Understanding Word Categories and Noun Structure
1. Categories and Functions of Words
Words are grouped into different classes or grammatical categories: nouns, pronouns, adjectives, determiners, verbs, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections. However, these same words can form larger units (phrases or clauses) that perform specific syntactic functions within a sentence. A phrase is a syntactic unit consisting of a word or group of words clustered around a central element called the nucleus. Phrases are classified as:
- Noun Phrases (NP)
- Adjective Phrases (AdjP)
- Prepositional Phrases (PP)
- Verb Phrases (VP)
- Adverbial Phrases (AdvP)
The noun phrase and verb phrase are the two key categories in a bimember sentence, performing two basic functions: subject and predicate.
2. The Noun: Definition and Characteristics
From a semantic point of view, a noun refers to words that name people, animals, objects, or concepts.
2.1. Morphology of the Noun
Morphologically, the noun is characterized by a lexeme that unites inflections of gender and number.
2.1.1. Gender
Gender is a grammatical feature that distinguishes between masculine and feminine. Language employs two main mechanisms to mark noun gender:
- Morphological:
- Emergence of gender morphemes. For example, masculine nouns often have no specific marker or end in -o, while feminine nouns often end in -a.
- Using special suffixes for feminine forms (e.g., -esa, -isa, -ina, -iz).
- Gender distinction through article agreement (e.g., el/la).
- Lexical:
- Use of heteronymous nouns (different words for each gender, e.g., bull/cow).
2.1.2. Number
Number expresses the opposition between singular and plural. This opposition is reflected through morphemes. The singular is the unmarked number, meaning it has no specific morpheme. Plural morphemes typically take -s or -es.
2.2. Semantic Classification of Nouns
Nouns are grouped based on the reality they designate:
- Common Nouns: Refer to beings and objects grouped with other similar entities.
- Concrete Nouns: Refer to objects that have real existence and can be perceived by the senses.
- Individual (e.g., soldier): Refer to beings or objects that can be individualized, whether singular or plural.
- Collective (e.g., army): Designate a group of individuals perceived as a single unit, even when singular in form.
- Mass Nouns (Non-Countable): Refer to substances or concepts that cannot be counted individually (e.g., water).
- Abstract Nouns: Do not refer to concrete objects; they are concepts or qualities detectable only by intellect.
- Quantitative:
- Precise (e.g., dozen)
- Imprecise (e.g., handful)
- Non-Quantitative:
- Phenomenon (e.g., abundance)
- Quality (e.g., whiteness)
- Quantitative:
- Concrete Nouns: Refer to objects that have real existence and can be perceived by the senses.
- Proper Nouns:
- Place Names (Toponyms): Names of towns and geographical features (e.g., Júcar).
- Anthroponyms: Personal names, nicknames, or aliases (e.g., Henry).
- Patronymics: Names derived from a parent’s name (e.g., Rodríguez).
2.4. Constituents of the Noun Phrase (NP)
The noun phrase (NP) is a syntactic group consisting of a core noun (required), along with optional modifiers and complements.
2.4.1. The Core
The core can be a noun, a pronoun, or a nominalized element.
2.4.2. Modifiers or Determiners
Determiners introduce the nucleus. They typically precede the noun and perform this function.
2.4.3. Noun Complements
These include:
- Adjectival Phrases.
- Nouns (e.g., Peter, the doctor – Appositive).
- Prepositional Phrases.
- Subordinate Clauses.