Gramatical functions
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This document discusses grammatical functions and the subject and object in English syntax. It defines the subject as the grammatical function that precedes the verb, agrees with the verb in number, and is compulsory. The three types of objects are defined as the direct object, which follows the main verb, the indirect object, which benefits from the verb's action, and the oblique object, which follows a preposition. Criteria for identifying the subject include syntactic, morphosyntactic, and semantic criteria. Types of subjects are also defined as grammatical, logical, and psychological subjects.
Gramatical functions
- 1. Syntax and Teaching Grammar Lesson Three Dr. Rosario María Burneo
- 2. Texto guía An Introduction to English Syntax By Jim Miller
- 3. Unit 9:Grammatical functions Roles Functions Agent Subject Patient Direct object Instrument Indirect object theme Oblique object source
- 4. The Subject “subject” is a complex grammatical function. It has some characteristics: 1.The subject precedes the verb in declarative statements These boys build houses 2. It agrees in number with the verb 3. It is compulsory in English structures.
- 5. the subject………… 4. It goes after the preposition BY in passive constructions: Houses are built by these men 5. Single words, phrases and clauses might appear in subject position: - We like this book - Peter lives next door - Some workers are in my office - The old lady living dowstairs was a teacher
- 6. Criteria to identify the subject Syntactic criterion The subject controls the occurrence of reflexives and tag questions Mike bought himself a computer Morpho/syntactic criterion The subject is in the nominative case Mike is in the nominative case Semantic criterion Subjects refer to entities that exist independently of the action or state of the verb Mike exists independently.
- 7. Type of Subject Grammatical subject Martha baked a cake “Martha” is the grammatical subject because it has all the characteristics already mentioned. It is also the agent performing the action. Logical subject A cake was baked by Martha “Martha” is the logical subject because it performs the action. Psychological subject It is the theme. The entity we are talking about.
- 8. The object Three types of object: Direct object In active, declarative clauses, the direct object happens after the main verb: Martha baked a cake Cake = Direct object It corresponds to the grammatical subject in passive constructions: A cake was baked by Martha a cake = grammatical subject Direct objects typically refer to patients He broke the window The window = patient (is affected by the action of the verb)
- 9. Indirect and oblique objects Oblique object It refers to the noun phrase that happens after a preposition: She wrote a message to Sam Sam is the oblique object Indirect object Indirect object is the NP that benefits from the action of the verb She wrote Sam a message Sam is the indirect object
- 10. God Bless you Thank you