Correlative subordinators consist of two parts, distributed one in the subordinate clause and the other one in the governing clause (usually the main clause). The main predicate of the subordinate clause gets one component of the correlative subordinator (the actual subordinating conjunction) associated as auxrf (it is hidden). Constructions with correlative subordinators (e.g. comparative and consecutive clauses) often require specific tree structures. The following table lists correlative subordinators. The components in angle brackets are attached to predicates as auxrf's.
Table 7.4. Correlative subordinators
| so.EXT.... <as>.RESL | She was so kind as to drive us home. | |
| <as>.... <as> | CPR | He is as old as I am. |
| such.EXT... <as>.RESL | RESL | |
| so.EXT... <that>.RESL | RESL | |
| such... <that>.RESL | RESL | |
| less.EXT... <than> | CPR | |
| more.EXT... <than> | CPR | |
| <as>... <so> | DIFF | As the strenght of the
defenders failed.DIFF, so the
courage of the attackers grew.PRED[auxrf:
as, so]. |
| <the>.DIFF...<the> | DIFF | The older the wine is, the better it tastes. |
| no sooner.TWHEN <than> | CPR |
In the correlative subordinators listed above both components must
be present on the surface. Yet there are also a few correlative
subordinators whose second components are optional. Their second
component, present in the governing clause, is not to be hidden but gets
the functor PREC:
Though the workers were.CNCS
unhappy with some aspects of the proposed new contract,
nevertheless.PREC
they overwhelmingly voted in favour of
it.
If this harvest is.COND
good, then.PREC
they will not need to import wheat.Fig. 7.3
Because you have not replied.CAUS
to my formal letter of May 1, I am therefore.PREC
withdrawing my offer.
