The connective is often dispensed with entirely when the relation of cause is very plain; thus, “One man goes four thousand miles to Italy, and does not see it, he is so short-sighted.”—Curtis.
What the Causal Clause modifies.—When the verb in the principal proposition denotes action, the clause modifies the verb, or it may modify some participle or infinitive denoting action; as, “Work is a thing done because it ought to be done, and with a determined end.”—Ruskin.
When the verb is a copula, the clause modifies the verb and its complement, as the verb has not in itself sufficient meaning to be modified. In the sentence,—“To John Inglesant, who had always been devotedly attached to his brother, this display of affection was delightful, cut off as he had been so long from all sympathy and friendliness,” the clause modifies was delightful. In this clause the position of the subordinating conjunction as is usurped by cut off in order to give prominence to those words. The clause may be transposed, however, so that as, meaning because, comes first.
Position of the Causal Clause.—Usually the causal clause follows the principal proposition. When it comes first, being in an unusual position it becomes more prominent and therefore more impressive, and the principal proposition is also rendered more forcible by being placed at the end of the sentence; for example, “And as they still continued to multiply, there came forth the dreadful edict that every male child of the Hebrews should be destroyed as soon as born.”—Lord.
Exercise 13
Select causal clauses in the following sentences. Tell what they denote, what they modify, and specify the connective.
1. The modern schoolmaster is expected to know a little of everything, because his pupil is required not to be entirely ignorant of anything.—Lamb.
2. If we dilate in beholding the Greek energy, the Roman pride, it is that we are already domesticating the same sentiment.—Emerson.
3. Vulgarity is an eighth deadly sin, worse than all the others put together, since it perils your salvation in this world.—Lowell.
4. The top of Blomidon is not the abode of storm winds alone, for two houses stand upon it, and the laughter of children rings cheerily among the evergreen groves.—Bolles.