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Questions and Answers
Which of the following sentences demonstrates the use of a Complementary Object Indirect (COI)?
Which of the following sentences demonstrates the use of a Complementary Object Indirect (COI)?
Which of the following scenarios would require a Complement of the Agent?
Which of the following scenarios would require a Complement of the Agent?
In the sentence 'The students are excited about the trip', what grammatical function does 'excited' play?
In the sentence 'The students are excited about the trip', what grammatical function does 'excited' play?
Which of the following is the most accurate definition of apposition?
Which of the following is the most accurate definition of apposition?
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In the sentence 'The car, a sleek black Mercedes, was parked in the driveway', what grammatical function does 'a sleek black Mercedes' serve?
In the sentence 'The car, a sleek black Mercedes, was parked in the driveway', what grammatical function does 'a sleek black Mercedes' serve?
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Study Notes
French Grammar - Functions of Words
- Direct Object (COD): "le chat mange la souris" (The cat eats the mouse). "la souris" is the direct object, answering the question "what?".
- Indirect Object (COI): The question "to whom/to what?" helps find the indirect object. Usually follows a verb and answers "to whom/to what" questions.
- Complement of the Agent (CA): Found in passive voice sentences and answers "by whom/by what?"
- Complement of the Name (CN): Modifies a noun, such as an adjective or noun phrase
- Adjective: Describes a noun without linking verbs (e.g., "le chat fatigué" (the tired cat)).
- Attribute: Uses linking verbs (e.g., "le chat est fatigué" (the cat is tired)). The attribute "fatigué" describes the state of the cat.
- Apposition: Two nouns or noun phrases that work together (e.g., "Le chat, un animal" (The cat, an animal)).
- Complement of a Preposition: Complements come after prepositions (e.g., "Je suis en train de courir" - "I'm running").
- Relative Clause: Relates to a noun/pronoun to add additional information (e.g., "Le chat que j'aime" (The cat that I love)).
- Relative Pronoun: Used in relative clauses. For example, "que", "qui", "où", "dont", etc.
- Complement of the Antecedent: A phrase completing the meaning of a preceding word or phrase (e.g., "le chat qui doit être malade").
- Subordinate Clause: Dependent clauses that give additional info, usually introduced by a relative pronoun and containing its own verb.
- General Considerations: Often adjectives, adverbs and other descriptive elements are omitted or replaced by passive constructions or subordinate constructions.
Additional Notes
- In passive voice sentences, complements of the agent (CA) often appear with "par".
- When identifying complements, consider what the question being answered is. This helps to better understand the role of the words within a sentence structure.
- Often, complements are used in tandem with nouns to enhance clarity and description of the subject of the sentence.
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Description
Test your understanding of the various functions of words in French grammar. This quiz covers key concepts such as direct and indirect objects, complements, adjectives, and apposition. Perfect for learners looking to refine their grammatical skills!
