of a human being presents as much of a complexity as the medical history of a chronic invalid. 27. He [Cowperwood] had taken no part in the war, and he felt sure that he could only rejoice in its conclusion — not as a patriot, but as a financier. 28. He felt as if the ocean separated him from his past care, and welcomed the new era of life which was dawning for him. 29. It was noticeable to all that even his usual sullen smile had disappeared. 30. That I had no business with two women on my hands already, to go falling in love with a third troubled me comparatively little. 31. I only write down what seems to me to be the truth. 32. Believe me, believe us, it is what is best for you. 33. Pleasantly excited by what she was doing, she momentarily expected somebody to stop her and remind her that she had forgotten to buy the evening paper and had failed to take the bus home at the usual time. 34. I dislike what you call his trade.

2. Insert what or that introducing nominal clauses.

1. After all, he now had ... he had been longing for, and he decided that was ... counted.

2. There was no doubt as to ... he meant.

3. I could realize nothing save ... he was no enemy of mine.

4. That was ... had happened to that wonderful mood of optimism and understanding.

5. I wanted to satisfy myself ... the work I had put into this boat was

sound.

6. He did not even know ... had happened.

7. ... he says is not ... he means.

8. ... he refused to help her in this critical moment was more than unkind of him.