4.2.2　Varying CMs

In the relation of variation,one clause is presented as being in total or partial replacement of another.From this perspective,the secondary clause presents a replacive or sbtractive proposition to what has been said in the primary clause.For example,

(65)The results show that they pose few questions and that they do not use musical terms in their conversations.Instead,they come to invent a concept which is shown to fill several mediating functions for the children in the activities,such as facilitating discernment,playing/composing music and sharing their musical experience.(S,AEs)

(66)My current position,is slightly different from Semino and Short(2004)and the same as that presented in Short(2007),except that I now think it clearer to use the term.(H,AEs)

Instead in Example(65)expresses replacive variation while except that in Example(66)present an exception to what has proposed in the former clause.Table 4.11 lists the occurrences and frequencies of the 8 varying CMs.

Table 4.11　Occurrences and frequencies of varying CMs

Seen from Table 4.11,the main varying CMs are not so frequently used as the other CMs mentioned above.However,there is no noticeable difference among their frequencies.Rather than is the most frequently used varying CM,referring to the replacement of another proposition by countering the expectancy which has been set in the preceding clause.In Example(67),rather than counters the expectation that the mayors are promoted directly from deputy-prefecture-level positions.

(67)This means that 37.2 per cent of mayors were transferred from other equivalent positions rather than promoted directly from deputy-prefecture-level positions.(S,ANEs)