Five canonical clause structures

5 important questions on Five canonical clause structures

What are the canonical clause structures based on Complement types?

The structures can be categorized as follows:
  1. Intransitive: They disappeared. (S-P)
  2. Complex-Intransitive: They were ecstatic. (S-P-PC s)
  3. Monotransitive: They bought a house. (S-P-O d)
  4. Complex-Transitive: They kept it warm. (S-P-O d -PC o)
  5. Ditransitive: They sent her some flowers. (S-P-O i -O d)

How do we distinguish between intransitive and transitive clauses?

The distinction involves two primary dimensions:
1. Objects:
  • Intransitive: no Object
  • - Monotransitive: one Object
  • - Ditransitive: two Objects
2. Predicative Complements:
  • Ordinary: no Predicative Complement
  • - Complex: contains Predicative Complement

How do verb classifications relate to clause constructions?

Verbs are classified based on their clause construction:
  1. Intransitive Verb: e.g., DISAPPEAR
  2. Complex-Intransitive Verb: e.g., BE
  3. Monotransitive Verb: e.g., FIND (as in "We found the key")
  4. Complex-Transitive Verb: e.g., FIND (as in "We found her co-operative")
  5. Ditransitive Verb: e.g., FIND (as in "We found her a job")
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Which factors must be considered when studying clause structures?

Important factors include:
1. Presence or Absence of Objects:
  • Intransitive: no Object
  • - Monotransitive: one Object
  • - Ditransitive: two Objects
2. Presence or Absence of Complements:
  • Ordinary clauses: no Complement
  • - Complex clauses: have Predicative Complement

What are the implications of verbs belonging to multiple clause classifications?

Many verbs can appear in various clause constructions, leading to:
  1. Versatility in Usage: A single verb can function differently.
  2. Example Verb: FIND appears in:
  • Monotransitive: "We found the key."
  • - Complex-Transitive: "We found her co-operative."
  • - Ditransitive: "We found her a job."

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