词汇 | grammar_british-grammar_word-order-structures | ||||
释义 | Word order: structuresThere are a number of options which we can use to add emphasis or focus within a clause. Indirect object versus prepositional complementWhen we talk about someone receiving something, we can express it using the typical word order: indirect object (io) + direct object (do). If we want to bring more emphasis or focus to the recipient, we can use a prepositional complement (pc) instead of an indirect object. Compare
In formal contexts, we sometimes put prepositional complements in front position so as to bring focus to the new information given in the direct object:
Warning: We don’t normally put indirect objects in front position:
See also: Complements Active and passive voiceActive voice is the typical word order. That is when we put the subject (the doer) first, followed by the new information (which is the focus):
If we use the passive voice, we can often omit who the doer is:
Or we can place the doer in a prepositional phrase after the verb. When we do this, we focus on the doer:
See also: Passive: active and passive Cleft sentencesCleft means ‘divided’ and in a cleft sentence a single message is divided across two clauses. We use cleft sentences, especially in speaking, to connect what is already understood to what is new to the listener. By doing this we can focus on the new information. There are different types of cleft sentence. It-cleft sentencesIn these sentences, the focus is on the it-clause and this is where we put the new information (underlined below). We use that to connect another clause containing information which is already understood by the listener:
Wh-cleft sentencesWh-cleft sentences are introduced by a wh-word, usually what. The old information is in the wh-clause and the new information (underlined) is at the end:
See also: Cleft sentences (It was in June we got married.) The thing, the one thing, somethingThe thingWe can use the thing in front position plus a form of the verb be to bring attention to an item in the clause. It means the same as what plus be, but it is more informal (the focus in each sentence is underlined below):
We can use a singular verb even if the item we focus on is plural:
When we focus on a that-clause, we can omit that in informal situations:
When we focus on an infinitive clause, we can omit to in informal situations:
One thing, the one thingWe can emphasise thing with one. The one thing is even stronger:
SomethingWe can use something in front position plus a form of the verb be to bring attention to an item in the clause (underlined). It is less specific and less direct than using the thing, and means ‘one thing among others’:
See also: Thing and stuff Headers and tails It to create focusWhen we use it at the beginning of a clause, the subject can go at the end of the clause and therefore be in the position of focus or emphasis (underlined):
To create extra focus on time adjuncts (yesterday, in the morning, at 4 am), we can front them using phrases such as it is/was not until, it is/was only when. In the case of not until, the negative verb comes in the until-clause, not the main clause:
(Compare: When I woke at 8 am, I realised the alarm hadn’t gone off.) There to create focusWe can use there at the start of a clause as a type of indefinite subject. This means that we can put the actual subject at the end of the clause and so give it emphasis or focus (underlined below):
Noun forms of verbs to create focusIn formal writing, especially academic writing, we can use a noun form of a verb as a subject. By doing this, extra focus is given to the end of the clause. Noun phrase subjects (topics) are in bold type below; the focus of each sentence is underlined:
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