古汉语的条件式和容许式,都是从属部分在前,主要部分在后的。在印欧语言里,条件式和容许式的从属部分,既可以放在前也可以放在后面。在印欧语言的影响下,汉语的从属部分也有后置的可能,并且呈越来越多的趋势。北京官话圣经译本中,状语后置的现象极多。例如,在下面著名“八福”中,圣经连用了七个并列句子进行描述,并且都是从属部分在后。
例13:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit:for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4 Blessed are they that mourn:for they shall be comforted.5 Blessed are the meek:for they shall inherit the earth.6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:for they shall be filled.7 Blessed are the merciful:for they shall obtain mercy.8 Blessed are the pure in heart:for they shall see God.9 Blessed are the peacemakers:for they shall be called the children of God.10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake:for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.