Grammar theory 4 Flashcards
what can we divide a sentence into?
a subject and a predicate
what does a predicate consist of?
the verb and any other elements except from the subject
what can an imperative sentence consist of?
Only one verb, “look “ “Help!”
Where does the main verb appear in a verb phrase?
at the end
what is the operator?
The first or only auxiliary verb in a verb phrase
What are NICE properties?
N=negation
I=Inversion
c=code
e=emphasis
How do we form negative sentences?
By putting not after the operator
“Amy and Dave are not getting married”
How do we form inversion/ questions?
By inverting the positions of the subject and the operator “ You could have been imagining it”
To; “could you have been imagining it?”
How do we form code sentences?
The operator can stand alone in a sentence when the main verb is understood: “Are you leaving>? Yes, I am!
when do we need a dummy-do?
with sentences that do not have an auxiliary verb.
Paul does not work for the OM
Does Paul work for the PM
Why is a DO a dummy operator?
Do performs the functions of an operator in the abscence of true operators like can and will
Why does the main verb BE not require a dummy operator?
Because it behaves like the operator itself
Does the main verb HAVE need an operator?
we can choose, we can use dummy-do or not.
“Amy has a daughter”
“Does Amy have a daughter?”
How can we identify the subject in a sentence?
By asking a question beginning with who or what followed by the verb. The subject corresponds to the answer.
What is the inversion test?
A test we use to identify the subject. We turn the sentence into a yes-no question. The subject and the operator invert places.