How to explain this kind of clause? "This is the background against which to understand early Chinese religious practices." The clause "against which to understand early Chinese religious practices"

Search from various English teachers...

Xue Siyun

How to explain this kind of clause? "This is the background against which to understand early Chinese religious practices." The clause "against which to understand early Chinese religious practices" modifies the word "background", but can a clause be make in this way? I mean that in an ordinary way, maybe I'll write this clause as "against which you can understand...", which has a subject.The sentence in quotation is from an article which I am translating, I hope to understand why the author use an infinitive "to understand" and why there is no subject?Is it based on grammar?

Answers · 5

We don't use "you" in formal writing when we mean "one": - This is the background against which one can understand early Chinese religious practices. It's more common to use the passive voice to avoid the issue: - This is the background against which early Chinese religious practices can be understood.

Still haven’t found your answers?

Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!

Start Learning Today