Verbal Structures and Phrases in Language
Verbal Structures
The Predicate
The predicate describes the actions or experiences of the subject. It can consist of one or more words, including a verbal phrase. Verbal phrases can take various forms, such as active, passive, or periphrastic constructions.
The Verb
The verb expresses reality as an action, process, or state. It comprises a lexeme and morphemes providing information about person, number, tense, mood, and aspect.
Verbal Forms
Verbal forms convey information about the following:
- Person: Refers to the participants in the act of speech (subject).
- Number: Indicates whether the subject is singular or plural.
- Tense: Specifies whether the action is past, present, or future.
- Mood: Expresses the speaker’s point of view (indicative, subjunctive, imperative).
- Aspect: Shows how the action is viewed (e.g., completed, ongoing).
Irregular and Defective Verbs
Irregular Verbs
Irregular verbs exhibit variations from regular verb patterns. Examples include haber, ser, estar, and ir. Common irregularities include changes in the lexeme (diphthongization, vowel alternation, consonant alteration) and variations in endings (vowel suppression, consonant addition).
Defective Verbs
Defective verbs have limited conjugation forms.
Verbal Periphrases
Verbal periphrases are combinations of a main verb and an auxiliary verb, where the auxiliary verb loses its original meaning. They often include non-personal verb forms like infinitives, gerunds, or participles. These periphrases function as a single unit and provide specific aspectual or modal nuances. Examples include periphrases of obligation, inception, repetition, and intonation.
Adverbial Phrases
An adverbial phrase modifies a verb. Its core is an adverb.
The Adverb
An adverb is an invariable word that modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. It can also function as a sentence modifier.
Classes of Adverbs
Adverbs are classified by their form (simple, compound) and meaning (place, time, manner, number, affirmation, negation, etc.).
Verbal Locutions
Verbal locutions are combinations of two or more words that function as a single adverbial unit. Examples include de verdad (really), tontamente (foolishly), quizás (perhaps), and de vez en cuando (occasionally).