Minor/non-finite System
Major and minor sentences
A major sentence is a regular sentence; it has a SUBJECT
and a PREDICATE
However, a minor sentence is an irregular type of sentence.
It does not contain a finite verb.
For example, "Mary!" "Yes." "Coffee." etc.
Other examples of minor sentences are headings (e.g. the
heading of this entry), stereotyped expressions ("Hello!"),
emotional expressions ("Wow!")…..
SAL – CLAUSES
Minor/non-finite System
The non-finite clause always has the ability to do
without a subject:
The best thing would be to tell everybody
Also (optional subject) … for you to tell everybody
It’s great to be free
Covered in confusion, I left the room
The absence of a finite verb from non-finite clauses,
means that they have no distinction of person,
number, or tense.
SAL – CLAUSES
Minor/non-finite System
• Kids like to play on computers. (an infinitive clause using
the English to-infinitive)
• It's easy for kids to play on computers. (an infinitive
clause containing periphrastic expression of the subject)
• Playing on computers, they whiled the day away. (a
participial clause, using a present participle)
• The kids playing on their computers, we were able to
enjoy some time alone. (a participal clause with a
subject)
• Having played on computers all day, they were pale and
hungry. (a participial clause using a past participle)
• Playing on computers is fun. (a gerund clause)
SAL – CLAUSES
Minor/non-finite System
They constitute a means of syntactic compression.
Popular in certain types of written discourse where the
writer wants to suggest that their meaning should be
recovered from the context.
Can you try to detect the missing forms (verb TO BE +
pronoun)?:
Defeated, he left the room
Once appointed prime minister, he took the strict measures
expected of him
During emergencies, feelings normally kept in check are ready
to flourish
SAL – CLAUSES
Minor/non-finite System
• non-finite and minor clauses are a feature of
disjunctive grammar;
• In disjunctive grammar (i.e. marked by break or
disunity) relation between different parts of the
message is inferred (not grammatically indicated):
“Cascade. Because you don’t have time for spots”
(Cascade dishwasher)
Disjunctive grammar
Leech, English in Advertising, chapter 9
• Main difference between discursive and
disjunctive grammar:
– in discursive grammar, minor and non-finite clauses are
dependent;
– in disjunctive grammar, minor and non-finite clauses
are independent
Disjunctive grammar
Minor sentences
(The new 2012 Buick La Crosse)
Disjunctive grammar
Minor sentences
Disjunctive grammar
Block Language
SAL – CLAUSES
Minor/non-finite System
Disjunctive & abbreviated modes
Leech, English in Advertising, chapter 9
Message is very simple, its significance inferred from the
circumstances in which it is transmitted. Accompanied by
other means (visuals)
• Disjunctive mode is used
–
–
–
–
–
–
Public notices, signs
Posters
Catalogues, inventories, tabulated materials
Postal address
Labels and trade-marks
Titles and headings
Disjunctive & abbreviated modes
Leech, English in Advertising, chapter 9
• Abbreviated mode is used in:
– Telegrams
– Newspaper headlines.
Disjunctive mode
See Leech, English in Advertising, chapter 9
• Disjunctive language offers many clues so as to
have a correct interpretation of the message.
Notices on 4 DOORS:
Artizzu
Prof. Fodde
No exit
Staff only
How much of English grammar is needed for
their description??
Disjunctive mode
See Leech, English in Advertising, chapter 9
• In disjunctive grammar, the only grammar
we need is a knowledge of the structure of
English proper names: one part of the
nominal group.
GENTLEMEN’S WASHROOM
ENQUIRIES AND APLICATIONS FOR VISA
Disjunctive mode
See Leech, English in Advertising, chapter 9
• The disjunctive grammar that uses proper
names or nominal group structures only is
called BLOCK LANGUAGE.
• Block language is characteristic of many
types of public announcements, in posters.
Disjunctive grammar
Leech, English in Advertising, chapter 9
Disjunctive grammar
Leech, English in Advertising, chapter 9
Disjunctive grammar
Leech, English in Advertising, chapter 9
Disjunctive grammar
Leech, English in Advertising, chapter 9
• Each NG = isolated unit
• Relation between different
parts of the message is
inferred (not
grammatically indicated).
• In poster-like presentation
the Z-reading path is
waived for the sake of
immediate visual impact
Disjunctive grammar
Leech, English in Advertising, chapter 9
• Each NG = isolated unit
• Relation between different
parts of the message is
inferred (not
grammatically indicated).
• In poster-like presentation
the Z-reading path is
waived for the sake of
immediate visual impact
Disjunctive grammar
Leech, English in Advertising, chapter 9
• For you this summer … a golden tan
• (A Z structure – INDEPENDENT MINOR CLAUSE)
• The castle, at one time a royal residence, is now the
property of the National Trust
• (A Z structure – DEPENDENT MINOR CLAUSE)
You
…if you are aged 16-19 and are taking or have passed your G.C.E. …
and your future
• (A Z structure – INDEPENDENT MINOR CLAUSE)
Disjunctive grammar
Leech, English in Advertising, chapter 9
• Main difference between discursive and
disjunctive grammar:
– in discursive grammar, minor and non-finite clauses are
dependent;
– in disjunctive grammar, minor and non-finite clauses
are independent
Abbreviated grammar
Leech, English in Advertising, chapter 9
• Typical of newspapers headlines
• Examples:
– “Customs accused of offering secret amnesty”
Abbreviated grammar
Abbreviated grammar
• There are a lot of pre-modifiers required to save
space & to create ambiguity (which means to
catch the interest of the reader)
British left waffles on Falkland islands
a) left Predicator + waffles Complement (waffle = a cake fried
in butter) => P C
b) left (British left) Head of S + waffles Predicator (to waffle =
to ramble, i.e. speak in a confused manner ) => S P.
Small AD
• Small ad uses disjunctive grammar
abbreviated grammar & block grammar:
• LTD Company est 1981 for sale. No assets or
liabilities. VAT registered. UK bank acc with
chequebook. Avble now. Substantial offers over
£15,000. Internet bkg nominee service avble on
both. Tel.08000 152469 or 07845 495852. quote ref
DPH
(The Sunday Times, Feb 27th, 2005)
Small AD
Classifieds
• Small ad uses disjunctive grammar abbreviated
grammar & block grammar:
“The landlord just finished this beautiful Salon and Spa and offering
it for sale. Brand new equipment, retail displays, first class
decoration, waiting room with fire place. Great Corner Visibility!
Excellent retail displays with a great inventory. (4) chair Stations (2)
Manicure and pedicure stations (1)Massage room Must see to
appreciate, great investment for an active stylist or investment
opportunity to run your own business”.
(The New York Times, Nov. 26th, 2013)
…phew*
You can now buy the emergency contraceptive pill
from the pharmacy. It’s called Levonelle and
works best within 24 hours but can be used
up to 72 hours after unprotected sex.