postclause

Postclause is a term used in linguistics to describe a clause that follows the main clause in a sentence. In sentences with a primary assertion, the material that comes after the main clause is sometimes analyzed as a postclause, especially when it functions as a dependent or supplementary unit. The exact usage of the term varies by theoretical framework; some grammars use postclause narrowly for certain sentential adverbials, while others apply it more broadly to any clause that trails the main clause, including subordinate or relative clauses.

Functions and realizations

Postclause clauses commonly express temporal sequencing, causation, condition, concession, or commentary about the main clause. They can be finite or nonfinite and may appear as adverbial clauses, relative clauses, or other dependent structures. An example of a postclause is: “John left after he had said goodbye.” Here the clause after the main clause provides the temporal context for the action. In some languages and analyses, postclausal material is set apart by punctuation or intonation and is organized to the right of the main clause, contributing to information structure and discourse flow.

Cross-linguistic variation

Different languages differ in how their subordinate material is ordered relative to the main clause. Some languages predominantly place dependent clauses before the main clause (preclause), while others allow or favor postposed (postclause) structures for certain functions. The distinction between postclause and related concepts such as sentential adverbials or postposed relative clauses can be subtle and is dependent on syntactic theory and descriptive tradition.

See also

Subordinate clause, postposed clause, preclause, clause ordering, discourse structure.