[Grammar] as it is/as they are,etc.

[maoyueh]

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]

It doesn't fit the conventional model of an adjectival clause

 

[TheParser]

***** 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).