Predicate-argument structure

Definition

Predicate-argument structure refers to the way that predicates (verbs or verb phrases) relate to their arguments (the subjects, objects, or complements associated with them) in a sentence. This structure helps in understanding how meaning is constructed in sentences by specifying the roles that different participants play in an event or state described by the predicate.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In predicate-argument structure, each predicate can have a specific number of required arguments, known as its valency.
2. Different predicates can take different types of arguments; for example, intransitive verbs require only a subject, while transitive verbs require both a subject and an object.
3. The relationship between predicates and their arguments is essential for constructing semantic meaning and determining how information is conveyed in a sentence.
4. Understanding predicate-argument structures can help identify ambiguities and clarify meanings in sentences.
5. Thematic roles assigned to arguments in predicate-argument structures can vary across languages, influencing how sentences are structured and understood.

Review Questions

• How do predicates and arguments work together to create meaning in a sentence?
  • Predicates provide the main action or state of being in a sentence, while arguments serve as participants involved in that action or state. The relationship between them determines how meaning is conveyed. For instance, in 'The cat chased the mouse,' 'chased' is the predicate, while 'the cat' and 'the mouse' are its arguments. This structure clarifies who is doing what, making understanding easier.
• What is the significance of valency in predicate-argument structures when analyzing different types of verbs?
  • Valency indicates how many arguments a predicate requires to form a complete thought. For example, an intransitive verb like 'sleep' has a valency of one, needing only a subject (e.g., 'The baby sleeps'). In contrast, a transitive verb like 'give' has a valency of two, needing both a subject and an object (e.g., 'She gives him a gift'). Understanding valency helps analyze how different verbs can affect sentence structure and meaning.
• Evaluate how thematic roles within predicate-argument structures influence cross-linguistic variations in sentence construction.
  • Thematic roles help specify the functions of arguments within predicate-argument structures, which can lead to variations across languages. For example, languages may differ in how they express agents and patients; some might use word order while others rely on case markers. These differences can impact overall sentence construction and comprehension. By evaluating these variations, linguists can better understand not only individual languages but also broader cognitive processes involved in language use.

Related terms

Argument: An argument is a noun phrase that typically refers to a participant in the action or state described by the predicate, such as a subject, object, or complement.

Predicate:

A predicate is the part of a sentence or clause that tells something about the subject, often containing a verb and any objects or modifiers.

Thematic Role: Thematic roles describe the function of an argument in relation to the action of the verb, such as agent, patient, or experiencer.