Grammatical Errors in Using Adverbial Clauses of Reason as Modifiers in Some Indonesian Journalistic Headlines

Kukuh Prayitno Subagyo; Mochamad Nasrul Chotib; Herditya Wahyu Widodo; Ahmad Heki Sujiatmoko

doi:10.19105/ojbs.v18i1.12387

Kukuh Prayitno Subagyo English Department, Faculty of Letter, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang 65145
Mochamad Nasrul Chotib English Department, Faculty of Letter, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang 65145
Herditya Wahyu Widodo English Department, Faculty of Letter, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang 65145
Ahmad Heki Sujiatmoko English Department, Faculty of Letter, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang 65145

https://doi.org/10.19105/ojbs.v18i1.12387

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Keywords: Adverbial clauses, Grammar, Journalism, Modifiers, News headlines

Abstract

This journal article examines the grammatical construction of some TV news headlines, highlighting the issues that arise due to their structure. The primary concern is that the headlines use adverbial clauses or phrases of reason before the main clauses which inadvertently cause some confusion about the subjects and the actions of the news stories. That is because the adverbial clauses or phrases often function as appositives to modify the subject of the main clause. When used as clauses of reason as in the headlines, this grammatical construction creates ambiguity in understanding who is then performing the described actions. The study finds that these headlines are structurally complex and misleading, making them fail to convey their intended meaning. To address this issue, the article suggests that the headlines be rephrased to eliminate ambiguity. Improved headline construction not only enhances communication but also ensures that potential confusion for the audience is minimized.

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Author Biographies

Kukuh Prayitno Subagyo, English Department, Faculty of Letter, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang 65145

KUKUH PRAYITNO SUBAGYO is currently a lecturer at the English Department, Faculty of Letters, State University of Malang. His primary interest is analyzing grammar down to its nook and cranny. He also shows a strong interest in English pedagogy, literature, and linguistics.

Mochamad Nasrul Chotib, English Department, Faculty of Letter, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang 65145

MOCHAMAD NASRUL CHOTIB is currently a lecturer at the English Department, Faculty of Letters, State University of Malang. His main interest is anything related to Literary Criticism. He is also a great enthusiast in media and journalism, mythologies, and creative writing.

Herditya Wahyu Widodo, English Department, Faculty of Letter, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang 65145

HERDITYA WAHYU WIDODO is currently a lecturer at the English Department, Faculty of Letters, State University of Malang. His main interest is English Literature. He is an avid reader and observer of cultural, modern, and ideological studies.

Ahmad Heki Sujiatmoko, English Department, Faculty of Letter, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang 65145

AHMAD HEKI SUJIATMOKO is currently a lecturer at the English Department, Faculty of Letters, State University of Malang. His main interests are ELT, SLA, and everything in between. He is a big fanatic of learning media development and technological application in teaching.

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