We previously defined the terms : head, complement and adjunct.
We also stated that dependents are 2 types:
complements= give essential information , cannot be deleted
adjuncts= give extra information and can be deleted
We also classified verbs into transitive, intransitive and ditransitive. We'll see what type of dependent each type of verb requires
1- sing
The verb sing can be both transitive and intransitive depending on the context
he sings in the garden
in the shower is an adjuct, it gives us extra information about where he sings .
he sings folk songs
folk songs is a complement. if it is omitted , we'll ask the question: he sings what?
Exercise
Identify the dependents in the following phrases and indicate their type
1- he left early
2- he left a son behind
3- she drove a car
4- the re-wrote the assignment
We previously defined the terms : head, complement and adjunct.
We also stated that dependents...
A constituent is a phrase
Sentences are made of smaller parts called phrases or constituents. Acceptable phrases form CONSTITUENTS
Why is important to know constituents?
It helps in understanding ambigious sentences
Examples:
1- Black cab drivers went on strike
This sentence could mean
a- (black cab) drivers
Those who drive the cabs are black
b- (black) (cab drivers
Here, the colour of the cabs is described
How do we identify constituents?
There are many tests. Today, we'll cover two tests only
1- replacing the constituent with a pronoun
For example, are the underlined words constituents?
the tall student left the room
the tall student is a constituent because it can be replaced by the pronoun HE \ SHE
the room is also a constituent, it can be replaced with the pronoun IT
2- SENTENCE FRAGMENTS
the tall student left the room
Does " the tall student" form a constituent?
We can say: who left the room?
answer= the tall student, so it is a constituent
In the sentence fragment test, if the group of words are acceptable as an answer to the question then it is considered a constituent