Understanding Noun Phrases: Structure and Functions
Syntagma CALL
This is the first of phrases for its ability to function as the subject of the sentence.
How the Noun Phrase Works
It has a noun or pronoun as its core. It can be accompanied by adjacent determinants.
Determinants: Articles (definite, indefinite), possessive pronouns, cardinal numerals, ordinal multiples, fractional numerals, indefinite pronouns, relative possessive pronouns, interrogative pronouns, exclamatory pronouns, distributive pronouns.
Core: Nouns, pronouns, substantivized words.
Read MoreUnderstanding Nouns: Types, Usage, and Examples
Understanding Nouns
Of all the parts of speech, nouns are perhaps the most important. A noun is a word that identifies a person, animal, place, thing, or idea.
Abstract Nouns
An abstract noun is a type of noun that refers to something with which a person cannot physically interact. Examples of common abstract nouns include:
Emotions/Feelings
- Love
- Hate
- Anger
- Peace
- Pride
- Sympathy
States/Attributes
- Bravery
- Loyalty
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Pain
- Misery
Ideas/Concepts/Ideals
- Belief
- Dream
- Justice
- Truth
- Faith
Movements/Events
- Progress
- Education
- Hospitality
- Leisure
- Trouble
Nouns
Read MoreSemantic Changes, Adverbs, and Linguistics
Semantic Changes: Words that, over the years, maintain their signifier but take on a different meaning. There are different linguistic causes for this:
- Historical: Changes due to shifts in reality.
- Psychological: Hatred or sympathy for certain animals has led to positive or negative qualities being applied to people.
- Social: Positive or negative reviews of societal actions and situations involving humans. Example: My sister is a “social ant.”
- Taboos: Words that, for various reasons, speakers are reluctant
Understanding Sentences: Types, Classes, and Structures
Understanding Sentences: Types and Classes
The statement, also known as a sentence, is the smallest unit of meaning characterized by expressing a complete thought. It possesses a specific intonation, is separated from other statements by pauses, and is autonomous. The intonation of a sentence expresses the speaker’s attitude or modality.
Sentence Classes
According to their constitution, sentences are classified as:
- Sentences: Expressing a complete thought (e.g., “The car was damaged.”)
- Non-Sentences:
Analyzing Scientific Discourse: Features and Textual Elements
Analyzing Scientific Discourse: Key Features
They have reformulated in a more appropriate way what has been said.
Argumentative Markers
Argumentative markers reinforce an argument (actually, in fact…) or introduce an example (in particular, for example…).
Morphosyntactic Features
Scientific discourse reflects the objectivity and validity of science. Its purpose is to avoid expressive elements, references to the issuer, the presence of the receptor, and resources of persuasion.
Sentence Structure
- Prevalence
Mastering Spanish Grammar: Plurality, Usage, and Common Errors
Tantum Plurality
Tantum plurality: A whole series of lexical coinages tend to be immobilized in the plural, indeed vague, nature of plurality of things or expressive reasons, without having to oppose a singular form: good news, annals, weddings… Related to them are nouns that refer to realities that have two or more parts or elements. Many of them have no singular form. These plurals behave in two ways: one unit and more. Example: pliers, shorts, handcuffs…
Tantum Singulari
Tantum Singulari: These
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