III/CONJUNCTS
Objective of the section
By the end of the section, the student is supposed :
1. To be able to identify the semantic subfunctions of conjuncts .
2. To be able to determine the structure of subcategories of conjuncts
The main function of conjuncts is to clarify the connection between two units of discourse.
Because they explicitly signal the link between passages of text, they are important devices for
cohesion. The six major semantic categories are: enumeration and addition, summation,
apposition, result inference, contrast/concession, and transition.
1/Enumeration and addition
Conjuncts can be used to enumerate (list) pieces of information, or to signal the addition of items
to a list. Conjuncts for enumeration include numbering words (e.g. first(ly), second(ly)), as well
as finally and some prepositional phrases:
This new structure must accomplish two special purposes. First, as part of overcoming
the division of Europe there must be an opportunity to overcome through peace and
freedom the division of Berlin and Germany. Second, the architecture should reflect that
America's security remains linked to Europe.
He couldn't bring himself to say what he thought. For one thing, she seldom stopped to
listen. For another, he doubted that he could make himself clear.
Addition conjuncts signal that a new item of discourse is being added to previous ones:
1 Each of these crystal systems is represented by a primitive lattice. In addition, there are
seven multi-primitive lattices.
2 Feedback tends to be used to stabilize systems, not to randomize them. Similarly,
natural systems would probably evolve to avoid chaos.
As the use of similarly in 2 suggests, addition often goes with similarity of meaning.
Other typical enumerating adverbials are: lastly, thirdly, in the first/second place, first of all, for
one thing ...for another thing, to begin with, next.
Other typical addition adverbials are: also, by the same token, further, furthermore, likewise,
moreover.
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2/ Summation
Adverbials that mark summation signal that a unit of discourse concludes or sums up points made
in the preceding discourse:
In sum, then, to account for a synchronic assimilation from [k] to [t]under this
view, the processes of tier promotion and complex segment simplification must
apply along with the spreading of the assimilation feature.
To conclude, we may place the three notions of saliency in an ordered Relation as
follows…
Other typical summation conjuncs are: all in all, in conclusion, overall, to summarize.
3/Apposition
conjuncts of apposition show that the following piece of text is equivalent to, or included in, the
point made in the preceding discourse.
An apposition conjunct may introduce the second unit as a restatement of the first, reformulating
it in some way or stating it more explicitly:
The current edition shows that road users cover their track costs by a factor of 2.4 to 1. In
other words, users of all types pay almost two and a half times as much in taxes as is
spent on all road costs from building, maintenance and signs, right down to the provision
of police, traffic wardens and even grass cutting and hedge-trimming of the verges.
Our model allows the prevention of who, i.e. which Communicator may exchange when,
i.e. at what point of time, what, i.e. which message, with whom, i.e. with which
Communicator.
In many cases, the second unit of text is an example. It is information that is logically included in
part of the previous text (here marked in I):
She understood (the parameters of the picnics) all too well. E.g. they could not go
to the beach because of the sand.
If a population becomes highly entrained, (its diversity is greatly reduced). For example,
the age structure could become very narrow.
Other typical apposition adverbials are: which is to say, that is to say, that is, for instance,
namely, specifically. Note that some apposition adverbials used in writing are Latin
abbreviations: e.g. (for example), i.e. (that is), viz. (namely).
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4/Result and inference
Conjuncts of result and inference signal that the second unit of discourse states the results or
consequence of the preceding discourse:
I once acquired a set of recordings of a Bach piano concerto. I was very fond of it, but my
mother was forever criticizing and chastising my poor taste. Consequently, I now hardly
listen to Bach.
As the spatial file contains all the geometric relationships necessary to specify the body,
this can be used to generate any pictorial view. It is thus not necessary to produce an
engineering drawing specifically for the purpose of showing everyone what it looks like.
In conversation, this category is also commonly realized by so. In some cases, so clearly marks a
resultive relationship and could be replaced by therefore:
Oh well you've seen it anyway, so I won't put it on.
So, does not always have such a clear role. However, at times, so refers to something understood
from the context that is not available to readers of a written transcription. In the following
example, so could relate to an action that is not put into words (e.g. putting away tools or closing
a book) but that suggests work is finished:
Okay, so that's that.
In still other cases, so has little semantic content of its own. Instead, it functions more like a
discourse marker. For example, in the following excerpt, so marks the speaker's wish for an
explanation of what has been said:
A: I'm looking forward to tomorrow night.
B: So what are you guys doing?
C: Oh, just visiting folks, pretty much.
Other result inference adverbials mark one idea as an inferred result of another:
He works late. How am I supposed to get there then?
In this example, then marks the connection between the idea of the first clause (his working late)
and the speaker's problem getting to another location. However, this connection is not as overt as
with many resultive adverbials in writing (e.g. He works late; therefore, he cannot drive me
there).
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Other typical result inference adverbials are: hence, therefore.
Here we note conjuncts that mark some kind of contrast or conflict between information in
different discourse units. Some of these adverbials clearly mark contrasting alternatives:
Many statutory water companies are already saddled with high borrowings. In contrast,
the water authorities are going into the private sector flush with cash.
All fans should be speed-controlled. Alternatively, a system of variable fan speed on a
motorized thermostat or electronic control will give full automation on all fans.
5/Contrast and concession
Other conjuncts mark a concessive relationship: they show that the subsequent discourse
expresses something contrary to the expectations raised by the preceding clause. Though and
anyway are concessive adverbials:
A: I would love a nice new car! We won't be able to afford one for a couple years yet.
B: You could afford a Mini though.
Now that the lawyers have taken over, science will never be able to reach a verdict, and
anyway it no longer matters.
Other typical contrast /concession adverbials:
-focus primarily on contrast: on the other hand, conversely, instead, on the contrary, in contrast,
by comparison
-focus primarily on concession: anyhow, besides, nevertheless, still, in any case, at any rate, in
spite of that, after all, yet.
6/Transition
Transition adverbials mark the insertion of an item that does not follow directly from the previous
discourse. The new information is signaled as only loosely connected, or unconnected, to the
previous discourse, as in the following:
A: I really don't like walking in the bathroom and seeing your underwear hanging off the
mirror.
B: That's enough.
C: <laugh>
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A: It's kind of disgusting, how do you get them to stick there by the way?
It seems clear that there is nothing for it but to go back and attack the first difficulties
again. Incidentally, one way to motivate yourself, if things do get sticky, is to imagine
that you have to explain the subject to the class the next day.
Other transition adverbials are: by the by, meanwhile, now.
Major points of grammar bite : Conjuncts =linking adverbials
There are six major semantic categories of conjuncts: enumeration/addition, summation,
apposition, result /inference, contrast/ concession, and transition.The greatest use and
greatest diversity of conjuncts are found in academic prose.
Conversation has the second highest frequency of conjuncts, due mostly to a few very
common items, like so.
Cohesion in news and fiction depends less on explicit conjuncts and more on
chronological order or implicit connections.
Four conjuncts are extremely common in conversation: so, then, though, anyway. They
are important in the unfolding of conversational discourse.Initial position is the typical
position for conjuncts generally.
Three of the common conjuncts in conversation tend to appear in final position: then,
anyway, though.
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PRACTICE
Exercise1: Semantic categories of linking adverbials
In the examples below, fill in each blank with an appropriate linking adverbial from the following
list: in contrast, though, second, for example, thus, by the wag likewise, in conclusion.Identify
the semantic category of each adverbial: enumeration, result, addition, contrast, summation,
concession, apposition, or transition. Use each of the semantic categories only once.
1. Finally, firewall policies must be realistic reflections of the level of security in the entire
network. .....................................a site with top secret or classified data should not be
hooking up to the Internet in the first place; or the systems with the really secret data
should be isolated from the rest of the corporate network.
2. As of last year, 70 percent of Americans over age 85 were living on their
own. .....................................almost 100 years ago, 60 percent of Americans over 65 lived
with an adult child.
3. Corn is really good on pizza-1 doubt they will have it ....................................
4. Two related points are relevant with respect to macroeconomic instability and policy.
First, a nation engaged in world trade faces potential sources of instability which would
not affect a nation 'closed' to the world economy. ..................................... these new
sources of instability complicate domestic stabilization policy and may make it less
effective. For example, recessions and inflations can be highly contagious among nations.
5. And so now. ..................................... let me conjure into final focus the prospect of
unfathomed wonder to which all myths and rites in the way of great poetry and art
introduce and unite us, by quoting the eloquent lines of a brief poem that deeply inspired
me when Ifirst read it some forty years ago, and which has steadied me in my thinking
ever since.
6. Oh yeah 1climbed through the glass to get over to the archery and it was not a smart
thing. ....................................you two who haven't had lunch-there's chicken salad and
potato salad.
7. Sanchez Ortega dropped out of sight within days of his being questioned by federal
authorities and has not been seen since. He is believed to be somewhere in Mexico
City. .....................................his partner has not been seen or heard from.
8. The office is filled by a free contractual relationship. .....................................in principle,
there is free selection.
Exercise 2:Isolate all adverbials and specify their semantic subcategory
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1. They were there all night I guess.
2. Iguess he just started to strike her.
3. He spoke quickly, but she drawled when she talked.
4. The rules will initially apply only to the top 50 NASDAQ stocks.
5. If learned scientists and experienced engineers are baffled, the matter will certainly be
beyond me.
6. Ollie hated the water even though he cleaned the pool all the time.
7. Each did its own scheduling, which had been done centrally before.
8. Richard was quite correct, as technically speaking they were all in harbor.
9. He's got to learn though to leave that cat alone.
10. Therefore, if you get an interview but not the job, you will still have reached your goal.
11. First, we have to discuss where he would fit on our club.
12. Because of the risk to health of asbestos-based products, these are now being replaced by
fibre cement asbestos-free products.
13. The two miles of this road were beefed up in1937 to handle the increasing tourist
traffic, thus becoming the first divided highway in Arizona.
14. Insects may just shut down the sensitivity of their eyes in a way that's roughly comparable
to our closing our eyelids.
15. Minnig's rocklike composure cracked only in a frenetic incident last week in which
photographers were allowed to approach the mansion, then ignored police orders and
swarmed inside for an improvised news conference with Tupac terrorists.
