[Grammar] as it is/as they are,etc.

Status
Not open for further replies.

maoyueh

Member
Joined
May 28, 2011
Member Type
Retired English Teacher
Native Language
Chinese
Home Country
Taiwan
Current Location
Taiwan
In the sentence "Leave it as it is" , the clause "as it is" is an adjective clause used as an objective complement, or an adverbial clause modifying the verb "leave"? Thank you so much.
 

Tdol

No Longer With Us (RIP)
Staff member
Joined
Nov 13, 2002
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
Japan
It doesn't fit the conventional model of an adjectival clause
 

TheParser

VIP Member
Joined
Dec 8, 2009
Member Type
Other
Native Language
English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
***** NOT A TEACHER *****


Hello,


I think that we can parse it this way:

(You) = subject.

leave = verb.

it = object.

as = "in the way in which"

it = subject.

is = verb. ( = exists)

Thus, as you suggested, "as it is" is an adverbial clause modifying "leave."


Answers the question "How should I leave it?"

NOTES:

1. Some books refer to "as" in your sentence as a conjunction. Other books feel it is more accurate to call it a relative adverb.

2. Some people use the "incorrect" like in your sentence: "Leave it like it is."

3. Some people leave out the subject of the subordinate clause: "Hey! Leave it as is!"


James


References:

House and Harman, Descriptive English Grammar (1950).
Paul Roberts, Understanding Grammar (1954).
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top