Sentence definitions

One of the most diff. problems connecting with the s-ce study is its definition. The German scholars decided to summarize all the existing definitions of the sentence → 301 (after that they were tired). Inspite of this great number many of them have similar features and can be distributed into 6 groups:

Logical definition: s-ce – is a group of words expressing a complete thought (English Descriptive or nominative grammar, 18^th c.). Psychological D.: s-ce- is not only a linguistic unit but also the structure of human feeling or thought. (Шахматов – Предложение – это комбинация представлений в процессе мышления.). S.Curme (an Eng. scholar): a sentence is an expression of thought or feeling by means of a word or words used in such forms and manner as to convey the meaning intended. Structural D. (classical Scientific Gr-r), R.Zandvoort: a s-ce is an oral or written communication made up one or more units, each of which contains a complete utterance formed acc to a definite pattern (по определенной схеме). Formal D. American Descriptive Gr-r) Ch. Fries: a s-ce is a word or group of words standing between the initial Capital letter and a mark of end punctuation or between two marks of end punctuation. Phonetic D. M.Whitehall (a representative of the same school): an utterance ending with one of 2 intonation contours (fall→.! , rise→?) typical of the Eng. language.

In the majority of cases however we come across with mixed definitions where several features of a s-ce are reflected.

M.Bryant; the s-ce is a communication in words conveying a sense of completeness containing at least one independent verb with its subject (Structural Approach).

The features which should be included into the s-ce def.-ns are:

• the s-ce is a syntactic unit;

• the s-ce is an autonomous unit which isn’t a part of a larger syntactic structure;

• the s-ce is a structurally complete unit which is based on a certain syntactic pattern or modal and contains all the component characteristics of these pattern:

N/ProN gives o O.

N/ProN helps O.

N stands adv.

S-ce should possess all the parts of the s-ce preconditioned by the verbal valiancy. Ex. He knew O. At the same time the s-ce doesn’t necessarily expressed a complete thought because in many cases it may contain the words whose lexical meaning is ambiguous and depends on the context. Ex. She did that. He knew it.

- the s-ce is characterized by its own purpose of utterance. It can be a statement, a ? or a command.

- The s-ce as an syntactic unit is materialized in a written or oral form. Acc-ly it should be phonetically or graphically shaped.

So, the s-ce is an autonomous, structurally complete syntactic unit having its own purpose of utterance and phonetically and graphically shaped.

Principles of clause-classification

As subordinate Cl perform numerous functions completing the meaning of the PrCl they should be classified & given a name. In the history of the complex Sent there existed various approaches to classification of subordinate Cl. The earliest classification can be found in Normative Gr & this approach – Morphological Classification because SubCl were given the names of those parts of speech in the syntactic position of which these Cl occurred. Maison named: Nominal Cl, Adv Cl, Adj Cl. Adv Cl can be numerous. N Cl: Obj, Subj cl but in this classification function was not taken into consideration.

2^nd Approach: appeared in the 19^th century. The means of Cl connection were taken into consideration & thus the group of related Cl was identified because here Cl-connection was performed with the help of Relative PrNs (who, what, which, where) & Adv.

This approach is far from being perfect because all other kinds of Cl introduced by other conj & connectives in this case remained unclassified because they have no special names.

3^rd Approach – Functional. Appears when the classification of subordinate Cl is based on the similarity of their functions with the functions of the sentence parts in a simple sentence.

1. If a Cl occupies the position of an Obj after the V the Cl is also given the name of the Obj Cl.

2. If the Cl is used to modify a N or a PrN, it is given the name of the Attributive Cl.

3. If the Cl stands in the position of a Subj it becomes the Subject Cl.

In order to prove the reliability of this approach the grammarians give examples in which a simple obj & an Obj Cl are homogeneous (e.g.: To influence (subj) (1)minds or (2)what passes for the minds was their main aim (predicate).

Following this approach SubCl are subdivided into Obj & Adv Cl. Both are subordinated to the centre. Adv Cl are subdivided into a great number semantic subtypes: place, T, concession, result, purpose, manner&comparison.

There is 1 kind of complex sentences which is difficult to classify because it is impossible to find in it the principle or subordinated Cl (e.g.: The I learn, the less I know – Cl of proportional agreement).

Attributive Cl can be linked to the PrCl in a different degree. If Attributive Cl are used to give some additional information about the N they are classified as Non-defining (Descriptive) (e.g.: Peter, who was a good sportsman, was the first to climb the mountain).

2^nd kind of Attributive Cl is obligatory, can`t be dropped without changing the meaning of the PrCl – Defining (Restrictive). (e.g.: The Man u want to talk to is waiting for u).

Relative Appositive Cl are also restrictive (e.g.: My suggestion that we should spend the summer in the Caucases was not accepted).