Mastering Predicate Types and Sentence Structures

Types of Predicates in Grammar

The Predicate Nominative (PN): The PN is the one containing a copula (such as be or seem) to link the subject and the attribute.

The Verbal Predicate (PV): The PV is composed of a predicative verb (those that are not copular, like be or seem) that may be accompanied by a range of complements.

Components of the Predicate Nominative

PN components are obligatorily two: the copula and the attribute.

• Copula: These are linking verbs that have no inherent meaning (e.g., be, seem).
• The Attribute (ATR): A necessary complement of the predicate that expresses a quality referring to the subject.

The Verbal Predicate and its Complements

The PV is formed by a nucleus with or without a range of complements:

• Direct Object (CD): The CD accompanies transitive verbs to specify their meaning. It indicates the object on which the verbal action rests. To recognize it, it can be replaced by personal pronouns (it, its, la, las) and becomes the subject in the passive voice.
• Indirect Object (CI): A prepositional phrase preceded by a preposition used to indicate the person, animal, or thing that receives the verbal action. To recognize it, change it for them (or le/les).
• Supplement (Supl): Also called the verbal system complement, these accompany verbs that need to complete their meaning via a prepositional phrase (SPrep).
• Circumstantial Complement (CC): The CC is attached to the verb to express circumstances such as time, place, manner, quantity, company, cause, or purpose. There are complements of place, time, manner, quantity, company, instrument, cause, and purpose.
• Predicative Complement (CPred): An adjective or noun phrase that complements two elements: the verb and the subject, or the verb and the direct object.

Classification of the Sentence

According to Meaning

• Limited: Affirmative and negative.
• Expressive: Exclamatory, dubitative, and desiderative.
• Appeals: Imperative (hortatory) and interrogative.

According to Structure

• Considering the Subject: Personal, impersonal, or omitted subject.
• Considering the Predicate: Predicative/Attributive, Active/Passive, Transitive/Intransitive, Reflexive, and Reciprocal.