Asymmetry in temporal and sequential clauses in Chinese
汉语中时间与序列从句的不对称性
Stephen W. Chan

Abstract 摘要

There is a class of complex sentences in Chinese having the surface form NP – VP1 – VP2 designated by Chao as sentences having verbal expressions in series. This article examines several subtypes of this verbal sequence, especially those involving descriptions of human action, directed motion, and instrumental functions, and finds that these could be subsumed under the heading of ‘purposive clauses’. The VP1 states an action whose goal is fulfilled by the action performed in VP2. The relevance of studies in the philosophy of action plays an important role in the understanding of such sentences.