Understanding Two-Part Sentence Structures
Two-Part Sentence Structures
Two-part structure sentences are those with two or more members (or phrases) and can be analyzed structurally by their parts. Two main groups are recognized: averbal and verbal.
Averbal Two-Part Sentences
Averbal two-part sentences have no conjugated verbs (verboids—gerunds, participles, and infinitives—are not part of the conjugation paradigm). They consist of two parts: the support and the input. The relationship between these two parts is interdependent. These structures are extremely common in newspaper headlines and similar contexts.
The support is the nominal part of the sentence, indicating the topic.
The input can be adjectival, adverbial, or a complement. Some are composed of words and phrases. It provides information about the topic presented by the support. Here are some examples:
- Andre Agassi, the world number one.
- Robin Williams, Academy Award-winning.
- The football team, very close to success.
- Crash victims in danger.
In these examples, the inputs are nominal, adjectival, adverbial, and complement, respectively. The fourth example illustrates that the input’s order is not fixed and depends on the nuance of the sentence.
Verbal Two-Part Sentences
The verbal two-part sentence is the “typical” sentence, formed with two phrases: a nominal phrase (the subject) and a verbal phrase (the predicate). The main difference between verbal and averbal sentences is that in averbal sentences, the information provided by the verb is omitted, emphasizing the topic. This is because omitted verbs in averbal sentences are usually linking verbs (like “is,” “are,” “appears,” “seems”), while verbal sentences use verbs conveying specific actions (like “promises,” “complies,” or “repeals”). Therefore, verbal two-part sentences are less dependent on context and more autonomous.
Verbal two-part sentences can be classified according to the properties of their phrases, analyzing the noun phrase (considering personal and impersonal sentences) and the verb phrase (considering complex and simple sentences).
According to the Noun Phrase (SN)
Personal Sentences
Personal sentences have a subject.
Example: Jose is a young scholar.
Sentences with Elliptical Subject
In sentences with an elliptical subject, the subject is understood from the verb conjugation.
Example: I go to sleep until tomorrow. The verb “go” indicates the subject is “I.”
Impersonal Sentences
Impersonal sentences have no subject. They are classified into three groups:
- Unipersonal: Refer to extreme weather (rain, snow, etc.). Example: Last night it rained.
- Grammaticalized: Verbs like “be,” “do,” and “have” are used impersonally. Example: There is food on the table for you.
- Impersonal Reflexive: The verb appears with a reflexive pronoun. Example: In this city, one lives very well.
According to the Verb Phrase (SV)
Depending on the number of verbs in the predicate, sentences are simple or complex.
- Simple sentences have only one conjugated verb in the predicate and no subordinate clauses. Example: Kids are playing in the park.
- Complex sentences have a series of verbal processes, usually subordinate to each other. Example: Rodrigo, whose anatomy is like a beaver, ran through the forest to meet with Carlo, who has destroyed the column.
Sentences can also be classified according to the following criteria:
Depending on Composition
- Simple: Formed by a single predicate. Example: Peter lives in Madrid.
- Composite: Formed by merging several propositions. Examples: Students living away are latecomers. and Parents walk in the park and children play.
- Types of composite sentences:
- Subordinated: One proposition (the subordinate clause) has a syntactic function in the other (the main clause).
- Coordinated: Two independent propositions are grouped to form a larger sentence.
- Juxtaposed: A variant of the other two, linked by punctuation instead of a conjunction.
Depending on the Mood
- The mood expresses the speaker’s attitude. There are six kinds of sentences:
- Declarative: Informs objectively about an event. Examples: This class is freshly painted. and I never have painted this class.
- Hortatory/Mandatory: Expresses a request, command, or prohibition. Examples: Close the door, please. and Do not give problems.
- Wishful: Expresses a wish. Examples: This will be damned. and Hopefully it will rain tomorrow.
- Dubitative: Expresses doubt. Examples: You might not like the book., Surely approve. and They may have painted the walls.
- Exclamatory: Expresses emotions or feelings. Examples: I am so glad! and These walls are hideous!
- Interrogative: Asks a question. Examples: When are you coming home? and Are you ready?