Lecture 1: Grammar - Simple Sentences

Preface

• Recommended grammar tutorial documents: Preface—My Experience Learning English | Grammar Club (llwslc.github.io)

1.1 The Core Structure of Simple Sentences

1.1.1 Noun + Verb

The Core: Subject + Finite Verb

• Subject: normally a noun phrase;
• Predicate: contains the finite verb phrase;
• A basic clause pairs a subject with a predicate;

Finite verbs also change

1.1.2 Classification of Predicates

Action Verbs

• Intransitive verb $vi.$
• Meaning: does not take a direct object;
• Pattern: subject + intransitive verb;
• Transitive verb $vt.$
• Meaning: takes one or more objects;
• Composition:
• 1. Subject + predicate + object;
• 2. Subject + predicate + double object;
• Double-object order: indirect object (usually a person) + direct object (thing)
• Example: send a person or organization something;
• 3. Subject + predicate + object + complement;
• A complement is a supplement to the object;

Linking Verbs

• Linking verb
• Meaning: A linking verb connects the subject to a subject complement that describes or identifies it;
• Example: This is a dangerous game.
• Pattern: subject + linking verb + subject complement;
• Summary of linking verbs: How to find linking verbs
• (1) forms of be: the most common linking verbs;
• (2) get, become, turn, grow: express a change of state;
• (3) look, sound, smell, taste, feel: sensory linking verbs;
• (4) seem, appear, keep, remain;
• Example
• This courageous attitude in fact becomes a requirement for the performers of Beethoven's music.

1.2 Past-Paper Practice

Question: These views of arguments also undermine reason.

• undermine is a transitive finite verb; reason is its object;

Question: Even the word “habit” carries a negative implication.

Question: They suddenly became extinct.

• Can be used as a linking verb: get, become, turn, go, grow

Question: Our president calls himself the Decider.

• himself is the object and the Decider is the object complement;