Wednesday, 25 September 2013

T23 Simple Sentences



Topic 23      Simple Sentences

Simple Sentences
A simple sentence is a structure with [a subject] and a finite verb and other related 
element to express a complete thought / idea.  It is an independent structure.
   
    [S] F.verb………………………….

The finite verb decides the sentence pattern.

A.  Intensive Verbs
B.  Extensive verbs

A.  Intensive verbs
     An intensive verb that indicate a process of change, a sensory perception and a
     state of existence.  (Refer to Topic 18 for Intensive Verbs)

     a)  Verb-to-be
     b)  other linking verbs
    
The elements that followed verb-to-be and other linking verbs may be a noun, an adjective, an adverb of place or time.

     Paul is /a chef/.    (a noun phrase) 
     He feels proud of his job.
The noun phrase /a chef/ functions as a subject complement.  Without the phrase, the sentence is not complete.   

     He is a chef at a restaurant in Sibu.
     He feels good working at that restaurant.

You may add an adverb of place ‘at a restaurant in Sibu’ after the noun phrase /a chef/ to give more information.

     He is ^ hardworking.  (adjective)
     He is very hardworking.
Without the word ‘hardworking’, the sentence is not complete.  Hence, the adjective ‘hardworking’ functions as a subject complement, too.  You may add adverb of degree ‘very’ before the qualitative adjective to modify it.

     Jean is at home.  (adverb of place)

Without the adverb of place, the sentence is not complete. 
                                                                                                                  
     Jean is at home now.
You may add an adverb of time ‘now’ after the adverb of place ‘at home’ to give more information.
                                                                                                                   51
     [This month] is June.  (adverb of time)

Without the adverb of time ‘June’, the sentence is not complete.

B.  Extensive Verbs  
     a) Intransitive Verbs
     b)  Transitive Verbs

a)  Intransitive verb
An intransitive verb does not require an object.  After the finite verb, you may use adverbs of manner, place and time.

     [The little girl] cries every day. 
     [She] is running now.
     [The old man] is walking slowly to town now.
                                         manner           place    time

b)  Transitive verb
i)  A transitive verb is always followed by (an object) which may be a noun / F2.

     [Peter] has bought (a new kettle).        
     [Tina] was blaming (us) for losing the match.
     [Winnie] speaks (Foochow) at home every day.
     [Timothy] sings (the song,  ‘A Happy Wanderer’) every day.
     [Alice] enjoys a cheese cake very much.

ii)  A transitive verb may have 2 objects ----- a direct and indirect object.
    
[Ms Tiong] is instructing (us) (how to carry out research).
     
The direct object -----  how to carry out research   (mainly refer to things)
The indirect object -----  us         (mainly refer to persons)

     [Cecilia] gave (me) (a story book) yesterday.
     [Nina] told (her friends) (a frightening ghost story) last Sunday.   
     [Tom] lent (Becky) (her Thumb-drive) a few days ago.
     [Ben] still has not returned (Becky) (her Thumb-drive).

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