Mastering Sentence Structure: Verbs and Complements
Predicative Verbs
Verbs Describing Predicate Acts
- Ser: Acts as a predicate when synonymous.
- Be: Synonymous with 'exist' or 'remain'.
- Parecer: Conveys an opinion or belief.
The Adverbial Phrase
Structure and Function
The adverbial phrase (S Adv) is a set of words where the adverb is the nucleus. Structurally, the adverb may appear alone or accompanied by various accessories.
Functions of the Adverbial Phrase
The adverbial phrase serves as:
- Completion of the adjective.
- Adverb complement.
- Circumstantial supplement.
Adverbial Complement (CC)
An adverbial phrase is an inseparable group of two or more words functioning as an adverb. The Circumstantial Complement (CC) is a predicate complement indicating the circumstances in which the verbal action is performed.
Structure of the Circumstantial Complement (CC)
The CC can be formed by:
- A noun phrase: "On Monday the festivities begin."
- An adverbial phrase: "Came too late."
- A prepositional construction: "We play on the field."
Characteristics of the CC
Many adverbs are replaceable. The CC may be preceded by any preposition. It can receive various circumstantial complements in the same sentence and exhibits great mobility within the sentence.
The Complement Agent (C. Ag)
This is a prepositional construction, typically using the preposition for (sometimes of), which appears only in the passive voice, indicating the author or agent performing the action of the passive verb. You can recognize it by converting the sentence to the active voice; the complement of the passive agent becomes the subject of the active sentence.
Impersonal Sentences
In an impersonal sentence, there is no overt subject, nor can one be recovered from the verbal ending.
Classes of Impersonal Sentences
- Impersonal verbs of weather: "Rain in the Cantabrian."
- Impersonal use of to be, being, and do: These verbs express impersonality when accompanied by additions indicating a natural phenomenon or temporary state: "It is cloudy."
- Impersonal verb to be: In the present tense, the form there is (or there has not) is used: "There will be a festival for NGOs."
- Impersonal use of to know and verb in 3rd person singular: The particle acts as a mark of impersonality: "Passing along with friends."
- Impersonal verb in 3rd person plural: These imply indeterminacy of the subject: "Announcing new sales for the month of August."
Sentence Voice and Type
Active Sentences
One that has the active voice, where the subject performs the verb action.
Passives
One that has the verb in the passive voice; the subject receives the action from another place (C. Ag.).
Passive Reflects
Obtained with the particle se and the verb in the active voice in the 3rd person singular or plural. It equates to a passive sentence where the C. Ag. is not the focus.
Attributive Sentence
Those which consist of a copula plus an attribute.
Predicative Prayer (Sentence)
One that is not constituted by a copulative verb.
Transitive Sentences
Are sentences that have a Direct Object (CD) in the predicate.
Intransitive Sentences
A predicative sentence that does not have a Direct Object (CD).
Predicative Verbs Revisited
- Ser - predicate acts occur when it is synonymous.
- Be - synonymous to exist or remain.
- Parecer - meaning of opinion or belief.