4. THE PREDICATE

I. DEFINITION

P is the second main constituent of the sentence which along with the S makes up the predicative bond. It predicates features and characteristics of the S and is in concord with it. It is in most cases a verb form and may take Objects and Complements,

e.g. He had given the girl an apple.

HOW TO PRONOUNCE THE TH SOUND

III. MORPHOLOGICAL REALIZATION

The function S can be realized by:

1. a NP
2. a finite clause
3. a non-finite clause
4. anticipatory IT + finite/nonfinite clause
5. unstressed THERE in existential sentences
6. a prepositional phrase

II. TYPES OF SUBJECT

/according to their semantic function, i.e. the possible semantic roles of the syntactic function/

1. AGENT Sag – denotes participant who is voluntary intentional doer of the verbal action,

e.g.: The boy broke the window.

2. FORCE Sfo – denotes a natural or mechanical force which involuntarily causes an event or action to happen, 

e.g.: The wind broke the window. The avalanche destroyed the house.