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Estruturas Sintáticas

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phrase
2-
clause
3-
sentence
4-
subject
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object
6-
existential clause
7-
word order
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predicate
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small clause
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attribute
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parse tree
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phrase structure grammar
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determiner phrase
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head word
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constituent
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independent clause
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direct object
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argument
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if-clause
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dependent clause
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relative clause
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prepositional phrase
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adverbial phrase
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adjective phrase
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cumulative sentence
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complement
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indirect object
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verb phrase
29-
adverb prepositional phrase
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noun clause
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noun phrase
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infinitive clause
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finite clause
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gerund clause
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syntactic pivot
36-
movement rule
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double negative
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modifier
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tag question
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A-not-A question
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rising declarative
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yes-no question
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echo question
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predicative expression
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predicate-argument structure
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wh-movement
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preposition stranding
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branching
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pied-piping
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adposition phrase
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inflectional phrase
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parasitic gap
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head-directionality parameter
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empty category
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adjective clause
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inversion
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negative inversion
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valency
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elliptical clause
60-
sluicing
61-
subject-auxiliary inversion
phrase
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(expressão)

(expressão)

frase

flag
/ˈfɹeɪz/
substantivo

a group of words put together in a meaningful way

example
Exemplo
click on words
In order to enhance my language skills, I'm trying to understand different phrases in English.
What is a "phrase"?

A phrase is a group of words that work together to convey a specific meaning but does not form a complete sentence. Phrases can consist of a noun and its modifiers, a verb and its complements, or other combinations of words. For example, "a beautiful sunset" is a noun phrase that describes a sunset, while "running quickly" is a verb phrase that indicates the action of running at a fast pace. Phrases can serve various roles in sentences, such as subjects, objects, or complements, and they help to add detail and depth to language. Unlike sentences, phrases do not contain a subject-verb pair and cannot stand alone as complete thoughts.

clause
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(oração)

(oração)

cláusula

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/ˈkɫɔz/
substantivo

(grammar) a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and functions as a unit within a sentence

example
Exemplo
click on words
In English, a clause must contain at least a subject and a verb.
The teacher explained that a clause can be a full sentence or part of a sentence.
Understanding how a clause functions can greatly improve your sentence structure.
What is a "clause"?

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb, and it can express a complete thought or part of a thought. There are two main types of clauses: independent and dependent. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, like "She enjoys reading." A dependent clause, on the other hand, cannot stand alone and is usually connected to an independent clause for meaning, such as "because she loves stories." Clauses are important for constructing sentences and can add complexity by combining multiple ideas. They can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs within a sentence, enhancing the richness of language.

sentence
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(sentença)

(sentença)

frase

flag
/ˈsɛntəns/
substantivo

a group of words that forms a statement, question, exclamation, or instruction, usually containing a verb

example
Exemplo
click on words
In English grammar, every sentence should have a subject and a predicate.
She wrote a long sentence in her essay.
Can you construct a sentence using the words provided in the vocabulary list?
What is a "sentence"?

A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought, idea, or statement. It typically contains a subject, which indicates who or what the sentence is about, and a verb, which shows the action or state of being. For example, in the sentence "The dog barks," "The dog" is the subject, and "barks" is the verb. Sentences can be simple, containing just one independent clause, or complex, consisting of multiple clauses combined together. They can also vary in length and structure, and they often convey information, ask questions, give commands, or express emotions. Proper punctuation is essential in sentences to clarify meaning and enhance readability.

subject
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sujeito

sujeito

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/ˈsəbdʒɪkt/, /səbˈdʒɛkt/
substantivo

(grammar) the person, place, thing, or idea that performs the action or is being described in a sentence

What is the "subject"?

The subject is a key part of a sentence that indicates who or what the sentence is about. It typically performs the action of the verb or is described by the verb. For example, in the sentence "The cat sleeps," "The cat" is the subject that is performing the action of sleeping. The subject can be a single noun, such as "John," or a noun phrase, like "the tall building." In English, the subject usually appears before the verb in a sentence. Identifying the subject is important for understanding the main focus of the sentence and how the action or state of being relates to it.

object
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(complemento)

(complemento)

objeto

flag
/ˈɑbdʒɛkt/, /əbˈdʒɛkt/
substantivo

(grammar) a noun or noun phrase that is affected by the action of the verb, or is followed by a preposition

What is an "object"?

An object is a part of a sentence that receives the action of the verb or is affected by it. There are two main types of objects: direct objects and indirect objects. A direct object answers the question "what?" or "whom?" after the verb. For example, in the sentence "She reads a book," "a book" is the direct object because it is what is being read. An indirect object, on the other hand, tells to whom or for whom the action is performed. In the sentence "He gave her a gift," "her" is the indirect object because it indicates to whom the gift was given. Objects can be nouns, pronouns, or noun phrases, and they help to clarify the action and enhance the meaning of the sentence.

existential clause
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(frase existencial)

(frase existencial)

cláusula existencial

flag
/ɛɡzɪstˈɛnʃəl klˈɔːz/
substantivo

a type of clause that asserts the existence of something or someone, typically introduced by a verb or verb phrase expressing existence or occurrence

What is an "existential clause"?

An existential clause is a type of clause that introduces the existence of something, often using the verb "to be." These clauses typically begin with phrases like "there is," "there are," "there was," or "there will be." For example, in the sentence "There are many books on the shelf," the existential clause "There are many books" indicates the existence of books without specifying who owns them. Existential clauses focus on the presence or occurrence of an entity rather than identifying a specific subject. They are commonly used to introduce new information or to highlight the existence of something in a particular context.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
word order
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(estrutura da frase)

(estrutura da frase)

ordem das palavras

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/wˈɜːd ˈɔːɹdɚ/
substantivo

the arrangement of words in a sentence, indicating the sequence in which the subject, verb, and other constituents appear

What is "word order"?

Word order refers to the arrangement of words in a sentence, which can significantly impact its meaning and clarity. In English, the typical word order is Subject-Verb-Object (SVO), where the subject comes first, followed by the verb and then the object, as in the sentence "The cat chased the mouse." However, different languages may follow different patterns, such as Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) or Verb-Subject-Object (VSO), which can change how sentences are structured and understood. Proper word order is crucial for conveying the intended meaning and ensuring grammatical correctness, as altering the arrangement of words can lead to confusion or change the message entirely.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
predicate
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(componente verbal)

(componente verbal)

predicado

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/ˈpɹɛdəˌkeɪt/, /ˈpɹɛdɪkət/
substantivo

a fundamental component of a sentence that contains the verb and provides information about the subject, including actions, states, or descriptions

What is a "predicate"?

A predicate is the part of a sentence that tells something about the subject, usually including the verb and any objects or modifiers associated with that verb. It provides information about what the subject does or what is happening to the subject. For example, in the sentence "The dog barks loudly," "barks loudly" is the predicate that describes the action performed by the subject "the dog." Predicates can be simple, consisting of just the verb, or complex, including additional information like objects or adverbs. Understanding the predicate is essential for grasping the complete meaning of a sentence, as it links the subject to the action or state being expressed.

small clause
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(cláusula nominal)

(cláusula nominal)

pequena cláusula

flag
/smˈɔːl klˈɔːz/
substantivo

a type of clause that lacks a main verb and functions as a single unit, typically consisting of a subject and a non-finite verb or adjective

What is a "small clause"?

A small clause is a type of clause that contains a subject and a predicate but does not have a verb that can stand alone as the main verb of a larger sentence. Small clauses typically express a simple idea or relationship, often functioning as a complement to a verb or adjective in the main clause. For example, in the sentence "I consider him a friend," the phrase "him a friend" is a small clause where "him" is the subject and "a friend" is the predicate. Small clauses can provide additional information or clarify relationships without forming a complete sentence on their own, allowing for more concise expressions in complex sentences.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
attribute
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(característica)

(característica)

atributo

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/ˈætɹəbˌjut/, /əˈtɹɪbˌjut/
substantivo

a word or phrase that describes or provides additional information about another word or phrase, typically modifying a noun

What is an "attribute"?

In linguistics, an attribute refers to a word or phrase that describes or qualifies a noun, providing additional information about its characteristics or qualities. Attributes are often expressed through adjectives or adjectival phrases that give details such as size, color, or condition. For example, in the phrase "the red apple," "red" is the attribute describing the noun "apple." Attributes can also be expressed through prepositional phrases, as in "the book on the table," where "on the table" provides further information about the location of the book. Understanding attributes is essential for analyzing how language conveys meaning and enhances the richness of descriptions.

parse tree
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(árvore sintática)

(árvore sintática)

árvore de análise

flag
/pˈɑːɹs tɹˈiː/
substantivo

a graphical representation of the syntactic structure of a sentence or a string of words in a formal language, illustrating how the components of the sentence are organized hierarchically according to the rules of a given grammar

What is a "parse tree"?

A parse tree, also known as a syntax tree, is a visual representation that illustrates the structure of a sentence according to its grammatical components. It shows how words are grouped together and how they relate to one another based on the rules of syntax. In a parse tree, the sentence is typically represented as the root, with branches that divide into various parts of speech, such as nouns, verbs, and adjectives, as well as phrases like noun phrases and verb phrases. Each node in the tree represents a grammatical unit, showing the hierarchical relationships among the components of the sentence. Parse trees are used in linguistics and natural language processing to analyze sentence structure, understand grammatical relationships, and assist in language modeling.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
phrase structure grammar
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(gramática de estrutura frasal)

(gramática de estrutura frasal)

gramática de estrutura de frases

flag
/fɹˈeɪz stɹˈʌktʃɚ ɡɹˈæmɚ/
substantivo

a formal framework in linguistics that describes the structure of sentences by using rules to generate hierarchical structures called phrases, capturing the relationships between words and phrases within a language

What is "phrase structure grammar"?

Phrase structure grammar is a type of grammar that focuses on the hierarchical organization of words and phrases in a sentence. It uses rules to describe how sentences are constructed from smaller units, such as words and phrases, by breaking them down into their components. In this framework, sentences are represented as tree structures, with the sentence at the top and various phrases branching out beneath it. For example, a simple sentence might be divided into a noun phrase and a verb phrase. Phrase structure grammar helps linguists understand how different elements within a sentence relate to each other and how meaning is formed through their arrangement. It provides a systematic way to analyze the syntax of a language and can be applied to various languages to reveal their underlying grammatical patterns.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
determiner phrase
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(expressão determinante)

(expressão determinante)

frase determinante

flag
/dɪtˈɜːmɪnɚ fɹˈeɪz/
substantivo

a structure composed of a determiner and a noun phrase, serving to specify the reference of the noun phrase

What is a "determiner phrase"?

A determiner phrase is a type of phrase in linguistics that includes a determiner and its associated noun or noun phrase. The determiner provides specific information about the noun, such as definiteness, quantity, or possession. For example, in the phrase "the tall building," "the" is the determiner that specifies which building is being referred to, while "tall building" forms the noun phrase that provides additional description. Determiner phrases can also include quantifiers, such as "some" in "some interesting books," or possessives like "my" in "my favorite restaurant." This structure helps to clarify and specify the meaning of the noun, making it easier to understand in context.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
head word
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(palavra principal)

(palavra principal)

palavra-chave

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/hˈɛd wˈɜːd/
substantivo

the main or central word in a phrase that determines the grammatical category and syntactic behavior of the entire phrase

synonymhead
What is a "head word"?

A head word is the main word in a phrase that determines its grammatical category and meaning. It serves as the core element around which other words or modifiers are arranged. For example, in the noun phrase "the blue car," "car" is the head word because it is the noun that gives the phrase its primary meaning, while "the" and "blue" provide additional information about the car. In a verb phrase like "is running quickly," "running" is the head word, indicating the action being performed. Identifying the head word is essential for understanding the structure and function of phrases in language, as it helps to clarify how different elements relate to one another.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
constituent
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(elemento)

(elemento)

constituyente

flag
/kənˈstɪtʃuənt/
substantivo

a group of words that function together as a single unit within a sentence, typically forming a phrase or a clause

synonymgrammatical constituent
What is a "constituent"?

A constituent is a word or a group of words that function as a single unit within a larger grammatical structure in a sentence. Constituents can be phrases or individual words that combine to create meaning and contribute to the overall syntax of the sentence. For example, in the sentence "The dog chased the ball," "The dog" and "the ball" are both constituents, functioning as noun phrases. Constituents can be identified by their ability to stand alone or be replaced with a single word without changing the meaning of the sentence. Understanding constituents is important for analyzing sentence structure and determining how different parts of a sentence relate to one another.

independent clause
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(cláusula independente)

(cláusula independente)

oração independente

flag
/ˌɪndɪpˈɛndənt klˈɔːz/
substantivo

(grammar) a group of words including a subject and a verb expressing a complete thought

synonymmain clause
What is an "independent clause"?

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not rely on any other clause for its meaning. For example, in the sentence "She enjoys reading," "She enjoys reading" is an independent clause that conveys a complete idea. Independent clauses can also be combined with other independent clauses or dependent clauses to form more complex sentences. For instance, in the sentence "She enjoys reading, and he likes writing," both parts are independent clauses that can stand alone but are connected by the conjunction "and." Understanding independent clauses is essential for constructing clear and coherent sentences.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
direct object
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(complemento de objeto direto)

(complemento de objeto direto)

objeto direto

flag
/dɚɹˈɛkt ˈɑːbdʒɛkt/
substantivo

(grammar) a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that receives the action of the verb of a sentence

synonymobject of the verb
What is a "direct object"?

A direct object is a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that receives the action of a verb in a sentence. It answers the questions "what?" or "whom?" regarding the action performed by the subject. For example, in the sentence "The cat chased the mouse," "the mouse" is the direct object because it is what is being chased. Direct objects are essential for providing clarity and detail about the action, helping to specify what or who is affected by the verb. In English, the direct object typically follows the verb, but its position can vary in other languages, depending on their grammatical rules.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
argument
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(argumento gramatical)

(argumento gramatical)

argumento

flag
/ˈɑɹɡjəmənt/
substantivo

(grammar) any of the noun phrases in a clause that complete the meaning of the predicate

What is an "argument"?

In linguistics, an argument is a word or phrase that provides necessary information to complete the meaning of a verb or a predicate in a sentence. Arguments typically include the subject and any direct or indirect objects required by the verb. For example, in the sentence "The chef cooked a delicious meal for the guests," "The chef" is the subject argument, "a delicious meal" is the direct object argument, and "for the guests" is an indirect object argument. Each argument plays a crucial role in conveying the complete meaning of the action and how different entities are involved. Understanding arguments helps clarify the relationships between verbs and the entities that participate in the actions or states described in a sentence.

Informações Gramaticais:

if-clause
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(cláusula condicional)

(cláusula condicional)

cláusula if

flag
/ɪfklˈɔːz/
substantivo

a type of subordinate clause that introduces a condition or hypothetical situation, expressing the consequence that would follow if the condition is met

synonymconditional clause
What is an "if-clause"?

An if-clause is a conditional clause that expresses a condition or situation that must be met for another action or event to occur. It typically begins with the word "if" and outlines a hypothetical scenario. For example, in the sentence "If it rains, we will stay indoors," the phrase "If it rains" is the if-clause, presenting the condition under which the action in the main clause, "we will stay indoors," will take place. If-clauses can be used to express real possibilities, hypothetical situations, or even wishes, and they often play a crucial role in forming conditional sentences. The structure and verb tense used in if-clauses can vary depending on the type of condition being expressed.

dependent clause
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(cláusula dependente)

(cláusula dependente)

oração subordinada

flag
/dɪpˈɛndənt klˈɔːz/
substantivo

(grammar) a group of words containing a subject and a verb that is not a sentence on its own but adds information to an independent clause

synonymsubordinate clause
What is a "dependent clause"?

A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. Dependent clauses typically begin with subordinating conjunctions, such as "because," "although," "if," or "when," which indicate the relationship between the dependent clause and an independent clause. For example, in the sentence "Although it was raining, we went for a walk," the phrase "Although it was raining" is a dependent clause that provides additional information but cannot stand alone as a complete thought. Dependent clauses are often used to add detail, context, or complexity to sentences, helping to convey more nuanced meanings.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
relative clause
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(frase relativa)

(frase relativa)

cláusula relativa

flag
/ɹˈɛlətˌɪv klˈɔːz/
substantivo

(grammar) a type of subordinate clause that provides additional information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence

What is a "relative clause"?

A relative clause is a type of dependent clause that provides additional information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence, typically introduced by a relative pronoun such as "who," "whom," "whose," "that," or "which." Relative clauses help to specify or clarify the noun they modify. For example, in the sentence "The book that I borrowed was fascinating," the relative clause "that I borrowed" provides more information about "the book." Relative clauses can be restrictive, meaning they are essential to the meaning of the sentence, or non-restrictive, meaning they add extra information but can be omitted without changing the main idea. In the latter case, they are usually set off by commas, as in "My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting." Understanding relative clauses is important for constructing complex sentences that convey detailed information.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
prepositional phrase
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(grupo preposicional)

(grupo preposicional)

frase preposicional

flag
/pɹˌɛpəzˈɪʃənəl fɹˈeɪz/
substantivo

a group of words that begins with a preposition and typically includes a noun or pronoun, called the object of the preposition

What is a "prepositional phrase"?

A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun, known as the object of the preposition. This phrase adds information about time, location, direction, or manner in relation to the other elements in a sentence. For example, in the sentence "The cat is under the table," the prepositional phrase "under the table" indicates the location of the cat. Prepositional phrases can also provide additional details, as in "She will meet us at the park after lunch," where "at the park" specifies the meeting location and "after lunch" indicates the time. Understanding prepositional phrases is essential for enhancing sentence clarity and depth, as they help establish relationships between different parts of a sentence.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
adverbial phrase
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(locução adverbial)

(locução adverbial)

frase adverbial

flag
/ædvˈɜːbɪəl fɹˈeɪz/
substantivo

a group of words that functions as an adverb, modifying a verb, adjective, or adverb, and typically provides information about time, place, manner, or degree

What is an "adverbial phrase"?

An adverbial phrase is a group of words that functions as an adverb in a sentence, providing additional information about a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. This phrase often answers questions such as how, when, where, why, or to what extent an action is performed. For example, in the sentence "She sings beautifully in the garden," the adverbial phrase "in the garden" describes where she sings, while "beautifully" modifies how she sings. Adverbial phrases can be made up of prepositional phrases, such as "after dinner," or can include adverbs and their modifiers, like "very quickly." Understanding adverbial phrases is important for adding detail and clarity to sentences, enhancing the overall meaning and context.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
adjective phrase
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(grupo adjetivo)

(grupo adjetivo)

frase adjetiva

flag
/ˈædʒɪktˌɪv fɹˈeɪz/
substantivo

a group of words that functions as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun, and typically consists of an adjective and any accompanying words or modifiers

What is an "adjective phrase"?

An adjective phrase is a group of words that functions as an adjective in a sentence, providing additional information about a noun or pronoun. This phrase typically includes an adjective and may also contain modifiers that enhance its meaning. For example, in the sentence "The incredibly tall building is impressive," the adjective phrase "incredibly tall" describes the noun "building" by specifying its height. Adjective phrases can be simple, consisting of just a single adjective, or more complex, including adverbs and other modifiers, as in "the very small, fluffy dog." Understanding adjective phrases is important for adding descriptive detail to sentences, helping to convey more specific qualities and characteristics of the nouns they modify.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
cumulative sentence
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(período cumulativo)

(período cumulativo)

frase cumulativa

flag
/kjˈuːmjʊlətˌɪv sˈɛntəns/
substantivo

(grammar) an independent clause followed by one or more dependent clauses or phrases

synonymloose sentence
What is a "cumulative sentence"?

A cumulative sentence, also known as a loose sentence, is a type of sentence that begins with a main clause followed by additional phrases or clauses that add detail and expand on the initial idea. This structure allows for the main point to be stated early in the sentence, with further information building upon it. For example, in the sentence "The dog barked loudly, and its tail wagged excitedly as it ran around the yard," the main clause is "The dog barked loudly," while the additional details about the tail and its actions elaborate on the initial statement. Cumulative sentences are useful for creating a flowing, conversational style and for providing a rich context without needing to rely on more complex sentence structures.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
complement
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complemento

complemento

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/ˈkɑmpɫəmənt/
substantivo

(grammar) a word, phrase, or clause that is necessary to complete the meaning of a predication

What is a "complement"?

A complement is a word or group of words that completes the meaning of a verb, adjective, or noun in a sentence. Complements provide essential information that clarifies or specifies the subject or object. There are several types of complements, including subject complements, which follow linking verbs and describe or identify the subject, as in "She is a teacher," where "a teacher" complements the subject "She." Object complements, on the other hand, follow and provide more information about a direct object, as in "They elected him president," where "president" complements the direct object "him." Understanding complements is important for grasping how different elements in a sentence work together to convey complete ideas.

indirect object
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(complemento de objeto indireto)

(complemento de objeto indireto)

objeto indireto

flag
/ˌɪndɚɹˈɛkt ˈɑːbdʒɛkt/
substantivo

(grammar) a noun, noun phrase, or pronoun that refers to a person or object for or to whom the action of the verb is done

What is an "indirect object"?

An indirect object is a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that indicates to whom or for whom the action of the verb is performed in a sentence. It typically comes between the verb and the direct object and provides additional information about the action. For example, in the sentence "She gave her friend a gift," "her friend" is the indirect object because it shows to whom the gift was given, while "a gift" is the direct object that receives the action. Indirect objects help clarify the relationships between the verb, the direct object, and the recipient, enhancing the overall meaning of the sentence. Understanding indirect objects is essential for constructing clear and informative sentences.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
verb phrase
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(grupo verbal)

(grupo verbal)

frase verbal

flag
/vˈɜːb fɹˈeɪz/
substantivo

a syntactic unit that consists of a verb and its associated components, such as objects, adverbs, or complements, and functions as the predicate of a sentence or clause

What is a "verb phrase"?

A verb phrase is a group of words that includes the main verb along with any auxiliary verbs, modifiers, or complements that provide additional information about the action or state of being. The main verb carries the core meaning of the action, while auxiliary verbs, such as "is," "have," or "will," help to express tense, mood, or voice. For example, in the sentence "She has been studying for hours," the verb phrase "has been studying" includes the auxiliary verbs "has" and "been" along with the main verb "studying." Verb phrases can vary in complexity and can also include adverbs that modify the verb, as in "will quickly finish." Understanding verb phrases is important for analyzing sentence structure and conveying clear actions or states in communication.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
adverb prepositional phrase
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(grupo de palavras adverbiais prepositivas)

(grupo de palavras adverbiais prepositivas)

frase preposicional adverbial

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/ˈædvɜːb pɹˌɛpəzˈɪʃənəl fɹˈeɪz/
substantivo

a group of words that functions as an adverb and includes a preposition and its object, providing additional information about the verb, adjective, or adverb in the sentence

What is an "adverb prepositional phrase"?

An adverb prepositional phrase is a type of prepositional phrase that functions as an adverb in a sentence, providing additional information about a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. This phrase begins with a preposition and includes its object, which is usually a noun or pronoun, along with any modifiers. For example, in the sentence "She ran with great speed," the prepositional phrase "with great speed" acts as an adverb that describes how she ran. Another example is "He arrived after the meeting," where the phrase "after the meeting" indicates when he arrived. Adverb prepositional phrases enhance sentences by adding details about time, manner, place, or reason, helping to clarify the actions or conditions being described.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
noun clause
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(cláusula substantiva)

(cláusula substantiva)

oração substantiva

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/nˈaʊn klˈɔːz/
substantivo

a dependent clause that functions as a noun in a sentence, typically serving as the subject or object of a verb or as the object of a preposition

synonymnominal clause
What is a "noun clause"?

A noun clause is a dependent clause that functions as a noun within a sentence. It can serve various roles, such as a subject, object, or complement. Noun clauses typically begin with words like "that," "whether," "if," "who," "what," or "why." For example, in the sentence "What she said surprised me," the clause "What she said" acts as the subject. In another example, "I do not know whether he will come," the noun clause "whether he will come" serves as the object of the verb "know." Noun clauses are essential for adding depth and complexity to sentences, allowing for more nuanced expressions of thoughts, questions, and statements.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
noun phrase
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(sintagma nominal)

(sintagma nominal)

frase nominal

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/nˈaʊn fɹˈeɪz/
substantivo

a group of words centered around a noun that functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, typically consisting of the noun itself along with any accompanying determiners, modifiers, or adjectives

synonymnominal
synonymnominal phrase
What is a "noun phrase"?

A noun phrase is a group of words that functions as a noun in a sentence. It typically consists of a main noun, known as the head word, along with any modifiers that describe or provide additional information about the noun. Modifiers can include adjectives, determiners, and prepositional phrases. For example, in the phrase "the small brown dog," "dog" is the head noun, while "the," "small," and "brown" modify it to provide more detail. Noun phrases can serve various grammatical roles, such as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence. Understanding noun phrases is important for constructing clear and descriptive sentences, as they help convey specific meanings and enhance the overall richness of language.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
infinitive clause
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(frase infinitiva)

(frase infinitiva)

cláusula infinitiva

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/ɪnfˈɪnɪtˌɪv klˈɔːz/
substantivo

a type of subordinate clause that uses an infinitive verb form as its main element and can function as a noun clause, adjective clause, or adverb clause in a sentence

What is an "infinitive clause"?

An infinitive clause is a group of words that includes an infinitive verb, which is the base form of a verb preceded by the word "to." This type of clause can function as a noun clause, adjective clause, or adverb clause within a sentence, providing additional information about the action or state described. For example, in the sentence "To read is enjoyable," the infinitive clause "To read" serves as the subject of the sentence. In another example, "She has a lot of homework to complete," the infinitive clause "to complete" acts as an adjective clause, modifying "homework." Infinitive clauses are versatile and help to express intentions, purposes, or desires, adding depth and complexity to sentences.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
finite clause
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(frase finita)

(frase finita)

cláusula finita

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/fˈaɪnaɪt klˈɔːz/
substantivo

a type of clause that contains a finite verb, which indicates tense, mood, and agreement with the subject, and can function as a complete sentence on its own

What is a "finite clause"?

A finite clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb, where the verb is marked for tense and agrees with the subject. This type of clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a complete sentence or be part of a larger sentence. For example, in the sentence "She runs every morning," the clause "She runs" is a finite clause because "runs" is a verb that shows present tense and agrees with the subject "she." Finite clauses can function as independent clauses, which can stand alone, or as dependent clauses, which rely on an independent clause for their meaning. Understanding finite clauses is important for analyzing sentence structure and ensuring grammatical correctness in communication.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
gerund clause
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(frase gerúndio)

(frase gerúndio)

cláusula gerúndio

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/dʒˈɛɹʌnd klˈɔːz/
substantivo

a type of clause that includes a gerund, which is a verb form ending in "-ing" that functions as a noun, and it can act as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence

What is a "gerund clause"?

A gerund clause is a group of words that includes a gerund, which is the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun. This type of clause can serve various roles in a sentence, such as the subject, object, or complement. For example, in the sentence "Swimming is my favorite activity," the gerund clause "Swimming" acts as the subject. In another example, "I enjoy reading before bed," the gerund clause "reading" serves as the direct object of the verb "enjoy." Gerund clauses are useful for expressing activities, actions, or states in a more nuanced way, allowing for greater flexibility and variety in sentence structure.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
syntactic pivot
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(pivot gramatical)

(pivot gramatical)

pivot sintático

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/sɪntˈæktɪk pˈɪvət/
substantivo

a grammatical role or syntactic function that a word or phrase can take in different clauses within a sentence, often in a pivot construction

What is a "syntactic pivot"?

A syntactic pivot is a grammatical element in a sentence that serves as the focal point for structuring the relationship between various components, such as subjects and objects. It often refers to the noun or pronoun that a verb agrees with or revolves around, helping to clarify the action or state being described. In many languages, the pivot can influence the arrangement of other sentence elements, affecting how information is conveyed. For instance, in the sentence "The cat chased the mouse," "the cat" acts as the pivot because it is the subject performing the action, while "the mouse" is the object receiving the action. Understanding syntactic pivots is essential for analyzing sentence structure and comprehending how different parts of a sentence interact with each other.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
movement rule
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(norma de movimentação)

(norma de movimentação)

regra de movimento

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/mˈuːvmənt ɹˈuːl/
substantivo

a syntactic operation that allows constituents to be displaced from their base position to another position in a sentence, often resulting in changes in word order or phrase structure

What is a "movement rule"?

A movement rule is a syntactic principle that describes how certain elements within a sentence can be repositioned or rearranged to form different structures while maintaining grammaticality. This concept is often used in generative grammar to explain phenomena such as question formation, negation, and topicalization. For example, in English, the question "What did she eat?" involves the movement of the object "what" to the front of the sentence, which is not its original position in the statement "She ate what." Movement rules help to illustrate how language can manipulate word order and structure to convey meaning, as well as how speakers intuitively apply these rules in constructing sentences. Understanding movement rules is crucial for analyzing sentence structure and the relationships between different elements within a sentence.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
double negative
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(negação dupla)

(negação dupla)

dupla negação

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/dˈʌbəl nˈɛɡətˌɪv/
substantivo

a grammatical construction in which two negative elements are used within the same sentence, often resulting in a positive meaning

example
Exemplo
click on words
The editor corrected the double negative in the manuscript to ensure clarity and accuracy.
In standard grammar, a double negative can create confusion, as it often results in a positive meaning.
The teacher explained that a double negative in English typically cancels out, leading to a positive statement.
What is a "double negative"?

A double negative is a linguistic construction in which two negative words or elements are used in the same clause or sentence, often resulting in a meaning that can be confusing or lead to ambiguity. In standard English, using a double negative typically produces a positive meaning, although this is not the case in all languages or dialects. For example, in the sentence "I do not want no cake," the two negatives "do not" and "no" combine to imply that the speaker does want cake, contrary to the intended meaning. In informal speech and some dialects, double negatives can be used for emphasis, but in formal writing and standard English, they are generally considered incorrect and should be avoided to ensure clarity. Understanding double negatives is important for effective communication and for recognizing variations in language use.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
modifier
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(complemento)

(complemento)

modificador

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/ˈmɑdəˌfaɪɝ/
substantivo

a word or phrase that provides additional information or clarification to another element in a sentence, often specifying, describing, or limiting its meaning

synonymqualifier
What is a "modifier"?

A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that provides additional information about another word or group of words in a sentence. Modifiers help to clarify, specify, or enhance the meaning of nouns, verbs, adjectives, or adverbs. For example, in the phrase "the tall building," the adjective "tall" is a modifier that describes the noun "building." In the sentence "She runs quickly," the adverb "quickly" modifies the verb "runs," indicating how she runs. Modifiers can be essential for adding detail and richness to sentences, but they must be placed carefully to avoid confusion or ambiguity. Understanding modifiers is crucial for effective communication, as they contribute significantly to the overall meaning and clarity of a sentence.

tag question
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(pergunta anexa)

(pergunta anexa)

pergunta tag

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/tˈæɡ kwˈɛstʃən/
substantivo

(grammar) a short question added to the end of a statement that is formed form the same statement

synonymquestion tag
example
Exemplo
click on words
He used a tag question to encourage his audience to participate in the discussion.
She added a tag question to her statement to check if everyone agreed with her opinion.
Tag questions can help soften a statement, making it sound more conversational.
What is a "tag question"?

A tag question is a short question added to the end of a statement to confirm or seek agreement about the information presented. It typically consists of an auxiliary verb or modal verb that matches the tense of the main verb in the statement, along with a pronoun that refers to the subject. For example, in the statement "You are coming to the party, aren't you?" the tag question "aren't you?" seeks confirmation of the main statement. Tag questions can express various attitudes, such as uncertainty or expectation, and are commonly used in conversational English to encourage response or agreement. Understanding tag questions is important for effective communication, as they can help to engage listeners and facilitate dialogue.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
A-not-A question
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(pergunta A-ou-B)

(pergunta A-ou-B)

pergunta A-não-A

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/ˈeɪnˌɑːɾə kwˈɛstʃən/
substantivo

a type of question structure in which the speaker presents two alternative choices or possibilities, typically using the same verb or adjective in both options, to inquire about the truth or preference of the statement

What is an "A-not-A question"?

An A-not-A question is a type of interrogative structure commonly found in some languages, including Chinese, where a statement is formed by presenting a verb or adjective in two forms: the affirmative (A) and the negative (not A). This structure allows speakers to ask yes-or-no questions in a concise way. For example, in Mandarin Chinese, one might say "Is he tall or not tall?" The A-not-A question format emphasizes the two contrasting options, making it clear what the speaker is asking. Understanding A-not-A questions is important for analyzing question formation in different languages and appreciating the variety of linguistic structures used to elicit information.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
rising declarative
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(frase declarativa em subida)

(frase declarativa em subida)

declarativa ascendente

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/ɹˈaɪzɪŋ dᵻklˈæɹətˌɪv/
substantivo

a sentence structure where the pitch contour of the speaker's voice rises at the end, typically transforming a statement into a question-like intonation pattern, often used for seeking confirmation or expressing uncertainty

What is a "rising declarative"?

A rising declarative is a statement that ends with an upward intonation, making it sound like a question, even though it is structured as a declaration. This intonation pattern often occurs in informal spoken language and can indicate uncertainty, tentativeness, or a desire for confirmation from the listener. For example, someone might say, "It is going to rain?" with a rising tone at the end, suggesting they are unsure about the weather. Rising declaratives are common in conversational contexts and can serve to engage the listener, prompting them to respond or provide reassurance. Understanding rising declaratives is important for interpreting meaning and intent in spoken language, as intonation can significantly affect how statements are perceived.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
yes-no question
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(pergunta fechada)

(pergunta fechada)

pergunta sim-não

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/jˈɛsnˈoʊ kwˈɛstʃən/
substantivo

a sentence structure used to inquire about information or seek confirmation, typically involving a verb-subject inversion and a question intonation pattern, and can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no"

synonympolar question
What is a "yes-no question"?

A yes-no question is a type of interrogative sentence that prompts a simple affirmative or negative response, typically "yes" or "no." These questions are often formed by inverting the subject and the auxiliary verb or by using a modal verb. For example, the statement "You are coming to the party" can be transformed into a yes-no question as "Are you coming to the party?" Yes-no questions can inquire about a variety of topics, including actions, states, or opinions. They are commonly used in conversation to seek confirmation, clarify information, or elicit specific responses. Understanding yes-no questions is important for effective communication, as they provide a straightforward way to gather information or confirm details.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
echo question
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(pergunta repetitiva)

(pergunta repetitiva)

pergunta eco

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/ˈɛkoʊ kwˈɛstʃən/
substantivo

a type of question that repeats or echoes part of a previous statement or question as a way of seeking clarification or emphasis

What is an "echo question"?

An echo question is a type of follow-up question that repeats part of a previous statement, typically to confirm or clarify information. This form of questioning often reflects surprise, disbelief, or a need for further details about what was just said. For example, if someone states, "I won the competition," an echo question might be, "You won the competition?" This structure emphasizes the part of the statement that prompted the question, indicating that the listener seeks validation or more context. Echo questions are common in conversational language and play a role in engaging with the speaker, helping to ensure accurate understanding and communication.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
predicative expression
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(construção predicativa)

(construção predicativa)

expressão predicativa

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/pɹɪdˈɪkətˌɪv ɛkspɹˈɛʃən/
substantivo

a grammatical construction that describes or attributes a property to the subject of a sentence

What is a "predicative expression"?

A predicative expression is a word or group of words that provides information about the subject of a sentence, usually following a linking verb. This expression typically includes an adjective or a noun that describes or identifies the subject, helping to complete the meaning of the sentence. For example, in the sentence "The sky is blue," the predicative expression "blue" describes the subject "the sky." Similarly, in the sentence "She is a doctor," the predicative expression "a doctor" identifies the subject "she." Predicative expressions are essential for conveying attributes, characteristics, or identities, contributing significantly to the overall meaning and clarity of a sentence.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
predicate-argument structure
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(estrutura de relações predicativas)

(estrutura de relações predicativas)

estrutura predicado-argumento

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/pɹˈɛdɪkˌeɪtˈɑːɹɡjuːmənt stɹˈʌktʃɚ/
substantivo

the relationship between a predicate and its associated arguments, describing how they are semantically and syntactically connected within a sentence

What is "predicate-argument structure"?

Predicate-argument structure refers to the relationship between the verb, the predicate, in a sentence and the nouns or pronouns, the arguments, that participate in the action or state described by that verb. The predicate expresses the action or state, while the arguments provide the necessary participants, such as the subject, object, or complement. For example, in the sentence "The cat chased the mouse," "chased" is the predicate, and "the cat" and "the mouse" are the arguments that indicate who is performing the action and who is receiving it. Understanding predicate-argument structure is important for analyzing how meaning is constructed in sentences, as it helps to clarify the roles and relationships between different elements within the sentence.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
wh-movement
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(deslocamento wh)

(deslocamento wh)

movimento wh

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/dˌʌbəljˌuːˈeɪtʃmˈuːvmənt/
substantivo

a syntactic process where a wh-word moves from its original position to the beginning of a sentence or a clause for the purpose of forming a question or a relative clause

What is "wh-movement"?

Wh-movement is a syntactic rule in which a "wh" word, such as "who," "what," "where," "when," "why," or "how," is moved to the beginning of a sentence or clause to form a question or to create emphasis. This movement alters the normal word order to position the wh-word at the front, making it clear that a question or specific information is being sought. For example, in the statement "You saw the dog," the wh-movement to form the question becomes "What did you see?" where "what" is the wh-word that replaces "the dog" and is moved to the beginning of the sentence. Wh-movement is common in many languages and is crucial for constructing interrogative sentences, enabling speakers to ask questions or clarify information effectively.

preposition stranding
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(preposição no final)

(preposição no final)

separação de preposição

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/pɹˌɛpəzˈɪʃən stɹˈændɪŋ/
substantivo

a syntactic construction where the preposition is separated from its complement and placed at the end of a sentence or clause

What is "preposition stranding"?

Preposition stranding is a linguistic phenomenon in which a preposition is left at the end of a clause or sentence instead of appearing before its object. This structure often occurs in informal spoken English and is typically found in relative clauses or questions. For example, in the sentence "Who are you talking to?" the preposition "to" is stranded at the end, while the object "who" follows it. In contrast, a more formal structure would be "To whom are you talking?" Preposition stranding is generally accepted in casual conversation and is important for understanding the flexibility of language in different contexts. Recognizing this phenomenon helps to grasp variations in sentence structure and the nuances of spoken language.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
branching
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(divisão)

(divisão)

ramificação

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/ˈbɹæntʃɪŋ/
substantivo

the structural arrangement of constituents within a sentence, where a constituent can branch into multiple sub-constituents, indicating a hierarchical relationship and the presence of multiple levels of syntactic structure

What is "branching"?

Branching refers to the way in which elements in a syntactic structure are organized and connected, often illustrated as a tree-like diagram in linguistic analysis. In a branching structure, a single element can divide into multiple components, creating a hierarchy of relationships among words or phrases. For example, in the phrase "the big brown dog," the noun phrase "the big brown dog" branches out into its determiners, "the," and adjectives, "big" and "brown," which modify the head noun, "dog." Branching can be either right-branching or left-branching, depending on whether the additional elements appear to the right or left of the main element. Understanding branching is important for analyzing sentence structure, as it provides insights into how different components relate to each other within a sentence.

pied-piping
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(construção de pied-piping)

(construção de pied-piping)

pied-piping

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/pˈaɪdpˈaɪpɪŋ/
substantivo

a syntactic construction where a preposition or a wh-word, along with its associated noun or phrase, is moved to the front of a sentence, creating a more marked or emphasized structure

What is "pied-piping"?

Pied-piping is a linguistic phenomenon in which a preposition or another grammatical element is moved along with its object when forming a question or a relative clause. Instead of leaving the preposition stranded at the end of the sentence, as in "Who are you talking to?" the structure of pied-piping would result in "To whom are you talking?" In this case, the preposition "to" is moved to the front, along with its object "who," resulting in a more formal construction. Pied-piping is often observed in more formal or written contexts and highlights the relationship between the preposition and its object, emphasizing the grammatical connections within the sentence. Understanding pied-piping is important for recognizing variations in sentence structure and the different ways language can be used to convey meaning.

adposition phrase
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(expressão de adposição)

(expressão de adposição)

frase de adposição

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/ɐdpəzˈɪʃən fɹˈeɪz/
substantivo

a phrase that consists of an adposition and its complement, which can be a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase, and functions to indicate spatial, temporal, or other relationships between elements in a sentence

What is an "adposition phrase"?

An adposition phrase is a grammatical structure that includes an adposition, which can be a preposition or a postposition, along with its object and any modifiers. This phrase provides additional information about the relationships between elements in a sentence, often indicating direction, location, time, or manner. For example, in the phrase "under the old tree," the preposition "under" serves as the adposition, while "the old tree" is the object of the preposition. Adposition phrases can enhance the meaning of a sentence by providing context and detail about the actions or conditions being described. Understanding adposition phrases is crucial for analyzing sentence structure and clarifying how different elements interact within a sentence.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
inflectional phrase
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(grupo inflexional)

(grupo inflexional)

frase inflexional

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/ɪnflˈɛkʃənəl fɹˈeɪz/
substantivo

a syntactic structure that represents the inflectional properties of a word or phrase, including features such as tense, number, gender, and case, and is often associated with the functional category of a head word in a sentence

What is an "inflectional phrase"?

An inflectional phrase is a grammatical structure that includes an inflectional morpheme, which is a suffix or prefix that modifies a word to express grammatical features such as tense, mood, number, or case. This phrase typically consists of a base word, known as the root, along with the inflectional morpheme that alters its form. For example, in the word "running," the root "run" is combined with the inflectional morpheme "-ing" to indicate the present participle form. In another example, the noun "cats" includes the root "cat" and the inflectional morpheme "-s" to denote plural. Inflectional phrases are essential for conveying grammatical relationships and meanings in a language, as they help specify the roles and functions of words within sentences. Understanding inflectional phrases is important for analyzing how words change form to express different grammatical aspects.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
parasitic gap
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(lacuna parasitária)

(lacuna parasitária)

gap parasitário

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/pˌæɹəsˈɪɾɪk ɡˈæp/
substantivo

a type of syntactic construction in which a gap or empty position occurs in a sentence, typically within a relative clause, and is licensed by a distant antecedent outside that clause

What is a "parasitic gap"?

A parasitic gap is a linguistic phenomenon where a gap, which indicates the absence of a word or phrase, is created in a sentence while another gap is already present. This second gap is considered "parasitic" because it relies on the first gap for its interpretation, often occurring in complex sentences with embedded clauses. For example, "He criticized the movie without really watching it," the transformation to a question would result in "What movie did he criticize _ without watching _?" Here, the first gap occurs after "criticize," while the second gap is introduced by the phrase "without watching." The interpretation of the second gap depends on the first, allowing the listener to infer the missing information. Understanding parasitic gaps is important for analyzing syntactic structures and how information is conveyed in complex sentences.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
head-directionality parameter
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(parâmetro de direção cabeça)

(parâmetro de direção cabeça)

parâmetro de direcionalidade da cabeça

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/hˈɛddɚɹˌɛkʃənˈælɪɾi pɚɹˈæmɪɾɚ/
substantivo

a linguistic concept that refers to the variation in languages regarding the directionality of phrase structure, determining whether heads typically precede or follow their dependents within a sentence

What is the "head-directionality parameter"?

The head-directionality parameter describes how sentences are structured based on the placement of heads and their dependents. In head-initial languages, such as English, the head appears before its dependents, as in the phrase "the cat on the mat." Conversely, in head-final languages, like Turkish, the head follows its dependents, illustrated by the phrase "Dün çok garip kitapları okudum," which translates word-for-word as "Yesterday very strange books read I," meaning "Yesterday I read the very strange books." This parameter is essential for understanding syntax across languages.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
empty category
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(categoria nula)

(categoria nula)

categoria vazia

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/ˈɛmpti kˈæɾɪɡɚɹi/
substantivo

a syntactic position in a sentence that is not overtly realized by a word or phrase, but is necessary for grammatical structure and interpretation

What is an "empty category"?

An empty category is a syntactic position in a sentence that does not have a visible word or phrase but is necessary for grammatical correctness. This concept is often used in generative grammar, where some elements may be implied rather than directly stated. Empty categories can include traces, showing where a moved element came from, or pro, which refers to an implied pronoun. Recognizing empty categories helps in understanding sentence structure and meaning, even when words are missing.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
adjective clause
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(cláusula adjetiva)

(cláusula adjetiva)

oração adjetiva

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/ˈædʒɪktˌɪv klˈɔːz/
substantivo

a dependent clause that functions as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun by providing additional information or describing its attributes

What is an "adjective clause"?

An adjective clause is a dependent clause that describes or modifies a noun in a sentence, providing additional information about that noun. This type of clause typically begins with a relative pronoun such as "who," "which," or "that." For example, in the sentence "The book that she borrowed is on the table," the adjective clause "that she borrowed" modifies the noun "book" by giving more detail about it. Adjective clauses can be essential for adding clarity and specificity to sentences, helping to convey more precise meanings and enhancing the overall richness of language.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
inversion
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(mudança na ordem das palavras)

(mudança na ordem das palavras)

inversão

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/ˌɪnˈvɝʒən/
substantivo

a change in normal word order, especially putting a verb before its subject

synonymanastrophe
example
Exemplo
click on words
Poets often use inversion to maintain meter and rhythm in their works.
Shakespeare frequently employed inversion, enhancing the poetic nature of his lines.
Inversion can add dramatic effect, as seen in "Never have I seen such beauty."
What is "inversion"?

Inversion is a syntactic process in which the typical order of words in a sentence is changed, often to form questions, emphasize certain elements, or create a specific style. In English, inversion commonly occurs when the subject and auxiliary verb are switched, such as in the question "Are you coming?" where "are" precedes the subject "you." Inversion can also happen for emphasis, as in the sentence "Never have I seen such a beautiful sunset," where the adverb "never" is placed at the beginning for impact. Understanding inversion is important for analyzing sentence structure and recognizing how different word orders can affect meaning and emphasis in communication.

negative inversion
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(inversão do sujeito negativo)

(inversão do sujeito negativo)

inversão negativa

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/nˈɛɡətˌɪv ɪnvˈɜːʒən/
substantivo

a syntactic construction in which the negative particle and the subject of a sentence are inverted, often occurring in certain types of negated questions or sentences with negative adverbial expressions at the beginning

What is "negative inversion"?

Negative inversion is a grammatical construction where the normal word order is reversed after a negative expression, often for emphasis or to form a question. In this structure, the auxiliary verb or modal verb appears before the subject, creating a more formal tone. For example, instead of saying "She has not finished her homework," one might say "Not only has she not finished her homework, but she also has not started it." Another example is "Never have I seen such beauty," where "never" leads to the inversion of the subject and verb. Negative inversion is typically used in written or formal contexts and can add emphasis or dramatic effect to a statement. Understanding this construction is important for recognizing variations in sentence structure and meaning.

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Substantivo Composto
valency
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(valência verbal)

(valência verbal)

valência

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/vˈeɪlnsi/
substantivo

the number and types of arguments that a verb can take in a sentence, determining the syntactic and semantic relationships between the verb and its arguments

synonymverb argument structure
What is "valency"?

Valency refers to the capacity of a verb to combine with a specific number of arguments, which can include subjects, objects, or complements. This concept describes how many participants are involved in the action or state expressed by the verb. For example, an intransitive verb like "sleep" has a valency of one, as it only requires a subject, as in "He sleeps." A transitive verb like "eat" has a valency of two, needing both a subject and a direct object, as in "She eats an apple." Some verbs can have a valency of three or more, such as in "He told her a story," where the verb "told" has a subject, a direct object, and an indirect object. Understanding valency is essential for analyzing verb usage and sentence structure, as it helps to clarify the roles that different elements play within a sentence.

elliptical clause
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(proposição elíptica)

(proposição elíptica)

cláusula elíptica

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/ɪlˈɪptɪkəl klˈɔːz/
substantivo

a type of clause in which some elements, usually the verb or other parts of the clause, are omitted, but their meaning is understood from the context

What is an "elliptical clause"?

An elliptical clause is a type of clause that omits certain words or phrases that are understood from the context, making it shorter and more concise without losing meaning. This omission often involves leaving out parts of the verb or other elements that can be inferred. For example, in the sentence "She likes coffee, and he does too," the elliptical clause "does too" omits the phrase "like coffee," which is understood from the previous part of the sentence. Another example is "I can go if you can," where the full clause would be "if you can go." Elliptical clauses are commonly used in conversation and writing to avoid repetition and create smoother sentences, while still conveying clear meaning. Understanding elliptical clauses enhances comprehension and helps in recognizing how language can be efficiently structured.

Informações Gramaticais:

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sluicing
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(redução wh)

(redução wh)

sluicing (no contexto gramatical)

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/ˈsɫusɪŋ/
substantivo

a syntactic construction in which a question or a clause is reduced to a wh-phrase or a wh-word, leaving the rest of the sentence or the antecedent of the wh-phrase unpronounced but recoverable from the context

What is "sluicing"?

Sluicing is a syntactic phenomenon where part of a clause is omitted, typically leaving behind a wh-word and a gap, often used to create a more concise question or to focus on a specific piece of information. This structure usually occurs after an initial clause that provides context. For example, in the sentence "I met someone, but I do not remember who," the clause "who" stands in for the omitted information about the person met. Sluicing is common in conversational language and helps to avoid redundancy while still conveying essential details. Understanding sluicing is important for recognizing how information can be efficiently communicated in both spoken and written language.

subject-auxiliary inversion
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(inversão do sujeito e do auxiliar)

(inversão do sujeito e do auxiliar)

inversão sujeito-auxiliar

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/sˈʌbdʒɛktɔːksˈɪliəɹi ɪnvˈɜːʒən/
substantivo

a syntactic phenomenon that involves reversing the order of the subject and auxiliary verb in a sentence, typically occurring in interrogative sentences, negation, and certain other sentence structures

What is "subject-auxiliary inversion"?

Subject-auxiliary inversion is a grammatical structure in which the normal order of the subject and auxiliary verb is reversed, typically used to form questions or to add emphasis. In standard English, this inversion occurs when an auxiliary verb precedes the subject. For example, in the statement "She is going to the store," the subject-auxiliary inversion transforms it into the question "Is she going to the store?" This structure is also used in sentences beginning with words like "never" or "rarely," as in "Never have I seen such talent," where the auxiliary verb "have" comes before the subject "I." Understanding subject-auxiliary inversion is important for forming questions and conveying emphasis in English sentences.

Informações Gramaticais:

Substantivo Composto
pattern

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