Discourse connectivity and cohesion: Initial vs final circumstantial clauses
Adverbial clauses are placed either before the main clause, as in 1, or after it, as in 2:
1 If you have a problem, call us immediately.
2 Call us at any time if you need advice.
Position is related to the degree of integration between the two clauses. Semantically a circumstantial in final position tends to have tight connections with the main clause, to which it may be linked without a comma in writing or a pause in speech. In such cases it is closely integrated into the semantic structure of the main clause:
3 The problem arises because there is nothing in our day to day life to provide us with sufficient exercise. [AYK]
From a discourse perspective, an initial circumstantial clause tends to have wider textual connections with what preceded it, often reaching back some distance. It also provides a frame for what follows and can be paragraph-initial. It is likely to be followed by a comma or pause. Consequently, an initial circumstantial is likely to be less integrated into the main clause, as in 4:
4 Because tranquillisers simply mask symptoms rather than provide a cure, you may need
to seek help to deal with the problem which caused you to need the tablets in the first
place. [AYK]
Example 4 illustrates the greater integration of the to-infinitive clause compared with the framing function of the because clause.
An initial dependent clause, often with progressive aspect can provide a background state or activity for the event in past tense:
While all the other kids were pulling on their coats, the teacher found Harry sitting sobbing in the cloakroom. [CHR]
