Sentences with /Is-clauses

STRUCTURAL PATTERNS

Now just as Mr. Cowlishaw was personally conducting to the door the first visitor, there was another ring at the door.

In complex sentences with an adverbial clause of time introduced by the conjunction as there may be different combinations of tense forms.

as-clause	principal clause
a) the Past Continuous	the Past Indefinite
b) the Past Indefinite	the Past Indefinite
c) the Past Indefinite	the Past Continuous

These combinations show different time relations between the action of the adverbial clause and that of the principal clause.

As I was going inside he called Когда я входил в дом, он позвал те. (а) меня.

The Past Continuous shows that the action of the adverbial clause was in process when the action of the principal clause was accomplished. In Russian we find a verb of the imperfective aspect in the adverbial clause (входил) and a verb of the perfective aspect in the principal clause (позвал).

As she reached the highest step, she felt weak and faint, (b)

Когда она дошла до верхней ступеньки, она почувствовала слабость и головокружение.

This combination may express a succession of actions. In Russian we find verbs of the perfective aspect in both clauses (дошла, почувствовала).

It may also denote two fully simultaneous actions both in process.

As they drove home they talked about the football match, (b)

Пока они ехали домой, они разговаривали о футбольном матче.

In Russian we find verbs of the imperfective aspect in both clauses (ехали, разговаривали).

As they waited for the telephone call, Hester was finishing her embroidery, (c)

Пока они ждали телефонного звонка, Эстер заканчивала свою вышивку.

This combination also denotes two simultaneous actions in process. The Past Continuous is used in the principal clause when the action there is expressed by a terminative (предельный) verb as otherwise it would denote a completed action. In Russian both verbs are imperfective (ждали, заканчивала).

2. Had better, would rather

"If you're going to talk like that," she said suddenly..., "I'd better go."

The set phrase had better do smth denotes an action considered by the speaker necessary under the circumstances. Had is often contracted to ' d.

The rain has stopped. I had better go before it starts again.	Дождь перестал. Пожалуй, я лучше пойду (мне лучше идти), пока он снова не начался.
You'd- better drive carefully, the road is bad here.	Вы бы внимательнее вели машину, здесь плохая дорога.

The set phrase would rather (sooner) do smth expresses a person's preference, choice or desire. Would is often contracted to ' d.

She said she would rather go to a younger dentist.	Она сказала, что предпочла бы обратиться к более молодому зубному врачу.
"I'd sooner die than retire," said the colonel.	"Я скорее умру, чем уйду в отставку", - сказал полковник.

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