Syntax Part 2: Clause Functions 11

Syntax (Part 2)

• Syntax is the study of sentence structure in English.
• Students should be able to identify the immediate constituents, finite and non-finite clauses, and phrases of all types within a well-formed English sentence.
• Analysis should be performed down to the word-form level, considering form and function.

Clause Level Functions: VERB

• A verb phrase always fulfills the function of VERB in a clause.
• The word "verb" applies both to word classes and clause functions.
• Forms like "to stage" and "to end" are considered verb classes and clause functions simultaneously.

Clause Level Functions: SUBJECT

• A finite clause generally requires a subject.
• The subject is typically a noun phrase or pronoun.
• Criteria for identifying a subject include its position, case, concord, behavior under passivization, and in question tags.

Clause Level Functions: SUBJECT (Null Subjects)

• Some languages, not English, allow for omission of the subject pronoun.
• Examples include Czech, Ancient Greek, and Romanian.

Clause Level Functions: DIRECT OBJECT

• A direct object is fulfilled by noun phrases or clauses.
• It follows the verb and receives the action of the verb.
• Criteria for identifying a direct object include its position, case, and behavior under passive voice.
• The constituent order in a sentence with a direct object is generally Subject-Verb-Object (SVO).

Clause Level Functions: INDIRECT OBJECT

• The indirect object receives the action from the verb, but is indirectly affected.
• It's often followed by a preposition "to" or "for."
• The constituent order in such sentences is SVOOD (Subject-Verb-Object-Object)-

Clause Level Functions: SUBJECT COMPLEMENT

• The subject complement follows the linking verb and describes the subject.
• They are typically noun phrases, adjective phrases, or clauses.
• Common linking verbs include "be," "become," "seem", and others.

Clause Level Functions: OBJECT COMPLEMENT

• An object complement describes the direct object and follows the direct object in a sentence.
• It is semantically linked to the direct object.
• Often noun phrases or adjective phrases.
• Order in these sentences is typically SVOCo (e.g., Subject-Verb-Object-Complement).

Clause Level Functions: ADVERBIAL

• Adverbials modify the verb phrase or entire clause.
• They include adverb phrases, prepositional phrases, noun phrases, and clauses.
• Key criteria for identifying adverbials involve their optionality and mobility within the sentence.