Test your knowledgeExercise 9
Identify the arguments in the following sentences and state what thematic role they are
assigned to by what items.
(1) Jack thought that he knew the right answer.
(2) One of the big parties seems to be unlikely to be believed to win the
elections.
(3) John gave three red roses to Jane.
(4) The teacher wanted the students to pass the exam.
(5) It was believed that John was taken to hospital.
(6) There is a man at the entrance door.
(7) The exam sheets were believed to have been corrected by the teacher.Exercise 10
Identify the adjuncts in the sentences below.
(1) a The little boy gave a nice drawing to his mother for her birthday.
b The teacher wanted to know whether the new students would know what to
do when they arrive.
c Why do you ask me whether I want to by a new computer next year?
d The new guest professor of Mathematics from Germany will probably arrive
at the recently renovated railway station at 2:15.
e How can you decide whether a loaf of bread on the shelf is fresh or not?
f Jack and Jane saw a very interesting new film at the cinema in the city centre.
g Sometimes it is difficult for students to find the adjuncts in sentences like
this.
h The mayor of the city said that the river is unlikely to flood the city.
i The workers didn’t believe that they don’t have to work on the following
week.Exercise 11
Decide whether the phrases in italics in (1) are adjuncts or complements of the verb.
Try to prove your statement buy applying an appropriate constituency test.
(1) a. David wrote a letter on the desk.
b. David put a letter on the desk.
c. Mary slept in the bed.
d. Mary stayed in the bed.
e. Jill arrived at the station.
f. Jill waited at the station.