Understanding Noun Phrases: Structure and Functions
Syntagma CALL
This is the first of phrases for its ability to function as the subject of the sentence.
How the Noun Phrase Works
It has a noun or pronoun as its core. It can be accompanied by adjacent determinants.
Determinants: Articles (definite, indefinite), possessive pronouns, cardinal numerals, ordinal multiples, fractional numerals, indefinite pronouns, relative possessive pronouns, interrogative pronouns, exclamatory pronouns, distributive pronouns.
Core: Nouns, pronouns, substantivized words.
Adjacents: Adjective phrase, noun phrase (apposition), noun + preposition (add name), adverbial phrase, subordinate clause.
Functions of Noun Phrase
- Subject
- Vocative
- Apposition
- Addition to the name
- Addition to the adjective
- Adverb complement
- Attribute
- Direct object
- Indirect object
- Circumstantial complement
- Regimen supplement
- Predicative complement
- Agent supplement
Subject
The subject is the core organizer of the sentence. It imposes the number and person on the verb, which must match it. Normally, the subject is a noun phrase without a preposition, except between and and hasta. It agrees syntactically with the verb of the sentence. When changed to passive voice, the subject becomes the agent complement.
Vocative
Used to draw the attention of the receiver. It performs an extra-sentential function, independent of the subject and predicate. It is usually separated by a comma.
Addition to the Name
Specifies the core meaning of the noun. It comes preceded by any preposition. It is usually very close to the noun to which it supplements.
Apposition
Joins, without a preposition, the core of another nominal phrase. When two nouns are followed, the second noun is in apposition to the first. The apposition does not have to agree with what it accompanies.
Direct Object
Specifies the verbal action and completes its meaning in structures that are usually transitive. Semantically, it indicates the reality upon which the action rests. It is switchable for the pronouns lo, la, los, las. It only appears with predicative verbs and does not establish relations with them. In a change to passive voice, the direct object becomes the patient subject. It is always a noun phrase without a preposition, or with the preposition a.
Indirect Object
Is the person, animal, or thing on which the verbal action falls. It is switchable for le, les; surprisingly, se appears. Do not use a pronoun and a full phrase in the same sentence.
Circumstantial Complement
Indicates factors that affect the action: time, place, cause, company, instrument, amount, or purpose. This can be an adverbial phrase, nominal phrase, or prepositional phrase. It is usually helpful to ask the verb. It cannot be switched by any atonic pronoun. You should check if it depends on a verb or a noun.
Attribute
It is exclusive to copulative structures. It agrees with the subject in gender and number and only appears with copulative verbs. It is switchable.
Predicative Complement
Is an attribute of the subject or direct object in predicative sentences. It functions as an adjective, but can also be a noun phrase.
Regimen Supplement
It is a noun phrase preceded by a preposition that specifies the meaning of the verb. When pronouns are commuted, it leaves a referent pronoun plus a preposition. Some verbs allow direct complement or regimen supplement.
Indirect Supplement
A supplement that appears in sentences with a direct complement. To carry a mandatory sentence, you should add the same tests as for the direct supplement. Switching to direct supplement is explained.
Predicative Supplement
Mixed predicative. It carries a supplement and a preposition required in the verb. It agrees in gender and number with the subject or the direct object.
Agent Supplement
In passive sentences, this supplement is the executor of the action of the verb. In an active sentence, it becomes the subject. It is exclusive to passive sentences. Only the prepositions by and from are admitted (the second much less common).
Addition to the Adjective or Adverb
Specifies the meaning of the adjective or adverb that accompanies it. These are supplements like the name, but bearing on adjectives or adverbs.