1. Key Terms & Clause Patterns Flashcards
What is the most central element in syntax?
Verb
What types of syntactic phrases exist in English?
Noun phrase (NP), verb phrase (VP), prepositional phrase (PP)
What are the clause elements in English?
S, V, Od, Oi (can only be used when there are 2 objects per clause), Cs (uses a linking verb, usually to be), Co (only when there is an object!), A (of manner, time,…), Modifier (optional)
Clause patterns
SV, SVCs, SVO, SVA, SVOCo, SVOA, SVOiOd
SV
- intransitive verbs (no other obligatory elements), like: ache, deteriorate, leave
- simplest pattern
- e.g., My brother (S) didn’t leave (V).
SVCs
- uses a copular verb (= linking verbs that mean very little; like: to seem, appear, be…)
- e.g., They (S) seemed (V) tired (Cs). She has remained loyal. The baby looked neglected.
SVA
- they NEVER take object
- e.g., They (S) are (V) away (Adv.). The journey took two hours. The canteen is on the first floor.
SVO
- use transitive verbs (something else is affected by the action)
- e.g., He (S) possesses (V) a house (O). I’ve (S) boiled (V) two eggs (O). She left her family.
SVOCo
- !!! complements are usually realized by nouns (or adjectives)
- e.g., Everyone (S) called (V) her (O) Molly (Co). Do you find her views interesting? She pointed her eyelids deep blue.
SVOA
- uses adverbials
- e.g., They (S) put (V) the tool (O) on the floor (A). I prefer them on the shelf. They knocked everything down.
SVOO
- two objects –1st indirect, 2nd direct
- e.g., They (S) promised (V) me (Oi) a job (Od). She brought me oranges. They brought presents for the group.
Verb classes
a) Intransitive = followed by no obligatory element and occur in type SV.
b) Copular = followed by a subject complement or an adverbial and occur in types SVC and SVA.
c) Transitive = followed by an object and occur in types SVO, SVOO, SVOC, SVOA.
I have always (att.) lived in London
SVA
That reply made him very angry.
SVOiCo
Her happiness did not last.
SV
You must keep calm.
SVCs
Keep out of sight.
(S)VA
You can keep the change.
SVOd
Personally, I found the city very attractive.
SVOCo
Will you keep me a seat?
SVOiOd
Keep your hands off me!
(S)VOiA
The department is in the next building.
SVA
Your explanation sounds natural.
SVCs
Dad gave me a splendid birthday present
SVOiOd
Do you want it red or brown?
SVOCo
The guest handed the key to the receptionist.
SVOiOd
My father will get an unusual present.
SVOd
He stuck his hands into his pockets.
SVOA
He considered it his duty.
SVOCo
She named the ship Queen Mary.
SVOCo
The workers were getting angry.
SVC
