function assubjects,adjectivesmodify(supply information to) nouns, and
verbs establishpredicates.
Form and function are related in several ways. For example, on a simple
level, the terms we use to describe grammatical form and function come from
the Greco-Roman tradition.Nouncomes from the Latin word,nomen,for
name; verbcomes from the Latinverbum,forword; predicatecomes from the
Latin word,praedicare, to proclaim.On a deeper level, the form of a given
word often determines its function in a sentence—and vice v ersa.
Teaching Tip
It is important to be a bit cautious when discussing form because many words
change their classification on the basis of their function in a sentence. For ex-
ample, “running” is a verb in some sentences (Fred is running in the race), but
it has all the characteristics of a noun in others (Running is good exercise).
The ability of words to change classification in this way enhances the richness
of language. It also causes great confusion among students. Therefore, form
and function must be taught together, not separately.The Eight Parts of Speech. Traditional grammar usually describes
form in terms of theeight parts of speech: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs,
conjunctions, particles, prepositions,andarticles.This is a useful starting
point. Likewise, traditional grammar identifies six functions that words may
perform in sentences:subject, predicate, object, complement, modifier,and
function word.The words that have the broadest range of function are nouns
and verbs. Form and function usually are the same for adjectives, adverbs, con-
junctions, particles, and prepositions.
In this chapter, we examine what these various terms mean so as to lay the
groundwork for grammatical analysis. The goal is to introduce, or provide a re-
view of, terminology and concepts. This review makes no attempt to be com-
prehensive; thus, those readers desiring a more in-depth presentation should
turn to a grammar handbook.
Subjects and Predicates
Although sentences can be infinitely rich and complex, they are based onnouns
andverbs.Nearly everything else provides information about the nouns and
verbs in some way. We examine nouns and verbs in more detail later, but at this
point we can say that nouns tend to be the names of things, whereas verbs tend
to be words that describe actions and states of being. On this basis, we can see
that sentences generally express two types of relations: (a) an agent performing
an action; (b) existence. Sentences 1 and 2 illustrate the two types.
- Dogs bark.
54 CHAPTER 3