Syntax- přednášky

She lay awake all night and recalled the events of the day. (finite + finite → finite + non-finite)

Recalling

• We miss the subject in participle construction – but we know that the subject in the subordinate clause is the same as the missing subject in main clause (Walking down the street [I], I met Paul.)

Clauses of time

When she (had) finished all her housework, she sat down to watch television. – we can have 2 finite clauses

• We can change the construction: Having finished all her housework, ……… → this is perfect participle construction (non-finite + finite)

When I was walking along Prague Street, I met Paul.

• We can say: (When/while) walking along Prague Street, I met Paul. → general form of participle

Present participles can be used after the time conjunctions AFTER, BEFORE, SINCE, WHEN, WHILE.

ON, IN can be used to mean WHEN, WHILE.

When I found the front door open, I became suspicious.

• We can change it: On finding the front door open, I ….

While I was trying to open the can, I cut my hand.

• We can change it: In/while trying to open the can, I cut my hand.

When it was viewed from the distance, it looked picturesque.

• We can change it: When viewed from the distance it looked ………..

After we were informed about the delay, we made other arrangements.

• We can change it: After being informed about the delay, we made other arrangements.

AFTER, BEFORE, SINCE, ON, IN cannot be followed directly by a past participle. They require being + past participle.

Clauses of reason

As I was anxious to please him, I bought him a nice present.

• Being anxious to please him, I ……..

Since he had worked hard all his life, he decided to take a long vacation. – past perfect + past – different times

• Having worked hard all his life, he decided ………..

Because I have been made redundant, I am going abroad. – present perfect passive + present

• Having been made redundant, I am going abroad. -

Clauses of condition

Unless you pay by credit card, please pay in cash.

• Unless paying by credit card, please pay in cash.

If you are accepted for this post, you will be informed in 14 days.

• If accepted, you will ……….

Clauses of concession

While he admitted that he had received the stolen lewellery, he denied his participation in the robbery.

• While admitting that ……………….

Although it was built before the war, the engine is still in perfect order.

• Although built before the war, the engine ………………..

Relative clauses

The woman who is washing the dishes is our new cook.

• We can change it: The woman washing the dishes… → function: post-modification

• Když to budeme chtít předělat z participle na finite clause, musíme v tomto případě použít present continuous, protože žena myje nádobí právě teď

Anyone who violates this law will be punished.

• We can change it: Anyone violating this law… → we used present participle

  • Když to budeme chtít předělat z participle na finite clause, musíme v tomto případě použít present simple – je to general statement, neděje se to primo teď, takže nemůžeme použít present continuous.