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On the other hand, some subordinate clauses of a complex sentence can also be separated in the text, thus
being changed into specific independent sentences. Still, no one would seek to deny the existence of complex
sentence patterns based on optional subordinative connections. Cf:.
Suddenly Laura paused as if she was arrested by something invisible from here. > Suddenly Laura paused.
As if she was arrested by something invisible from here.
As for the factor of intonation, it should indeed be invariably taken into account when considering general
problems of sentence identification. The prepositional intonation contour with its final delimitation pause is one
of the constitutive means of the creation and existence of the sentence as a lingual phenomenon. In particular,
the developing intonation pattern in the process of speech sustains the semantic sentence strain from the
beginning of the sentence up to the end of it.. And there is a profound difference between the intonation
patterns of the sentence and those of the clause, no matter how many traits of similarity they may possess,
including finalizing features. Moreover, as is known, the tone of a coordinate clause, far from being rigorously
falling, can be rising as well. The core of the matter is that the speaker has intonation at his disposal as a means
of forming sentences, combining sentences, and separating sentences. He actively uses this means, grouping the
same syntactic strings of words now as one composite sentence, now as so many simple sentences, with the
corresponding more essential or less essential changes in meanings, of his own choice, which is determined by
concrete semantic and contextual conditions.
Thus, the idea of the non-existence of the compound sentence in English should be rejected unconditionally.
On the other hand, it should be made clear that the formulation of this negative idea as such has served us a
positive cause, after all: its objective scientific merit, similar to some other inadequate ideas advanced in
linguistics at different times, consists in the very fact that it can be used as a means of counter-argumentation in
the course of research work, as a starting point for new insights into the deep nature of lingual phenomena in
the process of theoretical analysis sustained by observation.
§ 2. The compound sentence is derived from two or more base sentences which, as we have already stated
above, are connected on the principle of coordination either syndetically or asyndetically. The base sentences
joined into one compound sentence lose their independent status and become coordinate clauses - parts of a
composite unity. The first clause is "leading" (the "leader" clause), the successive clauses are "sequential". This
division is essential not only from the point of view of outer structure (clause-order), but also in the light of the
semantico-syntactic content: it is the sequential clause that includes the connector in its composition, thus being
turned into some kind of dependent clause, although the type of its dependence is not subordinative. Indeed,
what does such a predicative unit signify without its syntactic leader?
The coordinating connectors, or coordinators, are divided into conjunctions proper and semi-functional
clausal connectors of adverbial character. The main coordinating conjunctions, both simple and discontinuous,
are: and, but, or, nor, neither, for, either ... or, neither ... nor, etc. The main adverbial coordinators are: then,
yet, so, thus, consequently, nevertheless, however, etc. The adverbial coordinators, unlike pure conjunctions, as
a rule can shift their position in the sentence (the exceptions are the connectors yet and so). Cf:.
Mrs. Dyre stepped into the room, however the host took no notice of it.
>
Mrs. Dyre stepped into the room,
the host, however, took no notice of it.
The intensity of cohesion between the coordinate clauses can become loose, and in this case the construction
is changed into a cumulative one (see Ch. XXVI). E.g.:
Nobody ever disturbed him while he was at work; it was one of the unwritten laws.
As has been stated elsewhere, such cases of cumulation mark the intermediary status of the construction, i.e.
its place in syntax between a composite sentence and a sequence of independent sentences.
§ 3. When approached from the semantico-syntactic point of view, the connection between the clauses in a
compound sentence should be analysed into two basic types: first, the unmarked coordinative connection;
second, the marked coordinative connection.
The unmarked coordinative connection is realized by the coordinative conjunction and and also
asyndetically. The unmarked semantic nature of this type of connection is seen from the fact that it is not
specified in any way and requires a diagnostic exposition through the marked connection. The exposition
properly effected shows that each of the two series of compound predicative constructions falls into two
principal subdivisions. Namely, the syndetic end-constructions discriminate, first, simple copulative relations
and, second, broader, non-copulative relations. The asyndetic constructions discriminate, first, simple
enumerative relations and, second, broader, non-enumerative relations. Cf. examples of the primary connective
meanings of the constructions in question: